Indy 500 Drama: VeeKay, Newgarden, Power Start in Last Row

The Indianapolis 500 is famous for its wild races and big surprises. This year, back-to-back winner Josef Newgarden and his Team Penske teammate Will Power will start at the very back.

Officials handed down penalties after they found unsanctioned modifications on their cars. That’s thrown the starting lineup into chaos and left fans buzzing about what’s next.

The Controversy: Unsanctioned Modifications

Things got weird when Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden and Will Power were caught with altered car attenuators. The attenuator is a key safety part that helps soften rear-end crashes, but the team changed it in a way that broke IndyCar’s rules.

Officials discovered this during Sunday’s Top 12 Qualifying. Neither Newgarden nor Power got to make a qualifying run after that.

The Impact on Team Penske

The fallout was immediate. Team owner Roger Penske fired three top officials right after the news broke.

That move shows how seriously the team takes the violation. Even with all the drama, Newgarden and Power have their eyes on the race.

Driver Reactions: Taking It in Stride

At Indianapolis 500 Media Day, both drivers kept things pretty measured. Newgarden talked about how much he loves the race and said he’s still proud of what the team has done.

Power, who’s started from the back before, admitted it’ll be tough but stayed upbeat about his chances.

Newgarden’s Perspective

Newgarden, who originally qualified for the Top 12, is doing his best to roll with it. He says he’s excited and wants to focus on what he can actually control.

Honestly, his attitude seems pretty resilient—he’s not letting the penalty wreck his mindset.

Power’s Optimism

Will Power, who won the Indy 500 in 2018, knows what it’s like to start way back. In 2021, he started 32nd and still managed to scrap his way through the field.

He’s calm and seems to take it as just another challenge, not some stroke of bad luck.

The Last Row Party: A Light-hearted Tradition

Since they’re starting in the last row, Newgarden and Power joined Rinus VeeKay for the Last Row Party. This annual event, run by the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, lets fans meet the drivers, grab autographs, and share a few laughs.

It’s a rare chance for drivers to relax and connect with supporters before the big day.

VeeKay’s Participation

Rinus VeeKay, who’s starting 31st, got into the spirit by chugging a Miller beer in honor of rookie Jacob Abel. He’s not really a drinker, but he played along for the crowd.

VeeKay joked that the party’s actually a good time, even if you’re stuck at the back. There’s a sense of camaraderie there that you don’t always see.

Newgarden and Power’s Roasting

At the party, Newgarden and Power got roasted in good fun. Someone teased Newgarden about his “newest book,” *Josef Discovers Bondo*—a cheeky nod to his penalty.

Power’s roast included a fake Top 10 Spotify playlist with songs about cheating and breaking rules. The whole thing stayed light and kept everyone laughing.

Looking Ahead: The Race Strategy

Even with all the penalties and the tough starting spots, Newgarden and Power aren’t giving up. Newgarden says the extra noise this year doesn’t change how hard the Indy 500 always is.

Both drivers want to control what they can and make sure their cars are ready to go.

Newgarden’s Mission

Newgarden’s focus hasn’t wavered. He’s determined to keep his car in shape and stay ready for anything.

Honestly, that kind of grit is what you need in racing, especially when you’re starting from the back.

Power’s Determination

Will Power’s got the same mindset. His experience helps, and he’s not letting any of this distract him.

You can tell he’s enjoying the buildup, even if it’s not exactly how he pictured it. That’s a real pro for you.

The Indianapolis 500 has a reputation for unpredictability. This year’s race isn’t straying from that legacy.

Penalties for Newgarden and Power have thrown in a curveball. Both drivers seem determined to keep their focus, despite the drama.

The Last Row Party gave everyone a chance to relax. Drivers mingled with fans, shared a few laughs, and soaked in the atmosphere before the big day.

There’s no telling what’s coming next. But honestly, isn’t that what keeps us all glued to the Indy 500?

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