Engine-related grid penalties return to IndyCar for 2020
Grid penalties for unapproved engine change-outs will be reintroduced to the NTT IndyCar Series this season for the first time since 2013.

Henceforth any car that has its engine changed before a manufacturer’s pre-determined mileage limit has been reached will suffer a grid penalty in the next race – a six-place drop for road/street courses and a nine-place drop on ovals.
Thus, for example, a driver who is leading at St. Petersburg and suffers an engine blow-up will not only lose a substantial number of points there, he will also be penalized at Barber Motorsports Park, unable to start higher than seventh on the grid.
A full-season entry is allocated four engines for a season that covers approximately 10,000 miles including race weekends, team tests and open tests, so both Chevrolet and Honda will be required to declare an approximate mileage limit of 2500 per engine.
Given that the current engine formula – 2.2-liter turbocharged V6 – has been in place since 2012, the engines can be expected to be reliable, but they are by no means bullet-proof. Scott Dixon, for instance, used just four Honda engines last year, whereas champion Josef Newgarden was on his sixth Chevrolet by season’s end.
As well as an engine reaching its pre-determined mileage limit, an approved engine change – that is to say, one that does not incur a penalty – will include switching to a manufacturer test engine for an engine manufacturer test or for special events such as the Indy 500 pitstop competition or demonstrations at non-race events. Falling into the latter category would be events such as the downtown Las Vegas street demo in 2011, or the drive across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in 2015 to honor the recently deceased Justin Wilson.
For entrants with multi-engine Indianapolis 500 programs, a fresh engine can be used before the race. Both engines will remain with that entrant, and both must be used before any other engines are allocated. The entrant can choose which engine is utilized for the next event, but that engine must remain in the car until it reaches the change-out mileage.
Penalties will not be incurred for engines that suffered crash damage, so long as evidence of the damage is presented to IndyCar, only the parts that failed due to the crash are replaced, IndyCar approves the change and the repaired engine is returned to that entrant.
Any engine change that doesn’t fall under the conditions mentioned above will be regarded as non-approved and therefore will incur a penalty for the entrant. If the change-out is initiated by the entrant, the driver and entrant will lose 10 points as well as suffering the grid demotion.
If the unapproved change-out occurs at or following a test, the penalty will be served at the next race event.
Additional reporting by TrackSide Online

‘Veteran’ Newgarden tips Palou as IndyCar Rookie of the Year
Alonso joins Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet for Indy 500

Latest news
Title-winning Newman/Haas Indy cars to be auctioned by Sotheby’s
Indy cars raced by Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Cristiano da Matta and Sebastien Bourdais are among several artifacts of the legendary Newman/Haas Racing team to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's in October.
Ganassi will support Palou’s title fight despite contract fallout
Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda won’t waver in its support of Alex Palou’s quest for a repeat IndyCar championship, despite being locked in a legal dispute with the Spanish ace who intends to join McLaren.
Why the 2022 IndyCar title fight is Penske vs. Ganassi… yet again
There have been wins, poles and promise from others, but the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series championship battle has distilled down to Team Penske vs. Chip Ganassi Racing. A principal from each told David Malsher-Lopez what has elevated their teams beyond their rivals.
Kirkwood, Foyt land backing from Bommarito Automotive Group
The AJ Foyt Racing-Chevrolet of Kyle Kirkwood will be backed by the title sponsor of the next IndyCar round at Gateway’s World Wide Technology Raceway, the Bommarito Automotive Group.
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and series sophomore Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a breakout year in the IndyCar Series in 2021, winning twice and finishing sixth in points with Chip Ganassi Racing. How did he finally unlock the potential that was masked by five years of toil in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win
Saturday, Oct. 16th, marks the 10th anniversary Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Jack Harvey’s move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate, but their combined strength could prove golden, says David Malsher-Lopez.
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong résumé and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear. By David Malsher-Lopez.
2021 IndyCar title is just the start for Ganassi's newest star
Alex Palou has captured Chip Ganassi Racing's 14th IndyCar drivers' championship, and in truly stellar manner. David Malsher-Lopez explains what made the Palou-Ganassi combo so potent so soon.
Why Grosjean's oval commitment shows he's serious about IndyCar
One of motorsport’s worst-kept secrets now out in the open, and Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as an Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver in 2022. It marks a remarkable turnaround after the abrupt end to his Formula 1 career, and is a firm indication of his commitment to challenge for the IndyCar Series title
IndyCar’s longest silly-season is still at fever pitch
The 2021 IndyCar silly season is one of the silliest of all, but it’s satisfying to see so many talented drivers in play – including Callum Ilott. David Malsher-Lopez reports.