From 2026, the IndyCar series has plans to create an independent officiating board for the 2026 racing season. Completely separate from other governing bodies such as the FIA or USAC, the new board would be unique to the IndyCar series. The move comes in the wake of Team Penske’s cheating scandal. The independent governing board would be intended to be entirely separate and neutral and to ensure that no car on the grid receives preferential treatment from any official.
Penske cheating scandal causes chaos
Roger Penske is the owner of the three-car Team Penske, IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indianapolis 500. Recently, it was found that two of his cars were illegal, just before the second round of the Indy 500 qualifying. It was also found that Team Penske had a modified safety component on their vehicles during the Indy 500 qualifying, causing an uproar among competing teams.
With Penske already owning both the league itself and a competing team, the cheating scandal of illegal modifications has raised conversations around bias, fairness, and transparency when it comes to rule enforcement. While the modification was not on a performance part, it was still a violation of the rules, especially considering the team won the 2024 Indy500 with a modified vehicle.
New independent body separate from the FIA
As a response to the cheating scandal, it has since been announced that an independent governing body without Roger Penske employees will be created ahead of the 2026 race season. The body would handle race control and technical inspections similar to F1’s FIA model.
“We want to ensure that we have an officiating entity that has no ability for folks to say it’s got influence from Roger Penske,” said Doug Boles, named president of IndyCar in February and president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The new independent body has also been arranged to solve the complaints of favoritism in the league ever since Penske purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2020.
“We have been working very, very hard to create an entity, an officiating entity, and by officiating I mean race control and tech inspection and an entity that is completely removed from anything that has to do with Penske entertainment, or Roger Penske or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the IndyCar series,” said new IndyCar president Doug Boles.
The announcement offers fans some good news amidst the recent F1 and Indy500 race calendar clash.
Trouble in paradise for Indy500 drivers?
The Penske cheating scandal is not the only piece of news that has been in the rumor mill among Indy 500 fans. Spanish driver Alex Palou and winner of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, has been rumored to be a contender for the 2026 Formula 1 (F1) season, especially considering that there are two new seats added to the grid with Cadillac making their F1 debut on the grid for the 2026 Championship.
However, Palou has made it clear that he has no plans to move over to F1, and plans to continue racing in the Indy500:
“It’s amazing, I’m a big fan, but I don’t think they’re having as much fun as I’m having here… I only enjoy driving and having fun and being with my people, so I think F1 is the total opposite,” says Palou
In a high-stakes profession such as race car driving, it can be difficult to balance your personal life with the world of motorsport. F1 is particularly noted for its high competition, with drivers needing to sacrifice much of their time and devotion to the sport. Palou’s statement is a reminder that enjoying the career and celebrating the wins with people in your life is just as important as the career in and of itself. Not only does this approach continue to maintain the passion for the sport, but helps to not lose sight of the importance of connection.
