Sunday’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 will be marked by scandal—and an unheralded rookie on the pole
Race officials penalized Team Penske for a rules violation, moving 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power and two-time champion Josef Newgarden to the back of the 33-car field. Three Penske executives have been dismissed.
Rookie Robert Shwartzman secured the coveted pole position for the race, surprising the racing world last Sunday with a qualifying speed of 232.790 mph. He is one of three first-time drivers at the Brickyard.
Eight previous champions are in the field.