5 times IndyCar faced major controversies

The sport of IndyCar has a rich and celebrated history that runs back to over a century ago. With the passing of time, the sport has evolved, going through significant changes and many iconic moments that have defined the history of the sport.

While the sport does possess a long and storied history, it has also had its fair share of controversies and dramatic incidents. In this article, we take a look at five such controversial IndyCar moments that have made the headlines, in no particular order.

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1. The CART-IRL split

The split between Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) and the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 1996 is considered one of the most controversial incidents in IndyCar history. Tony George, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and founder of the IRL, sought to prioritize American drivers and oval racing. He created the IRL, which consisted of the Indianapolis 500.

Although CART retained marquee teams and drivers, it lacked the draw of the Indy 500. IRL, on the other hand, struggled with weaker competition and a lack of draw in its early years. Over the next decade, both series suffered. CART eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2003. The two leagues merged in 2008 under the IndyCar banner.

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2. Boston Grand Prix cancellation

In 2016, an addition was proposed to the IndyCar calendar in the form of the Grand Prix of Boston. It was proposed to be set along the 2.25-mile course in the South Boston Seaport. However, local resistance and logistical challenges derailed the event just months before its scheduled debut.

Residents voiced concerns over traffic disruptions and business impacts. Meanwhile, poor ticket sales further dampened enthusiasm. By April, the organizers acknowledged defeat, and the race was replaced by an event at Watkins Glen. In a final blow, the organizers filed for bankruptcy in July of the same year.

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3. The "double-points" system (2014-2022)

To keep championship battles alive, IndyCar introduced the “double-points” system in 2014. Key races like the Indianapolis 500 and the season finales awarded double the points compared to regular races. While the intent was to reward strong performances in marquee events, the move was met with widespread criticism.

Although no Indy 500 winner during this period went on to claim the championship, the system came off as unfair to the fans. It also appeared severely detrimental to those teams who performed poorly in the said races. Due to the strong backlash, IndyCar went on to completely abandon the system in 2023.

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4. The mismanaged 2011 New Hampshire 225 race

IndyCar's return to New England in 2011 ended in chaos during the New Hampshire 225 race. The event was marred with poor decision-making by the sanctioning body, and was coupled with bad weather. A late-afternoon start left the race vulnerable to time constraints. As a result, officials made the controversial decision to restart on a damp track despite drivers' warnings.

The result was a multi-car crash just seconds into the restart, raising questions against IndyCar. The chaos reached a peak when driver Will Power, visibly frustrated, directed a double-fisted middle-finger salute toward race officials.

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5. Josef Newgarden's St. Petersburg "cheating" incident

The 2024 season opener at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg saw Team Penske and star driver Josef Newgarden, face disqualifications for manipulating the push-to-pass system. Newgarden was stripped of his victory, while teammates Scott McLaughlin and Will Power also faced penalties. McLaughlin was disqualified, and Power, though not accused of direct involvement, was docked points. Penske’s entries were collectively fined $25,000 and forfeited prize money.

The disqualification handed victory to Pato O’Ward and cast a shadow over the season opener.