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IndyCar Opens Push-to-Pass on Restarts for Indianapolis GP

Officials aim to restore clarity by rewriting restart rules, shifting responsibility to drivers.

Overview

  • IndyCar, which updated the rule Tuesday, now lets drivers use the 60-horsepower push-to-pass after crossing the alternate start‑finish line on restarts at road and street races.
  • The system still offers about 200 total seconds per event, and it remains disabled for the initial start of the race.
  • IndyCar Officiating said drivers are now accountable for any early use, with penalties possible even if a software error makes the button work before the allowed point.
  • Officials said they will change Controller Area Network messaging for individual cars and add a software engineer to monitor outgoing signals to the push-to-pass system.
  • Tension carried into Saturday’s Indianapolis GP qualifying as Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward renewed a public dispute over Palou’s Long Beach restart usage, which followed a glitch that let 12 drivers activate the boost; the series later released per‑car data and accepted blame.