Indy 500: NASCAR driver handed unexpected boost after double disqualification

NASCAR driver handed unexpected boost after Indy 500 double disqualification

Katherine Legge has been handed an unexpected boost ahead of her NASCAR and Indy 500 Double attempt next weekend after a double IndyCar disqualification.

Qualifying for the 110th edition of the Indy 500 took place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, with Legge earning 27th spot on next Sunday's starting grid.

However, late on Sunday night, IndyCar officials announced that two cars had been disqualified after post-qualifying inspection - the No. 4 driven by Caio Collet for A.J. Foyt Enterprises and the No. 24 driven by Jack Harvey.

Harvey had qualified in 29th, below Legge, but Collet was set to start the race in 10th position prior to his disqualification.

This means that Legge will now start the race in 26th spot - one place higher than she qualified - with Collet and Harvey sent to the rear of the field.

Why IndyCar disqualified two drivers from Indy 500 qualifying

As per IndyCar, both cars were found to be in violation of two rules. These were:

Rule 14.12.1.1. EMS must be used as supplied by Dallara and approved by INDYCAR.
Rule 14.12.1.6. EMS covers may only be attached with the supplied hardware and Helicopter Tape.

As a result of those infringements, IndyCar took the following actions:

Cars No. 4 and No. 24 were disqualified from qualifying results and moved to the rear of the Indianapolis 500 starting field based on entrant points.
Car No. 4 lost its three Indy 500 qualification points.
Cars No. 9 and No. 76 were promoted to receive 10th- and 11th-place Indy 500 qualification points.
Car No. 75 did not receive qualification points because it did not compete in the Top 12 qualifying session.
Cars No. 4 and No. 24 forfeited their pit positions and will choose pit boxes after the rest of the field.

As per the IndyCar rulebook, both teams have the right to appeal the decisions.