For want of a nail… And to think IndyCar got into this mess because someone didn’t like the look of the attenuator.

To recap- The Team Penske cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power were excluding from qualifying Sunday because they failed technical inspection. On Monday the two cars were moved to the rear of the field, crew chiefs were suspended, and each car assessed a $100,000 fine.

Roger Penske took appropriate action yesterday in firing Tim Cindric, Rob Ruzewski, and Kyle Moyer. After two scandals in 14 months, and a growing sense of favoritism toward Team Penske cars in the paddock, there was little else he could do. The team has divested itself of nearly 50 years of experience.

Time will tell if Penske’s actions today are sufficient or too little, too late. The series needs to accelerate plans for the new car and engine formula, and an independent body to operate the races. Positive momentum needs to get reestablished, and a good race on Sunday would be a start.

For me, the optics of the situation exacerbated what I thought to be sketchy rulings at times favoring the Penske cars. At the same while I agree with the penalties assessed, I’m wondering if the series was bending too far to look as if no favoritism was shown. Again, it’s all about optics.

Doug Boles said today that inspections focus on per4formance features and not safety features. While I understand that priority, shouldn’t safety components get a look once in a while too? What if a part is mounted incorrectly? What if a part is damaged or worn? We do not want safety compromised.

Marshall Pruett of RACER is reporting tonight that an independent group to govern the race events- technical inspections and on track activities- is n the process of being formed. The target date was set for 2027, but as Pruett suggested, next year would be a much better starting point.

Why, wondered this humble blogger, was this not done the day after Penske bought the series? I actually had this thought while I attended the press conference announcing Penske’s purchase of IMS, the IndyCar series, and IMS Productions. Conflict of interest was my first thought, and how to avoid it was my second one.

The IndyCar series is entering what should be its greatest Indianapolis 500 weekend in years. The grandstands are sold out, and the momentum surrounding this year’s race is the strongest since 2016.

Sunday’s green flag cannot come soon enough.