IndyCar reveals Push to Pass software failure, won't issue penalties

TL;DR

IndyCar disclosed a software failure of the Push to Pass system during the Grand Prix of Long Beach, allowing all drivers to use it prematurely. No penalties will be issued despite 12 cars utilizing the system incorrectly.

Key points

IndyCar revealed a software failure during the Grand Prix of Long Beach
The Push to Pass system was incorrectly available to all drivers
Twelve cars used the system before crossing the alternate start/finish line
One overtake occurred while using Push to Pass
No penalties will be issued for the incident

Motorsport photo

Following Sunday's running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, IndyCar officials revealed that there was a software failure during the one and only restart on Lap 61 of 90.

The issue involved the Push 2 Pass system, and it made it available to all drivers when it should not have been, as the field had yet to cross the alternate start/finish line the following lap.

Officials revealed that 12 cars utilized the system during that time, one overtake was completed while using P2P early -- Marcus Armstrong overtaking Santino Ferrucci. However, both drivers were on the button at the time.

"The burden of the rule rests with IndyCar to assure that the software runs properly, a statement from IndyCar officials read.

"In the review, IndyCar Officiating learned that twelve cars utilized the system prior to the alternate start-finish line. IndyCar Officiating does not view this as a team or driver infraction.

"Further analysis of post-race data showed that no cars received a position change as a result of the software error with the exception of car No. 66 passing car No. 14. Although this pass did occur, both cars utilized the Push to Pass system in nearly equal amounts on the lap. Based on this analysis, IndyCar Officiating will not make any changes to the official results.

"IndyCar and IndyCar Officiating will continue to evaluate the system failure and will implement additional protective measures to keep it from happening again at future events."

Early in the 2024 season, Team Penske managed to access Push to Pass during those restricted moments, and did face significant penalties.

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Q&A

What caused the Push to Pass software failure in IndyCar?

The failure was due to a software issue that made the Push to Pass system available to all drivers before they crossed the alternate start/finish line.

How many cars used the Push to Pass system incorrectly during the race?

Twelve cars utilized the Push to Pass system during the time it was incorrectly available.

Will IndyCar issue penalties for the Push to Pass failure?

No penalties will be issued for the Push to Pass software failure during the Grand Prix of Long Beach.