IndyCar fines drivers, clarifies potential penalties for technical infractions

Two IndyCar Series drivers have been fined for hitting a competitor's equipment during the Bommarito 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, and the series has announced updated technical penalty guidelines.

>Louis Foster, who finished 20th, was fined $3,000 because it is his second such offense this season. Scott McLaughlin, who finished fifth, was fined $1,500.

IndyCar Officiating announces technical penalty guidelinesIndyCar Officiating also announced technical penalty guidelines.

>"These guidelines were created to ensure consistency across events," the new release said. "They have no regulatory value, and each case will be treated according to its circumstances and particular elements. Decisions will always be at the IOI officials' discretion, who will determine which penalty is appropriate."

>Repeat infractions could result in an escalated fraction level, the news release said.

Infraction Level 1Types of infractions: Wicker size, underwing side height, rear wing height, front wing height, track and offset, wheel base, weight in qualifying • >Potential qualifying penalties: Loss of lap time; fine between $1,000 and $10,000; loss of 5-10 points. • >Potential race penalties: Fine between $1,000 and $10,000; loss of 5-10 points.Infraction Level 2Types of infractions: Front wing angle, rear wing angle, driver ballast, unattached EMS, EMS in disrepair, unapproved heating/cooling, unapproved senors, safety equipment, post-race weight. • >Potential qualifying penalties: Loss of time; fine between $10,000 and $25,000; Loss of 10-25 points; suspension of team manager; suspension of chief mechanic. • >Potential race penalties: Fine between $10,000 and $25,000; loss of 10-25 points; disqualification; suspension of team manager; suspension of chief mechanic.Infraction Level 3Types of infractions: Open for development unapproved parts; open for development parts approved but not properly constructed; unapproved or altered gearbox bearings and/or parts; unapproved parts installed on car, including any suspension component; unapproved upright bears; modifications to any spec part; fuel cell capacity; fuel tank modification; unapproved fuel; altered X, Y, Z coordinates; loom modifications. • >Potential qualifying penalties: Loss of time; fine between $25,000 and $100,000; loss of 25-50 points; team manager suspension; chief mechanic suspension. • >Potential race penalties: Fine between $25,000 and $100,000; loss of 25-50 points; disqualification; team manager suspension; chief mechanic suspension.Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter.

>This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar fines drivers, clarifies potential penalties for technical infractions