McLaughlin and DeFrancesco spin on the Formation lap of The Thermal Club GP
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IndyCar: Did DeFrancesco get penalized because McLaughlin drives for Penske?

Posted by AR1 staff

Devlin DeFrancesco got a drive-thru penalty after a collision with Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin on the formation lap to start The Thermal Club GP NTT IndyCar race Sunday.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

As DeFrancesco points out in this heated exchange, all the rows of cars were to be side-by-side at that point in the Formation Lap.

DeFrancesco maintains that McLaughlin turned down on him while he was trying to get lined up side-by-side.

The race officials are paid by Roger Penske.  He owns the IndyCar Series, The Indy 500 and Team Penske.  McLaughlin drives for Penske and is paid by Penske.

So here is the question:

Was DeFrancesco correct in stating that the cars were to be side-by-side, as he maintains McLaughlin turned down on him and they collided?

Or was McLaughlin right because DeFrancesco received the drive-thru penalty?

Or did DeFrancesco receive the penalty because the officials’ paychecks are signed by McLaughlin’s team owner, Roger Penske?

The Collision

It does appear that both drivers were at fault, but it is difficult to be certain given the camera angles.  Did Devlin understeer into McLaughlin or did McLaughlin squeeze DeFrancesco?

Cleared the Air

Taking to social media after the viral video gathered more than half a million views, DeFrancesco said he and McLaughlin spoke privately afterwards.

“Definitely not how we wanted today to go,” the Canadian said of Sunday’s race.

“We will keep pushing and we will be back stronger in Long Beach. Super happy with the pace of the 30 [Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing car] today in race especially on reds.

“I also wanted to add, nerves are high after the race I spoke to Scott McLaughlin afterwards and cleared the air.

“I have nothing but respect for him! Looking forward to putting this behind us and moving forward to Long Beach.”