The NTT IndyCar Series has levied a grid penalty on Kyffin Simpson for his involvement in a first lap incident at the previous race.
Simpson was deemed to have been responsible for the opening lap tussle with Felix Rosenqvist in Laguna Seca, which sent both spinning through the gravel.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver retired on the spot, which prevented IndyCar from levying a penalty during that event.
A six place grid penalty will be applied to this weekend’s event, dropping Simpson three rows down from where he qualifies on Saturday.
“According to the rulebook, a penalty can be applied at the next IndyCar race if the penalty cannot be served at the event where the infraction took place,” read a statement from the series.
“The penalty comes after a post-race review of the Lap 1, Turn 6 incident with the No. 60 entry of Meyer Shank Racing.
“Consistent with an Unapproved Engine Change-Out penalty in the IndyCar rulebook, the Avoidable Contact grid penalty is six positions on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event.”
Simpson had been on a strong run before Laguna Seca, logging three top 10 finishes in the previous five races, including his first ever podium.
The 27th place result combined with a penalty this weekend in Portland puts a damper on his momentum with only three races left in the season.
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