Indy 500 2025: Shwartzman on Pole, Newgarden’s Penalty Shakes Up Historic Grid
Indy 500 2025 delivered instant chaos as rookie Robert Shwartzman clinched pole position and defending champion Josef Newgarden was slapped with a crushing penalty. With the Brickyard buzzing and 350,000 fans on their feet, this year’s race is already rewriting the script.
Rookie on Fire: Shwartzman Grabs Pole with Blistering Pace
The biggest shock came on qualifying day when 24-year-old Robert Shwartzman, driving for Prema Racing, clocked a stunning four-lap average of 232.790 mph. Not since Teo Fabi in 1983 has a rookie led the field to green.
Joining him on the front row are veteran Takuma Sato, seeking his third Indy 500 win, and Pato O’Ward, whose aggressive style could make him a threat early. But it’s Shwartzman who has the spotlight—for now.
Penske Bombshell: Champions Sent to the Back
In a twist that rocked the paddock, IndyCar officials dropped the hammer on Team Penske after discovering illegal aerodynamic modifications on all three of their cars during post-qualifying inspection. That means reigning champ Josef Newgarden and teammate Will Power have been forced to start from the final row, alongside Scott McLaughlin.
“It’s a bitter pill, but we race with integrity,” Team Penske president Tim Cindric said. “We accept the consequences.”
Newgarden, aiming for an unprecedented Indy 500 three-peat, now faces a mammoth task weaving through traffic on a track where passing comes at a premium. But if anyone can, it’s the Nashville native who’s mastered this place before.
The Day’s Schedule: Where and When to Watch
The green flag dropped at 12:45 PM ET (10:15 PM IST), with full coverage airing on FOX—their first broadcast of the event under a new rights deal. UK fans can tune in on Sky Sports F1, while Aussie viewers get access via Stan Sport. International fans are advised to use VPNs if geo-restrictions block coverage.
Weather: Clouds, But No Rain in Sight
A light morning drizzle gave way to ideal racing conditions by midday. With overcast skies and temps around 21°C (70°F), teams won’t have to worry about overheating engines or slick tarmac. It’s just pure speed on tap.
Kyle Larson’s “Double Duty” Headlines the Side Show
Meanwhile, NASCAR’s Kyle Larson is making headlines of his own. He’s attempting the rare “Double”—racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the same day. Weather delays could complicate the feat, but Larson’s daring attempt has already earned him plenty of admiration across motorsport.
What’s Next: Watch the Track Tell the Tale
With a rookie up front, champions chasing from the rear, and legends hunting one last shot at glory, this year’s Indy 500 is teed up for fireworks. If early signs are anything to go by, we’re in for a race that might just go down as one of the most unpredictable in the Speedway’s storied history.
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A former college-level cricketer and lifelong sports enthusiast, Arun Upadhayay brings the heart of an athlete to the sharp eye of a journalist. With firsthand experience in competitive sports and a deep understanding of team dynamics, Arun covers everything from grassroots tournaments to high-stakes international showdowns. His reporting blends field-level grit with analytical precision, making him a trusted voice for sports fans across New Jersey and beyond.
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