IndyCar Drivers Still Can’t Agree on Push-to-Pass Rules

IndyCar Drivers Still Can’t Agree on Push-to-Pass Michael L. Levitt - Getty Images Maybe it’s getting worse, this NTT IndyCar Series debate about the newly revised Push-to-Pass rules. Following qualifying Saturday morning for the afternoon’s Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a reporter asked Alex Palou—pole sitter, points leader, and winner at three of the year’s first five races—and No.

2 starter Pato O’Ward, “Gentlemen, since Thursday’s press conference, have you all had a little more clarity on the push-to-pass rule? ” Plainly, the answer is no. Here’s how Saturday’s debate unfolded, after a chaotic Friday confab: PATO O'WARD: I mean, I think they clarified what action is going to get taken in case it is, like, happy pushed, but I don’t think there’s really a scenario where it can be anymore, because it’s probably just going to be on all the time.

So, yeah, I can’t wait for the scenario where it’s, like, oh, someone had Push-to-Pass in the start, but who knows (laughing). THE MODERATOR: It would be pretty rare for sure, right? PALOU: Yeah, I mean, I still— O’WARD: It’s going to be today (laughing).

PALOU: No, no, I mean, that would be good for me, so I can tuck behind him and just get towed up. No, it’s clear now, but you were saying it’s a rule. You know you— O ’WARD: The problem was it wasn’t a rule.