Penske Penalties Rock Indy 500, Jagger Jones Interview, and Robert Shwartzman’s Pole
In this explosive episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti tackles the biggest controversy of the 2024 racing season: the Team Penske technical violation scandal that shook qualifying for the Indianapolis 500. From the rear wing attenuator seam violations to the fallout for Roger Penske’s leadership, this episode dives deep into the ethics, optics, and consequences of rule-breaking at the highest level of motorsport.
---
Featured Guest:
✅ Jagger Jones (IMSA Champion & Grandson of Parnelli Jones) – Joins the show to share his story of navigating motorsports as a legacy name, his path from karting to NASCAR to open-wheel, and how he's finding success today in IMSA sports cars. He talks candidly about funding challenges, switching disciplines, and his aspirations to race in Le Mans and the Indy 500.
---
Major Talking Points:
Robert Shwartzman Makes History – The Israeli rookie claims pole in his first-ever oval race with PREMA Racing
Penske Scandal Breakdown – What the attenuator seam violation means, how Marshall Pruett uncovered it, and why Joseph Newgarden’s 2023 win may be under question
Doug Boles’ Press Conference – Full recap of how the IndyCar President handled the situation with transparency and class
Pato O’Ward Reacts – Why the Arrow McLaren driver called for harsher penalties
Chip Ganassi’s Perspective – Comments on integrity, Penske’s legacy, and fairness in motorsport
Penske Fires Top Officials – Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski, and Kyle Moyer ousted following internal review
Should Last Year’s Win Be Stripped? – The debate over retroactive penalties and competitive fairness
Indy 500 Grid Shakeup – Why Newgarden and Power are starting 32nd and 33rd
Jagger Jones Career Journey – From the grandson of a legend to a rising star carving his own path
---
Also Featured:
Spirit of Speedway and Cat’s Magic Helmet children’s books for young racing fans
Sneak peek at Trans Am and IMSA coverage this weekend on SpeedSport1
Updates on the new Pits Are Open YouTube channel and merch availability
---
Watch & Listen:
YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TikTok
Subscribe to the newsletter at thepitsareopen.com for exclusive updates and giveaways
Follow us on social for bonus content and behind-the-scenes access