IndyCar Disqualifies Collet & Harvey After Post-Qualifying EMS Modifications

IndyCar has announced post-qualifying penalties for two drivers ahead of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, removing their qualifying times and relegating them to the back of the grid. The sanctions, confirmed by IndyCar Officiating on May 18, 2026, follow technical inspection failures in both the No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet of Caio Collet and the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet of Jack Harvey.

The violations involved modifications to the Dallara-supplied Energy Management System (EMS) covers and their attachment to the A-arm. While the exact nature of the modifications has not been disclosed by IndyCar, the penalties are standard for post-qualifying inspection failures under the series’ technical regulations. Both drivers will now start the race from the rear of the grid, a significant setback given the competitive nature of qualifying for the Indy 500.

Impact on the Grid

The penalties mark the latest in a series of technical issues to affect qualifying for this year’s Indy 500. Earlier this month, A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ No. 4 car had already faced scrutiny during practice sessions, with drivers reporting challenges in optimizing performance under the current chassis and aerodynamic regulations. Collet, a rising star in IndyCar, had been targeting a strong qualifying run but will now begin the race from the 33rd position on the grid.

Jack Harvey, who joined Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the 2026 season, also faces a setback. His qualifying performance had been a point of discussion among pundits, with expectations high given his experience in the series. The penalty means he will start alongside Collet at the back of the grid, a position that historically carries little chance of finishing among the top 10.

Broader Context

The Indy 500 qualifying process has been particularly volatile in 2026, with multiple drivers facing technical issues, weather delays and last-minute adjustments. The series has emphasized stricter enforcement of technical regulations in recent years, aiming to ensure fairness and consistency across all teams. This approach has led to increased penalties, particularly in the lead-up to the Indy 500, where every position on the grid is highly coveted.

For Collet and Harvey, the penalties come as a blow after weeks of preparation. Collet, who won the 2025 Indianapolis 500, had been aiming to defend his title and improve on his qualifying performance from last year. Harvey, meanwhile, had been looking to establish himself as a consistent contender in the series. Both drivers will now focus on navigating the race from the back of the field, a challenge that requires both strategic planning and resilience.

What Comes Next

The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2026, with qualifying sessions concluding on May 22. The race itself will begin at 10:00 AM ET, and fans can expect a competitive field despite the penalties handed out to Collet and Harvey. The focus will now shift to how the remaining drivers perform in the race, particularly those who have secured top positions on the grid.

IndyCar has not yet commented on whether further inspections or penalties will be announced before the race. However, the series has indicated that it will continue to monitor technical compliance closely throughout the event.

For now, the story remains one of adaptation. Collet and Harvey will need to rely on their racing skills to overcome the setback, while the rest of the field will be watching closely to see if the penalties have any broader implications for the competitive balance of the race.