Never-seen-before Indy 'dragon' move banned

The winning move that gave Josef Newgarden his first Indianapolis 500 victory has been banned.

The two-time IndyCar Series champion dove below the white line on the final lap of the 2023 race in a bid to break the slipstream of Marcus Ericsson behind him.

That put Newgarden and Ericsson briefly on course to race into the pit lane before weaving back across the track onto the traditional racing line.

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The move drew concern from some corners with the pair narrowly missing the attenuator separating pit lane from the race track.

Drivers will still be allowed to weave on the track, but cannot duck below the white line or will face a penalty that is yet to be determined.

"An annual off-season review of rules and procedures with all IndyCar stakeholders included the racing line of the No.2 on the final lap," an IndyCaar statement read.

"The move to the inside of the dotted line, extended, from the attenuator was within the rulebook.

"Looking ahead to the 2024 Indy 500, the line will be updated to a solid line and will be officiated. The appropriate penalty is still being finalized."

https://twitter.com/IndyCaronNBC/status/1760771899867427126

Despite the move being outlawed, Newgarden said it was the right thing to do.

"This is the right move for the future," said Newgarden.

"Boundaries are meant to be pushed, and rules are meant to push back.

"You should expect to see additional rule changes that will help reign in other driving standards at Indy, without removing the ability for drivers to race hard."

Ericsson, who finished second, pulled off a similar block in his 2022 Indianapolis 500 win which was later coined the "dragon" for the weaving motion.

"We will always push to the limits and this was a case of that," Ericsson wrote on social media.

"Same as I did the year before to a lesser extent. Good call." 

The 2024 Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 27 as part of the IndyCar Series calendar.