Both Christian Rasmussen and Callum Ilott were slapped with severe IndyCar Nashville grid penalties following unscheduled engine changes ahead of the 2025 season finale.
Each driver has been assigned a nine-place grid drop after Ed Carpenter Racing and PREMA Racing installed new Chevrolet power units for the No. 21 and No. 90 entries, exceeding the season engine allocation limits outlined by IndyCar regulations.
This penalty places Rasmussen and Ilott at a considerable disadvantage on the 1.33-mile oval, significantly affecting their race strategy and prospects for the weekend.
Christian Rasmussen who won last weekeend’s Milwaukee Mile had qualified 16th for the Nashville race. However, the penalty drops him nine places and he will now start from 25th on the grid.
Rasmussen’s new engine was due to be replaced not because of a mechanical failure but due to reaching the predetermined mileage limits set by the series regulations.
A statement from IndyCar officials read: “A fifth (5th) Engine is eligible to earn Engine Manufacturer points if a Full Season Entrant has completed the Full Season Entrant Engine Mileage with its first four (4) Engines.
“Otherwise, a fifth (5th) or more Engine does not earn Engine Manufacturer points and will be considered an Unapproved Engine change-out.
“According to Rule 16.1.6.1.2., the penalty is a six-position starting grid penalty on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event, which is the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix presented by WilScot Sunday, Aug. 31 at Nashville Superspeedway.”
Full 2025 IndyCar Nashville Qualifying Results
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Despite the setback, the 25-year old Danish racer remains confident about his ability to move through the pack during the race.
Rasmussen has showcased impressive comebacks throughout the season including climbing from 25th to third at World Wide Technology Raceway and from 18th to sixth at the Indy 500, which signals strong racecraft and strategic prowess.
Meanwhile, Callum Ilott also faces a nine-place grid penalty after taking a new engine following mechanical failure at the Milwaukee event.
Ilott’s engine expired during the race forcing the No. 90 PREMA Racing Chevy to coast to a stop with smoke trailing from the tailpipes.
The British driver had qualified ninth for the Nashville race which would have positioned him well for a strong finish, but the penalty means he will start 18th instead.
Ilott’s new engine should provide a performance boost and allow his team to tune aggressively, as the fresh power unit will not have to endure multiple race events.
The IndyCar Nashville grid penalties handed to Rasmussen and Ilott are among several issued this weekend. Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel also received a nine-place grid penalty due to an unscheduled engine change on his No. 6 Chevy.
READ MORE: 2025 IndyCar Drivers Championship Standings
