Josef Newgarden Team Penske Secures Dominant Win in Latest IndyCar Race
Josef Newgarden is one of American motorsport’s biggest stars. The driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet has built an impressive resume that includes two INDYCAR championships in 2017 and 2019, plus back-to-back Indianapolis 500 victories in 2023 and 2024. Since joining Team Penske in 2017, Newgarden has won 28 times. This makes him one of the most consistent and productive drivers in modern INDYCAR racing.
The Tennessee native returns for his 14th INDYCAR season in 2025, continuing his partnership with the legendary Team Penske organization. His No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske crew has become a powerhouse combination that consistently challenges for wins and championships. At 34 years old, Newgarden has matured into both a technical master behind the wheel and one of the most recognizable faces in American racing.
Background Information
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Josef Newgarden has established himself as one of the most talented and successful drivers in modern American motorsport. He combines raw speed with technical precision and racing intelligence.
Early Career
Newgarden’s journey to the top of American racing began long before his IndyCar stardom. Born on December 22, 1990 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, he showed early promise in karting competitions.
Unlike many American racers, Newgarden took the European route, competing in British Formula Ford and GP3. This European racing education gave him a technical foundation that would later serve him well.
He returned to America and won the Indy Lights championship in 2011, demonstrating his potential to the racing world. This victory opened doors to the IndyCar Series, where he joined Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing in 2012.
With smaller teams, Newgarden showed flashes of brilliance. His first IndyCar win came with CFH Racing in 2015 at Barber Motorsports Park, proving he could compete with the sport’s established stars despite not having the resources of larger teams.
Team Penske Partnership
Everything changed when Team Penske signed Newgarden in 2017, pairing his talents with Roger Penske’s legendary racing organization. The partnership immediately proved fruitful with Newgarden securing his first IndyCar championship that very year.
Driving the No. 2 Dallara/Chevrolet, Newgarden has become a consistent championship contender. His technical feedback and ability to extract performance from the Penske-prepared machines has impressed engineers and teammates alike.
The results speak for themselves: 28 wins, 17 poles, and two series championships during his tenure with the team. Newgarden’s crowning achievement came in 2023 when he finally captured the Indianapolis 500 victory, motorsport’s most prestigious prize.
Entering the 2025 season, Newgarden continues to be a cornerstone of Team Penske’s racing program, representing the organization across multiple disciplines and helping maintain its position as one of motorsport’s most successful operations.
Specific Points
Josef Newgarden has established himself as one of Team Penske’s most accomplished drivers with multiple championships and prestigious race wins. His career continues to build an impressive legacy in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Indy 500 Achievements
Newgarden has cemented his place in Indianapolis 500 history by becoming the first driver since Helio Castroneves to win consecutive Indy 500s (2023-2024). This remarkable feat hadn’t been accomplished in 22 years, making it even more significant.
His back-to-back victories at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway showcase both his exceptional talent and Team Penske’s dominant preparation for the crown jewel event.
Each win displayed different aspects of his racing ability. His 2023 triumph featured a daring last-lap pass, while his 2024 victory demonstrated strategic patience and precision under pressure.
These consecutive Indy 500 wins place Newgarden in an elite group of multi-time winners at the Brickyard and have significantly elevated his status in INDYCAR history.
Season Highlights and Challenges
Entering the 2025 season, Newgarden has accumulated an impressive 28 wins and 17 poles during his tenure with Team Penske. His consistency across various track types—from short ovals to road courses—demonstrates his versatility.
The Milwaukee Mile has been particularly successful for Newgarden and Team Penske, with strong qualifying performances showcasing their oval track prowess. These results reflect the strong engineering support behind his efforts.
Despite his successes, Newgarden has faced challenges at certain venues. Tracks like Portland International Raceway and Barber Motorsports Park have occasionally presented difficulties for the Penske driver.
His championship battles have often come down to season finales at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where his aggressive yet calculated driving style has served him well.
Future Aspirations
As a two-time series champion (2017, 2019), Newgarden has set two primary goals for the 2025 season.
He wants to secure a third INDYCAR championship. This would place him in even more exclusive company among the sport’s all-time greats.
Beyond adding to his championships, Newgarden also aims to conquer tracks where victories have eluded him. He particularly wants to expand his road course win tally. Long Beach and Toronto remain high-priority targets.
He has expressed interest in eventually participating in other prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Daytona. This will showcase his broader racing ambitions beyond INDYCAR.
Team Penske’s continued investment in technology and development provides Newgarden with the tools to potentially extend his career for many seasons to come. His relationship with the team’s engineering staff remains a key strength.
