Life Off the Track for Indy 500 Champion Josef Newgarden

Josef Newgarden—yeah, you’ve probably heard the name—stands on the edge of history at the 109th Indianapolis 500. He could become the first driver to win three in a row, which feels almost unreal.

When he’s not blasting around the track, he’s just Josef at home in Nashville, Tennessee. Life slows down with his wife Ashley and their 3-year-old son, Koda. This post peeks into how he juggles the high-speed chaos of racing with the quieter moments that really matter.

The Newgarden Family Life

Home for Josef is a world apart from IndyCar madness. Nashville gives him space to breathe and reset.

He spends real time with Ashley and Koda, not just passing moments. Ashley’s been there since the early days; their connection runs deep. Her steady support keeps him grounded, even when the spotlight gets blinding.

Life Off the Track

When Josef’s not racing, he keeps busy in all kinds of ways. Their house has a huge workout room—kind of a must for someone in his line of work.

Walk down the hall and you’ll trip over Koda’s toys, a sure sign of a lively kid. Out in the garage, it’s a car lover’s paradise: a Corvette, Porsche, and Camaro all lined up. Not bad, right?

You might expect him to drive like a maniac on public roads, but nope. “I drive like a grandma on the road because I race,” he laughs. That contrast is pretty striking.

Inside, you’ll spot victory wreaths and shiny trophies, including those two baby Borg-Warners from his Indy 500 wins. His “man cave” is where he hides out most at home, just unwinding.

The Drive for a Third Win

Those back-to-back Indy 500 wins? They changed everything for Josef. Suddenly, he’s visiting the White House and, honestly, he’s become the face of IndyCar in a lot of ways.

“I care about the Indy 500. I care about the community of Indiana,” he says. That connection to the sport and its people runs deep for him.

A Legacy in the Making

Now, as he gears up for the 109th running, the idea of a third win hangs in the air. No one’s ever done it in over a century of racing.

Josef shrugs off the history talk. “I just want to win the race,” he insists, eyes on the immediate prize. That focus? It’s been there since his first kart in Indiana. Racing’s in his blood.

Ashley knows him better than anyone. “The only thing that man cares about is now Koda and racing,” she says with a smile. Fame hasn’t changed the essentials—family and the sport still drive him.

Race Day: A Family Affair

On race day, the Newgardens show up as a unit. Ashley and Koda cheer him on, always right there in the thick of it.

Koda, even at three, knows the racing ropes. Someone once asked why Josef poured milk on his head after winning, and Koda grinned: “Because he was a naughty boy.” Kids, right?

The Thrill of Victory

For Josef, victory’s thrill goes way beyond the checkered flag. “When you get to put the wreath on, drink the milk, kiss the bricks, go around the track and see everybody there, I mean for me, going into the crowd is by far my favorite part of winning the race,” he shares.

Those traditions? They’re the moments that make each win unforgettable. Honestly, not much compares.

Josef’s aiming for his third straight win, and he’ll need his family and the racing community cheering him on. The Indianapolis 500 isn’t just a race—it’s a wild celebration of speed, guts, and that stubborn spark that keeps people coming back.

Josef Newgarden really lives that spirit, doesn’t he? He’s the kind of champion you want to root for, on the track or off.

For more about Josef Newgarden’s life and career, check out the [original article](https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/motor/indianapolis-500/josef-newgarden-home-family-life-nashville-tennessee-two-time-defending-indy-500-winner-dave-calabro/531-f14e5071-0104-4cdd-aa60-911fc20e5732).