On Thursday, Josef Newgarden found himself at the center of attention in the media room located on the fourth floor of the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This visit came in the wake of a technical infraction involving his car, No. 2, along with Will Power’s car, No. 12, which was uncovered during the Fast 12 qualifying session the previous Sunday. Due to this situation, Newgarden will begin the Indy 500 race from the 32nd position, just ahead of his teammate.
Despite the circumstances surrounding the technical breach, Newgarden made it abundantly clear that he did not want to engage in discussions about the controversy surrounding the modified attenuators. Instead, he was focused on the upcoming race. “It looks like we have a lot of folks here today,” he remarked. “I certainly don’t want to disappoint or upset anyone. I’m here to talk about the race. I’m here with my team, and I’m eager to get on the track. This race means a lot to me. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to this moment all year. I’m excited to get to work with my team, proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far, and ready to race.”
The Nashville-born driver expressed his commitment to maintaining a positive mindset as he prepared for the highly anticipated event. “Right now, I’m trying to stay – how should I say this – in a good mood. This is the Indy 500. I mentioned this earlier, too. This time of year is something I look forward to every season,” he said enthusiastically. “I can’t wait! We’re going to have a sold-out crowd for the Indianapolis 500, which is how it should be. Seeing all the fans who come out and make this event what it is truly excites me. That’s how I feel at this moment. I’m ready to race. I know I have a competitive car, and I’m eager to collaborate with my team to put on a fantastic show. While there are no guarantees, I’m ready to give it my all.”
Focusing on Controllable Factors
Josef Newgarden, competing for Team Penske, is facing unique challenges as the race approaches. On Wednesday, Roger Penske announced significant changes within the IndyCar team, including the departure of three pivotal figures: president Tim Cindric and managing director Ron Ruzewski, both of whom have dedicated more than twenty years to the organization, as well as general manager Kyle Moyer, who has spent the last 11 years with the team. Notably, Cindric has also played the role of Newgarden’s chief race strategist.
Despite these substantial shifts happening just hours before one of the most crucial races in the IndyCar calendar, Newgarden emphasized the importance of concentrating on elements within his control. “It’s always the same challenge,” he noted. “You must focus on what you can control. That’s the tricky part of this job, particularly when it comes to the Indianapolis 500. The key is to maintain your focus on what’s within your grasp.”
Newgarden elaborated that this focus can vary from year to year, with different stressors affecting drivers in unique ways. “If you can manage to stay concentrated on the task at hand, remain aware of what lies ahead, and understand your role in it, you’ll mentally position yourself for the best possible outcome,” he explained. “That’s our approach. We need to ensure the car is in optimal condition for Sunday. What happens tomorrow is secondary; it’s just a final check. Sunday is the day that truly matters. If we can keep our focus on what needs to be done to prepare for that day, I believe we’ll be in a good position.”
As the Month of May unfolded, Newgarden set his sights on achieving an unprecedented third consecutive victory at the Indianapolis 500. However, starting from 32nd place has historically posed challenges, as no driver has ever won the race from such a far-back position on the grid. Nevertheless, when asked about his chances for success on race day, Newgarden remained optimistic: “Oh, absolutely. I have no doubt.”
He added, “There are no bad seats in this place. I always enjoy hearing about where people are sitting and their stories. Just like the starting grid, there are no poor seats at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” Quoting Rick Mears, he emphasized, “You can win this race from any seat in the house.”
Embracing the Challenge from 32nd Position
Newgarden expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge of starting from the 32nd position. “I relish the challenge of coming from 32nd,” he stated. “Predicting how the day will unfold is incredibly difficult. However, we do have a solid car, which seems to improve every year. I’m focused on safeguarding that advantage. The dynamics at the Speedway change every day, so it’s crucial to stay adaptable. Ultimately, Sunday is the day that counts, and we need to ensure we’re in the best position for that day. If we can achieve that, we should be in a strong position.”
At this point, Newgarden did not have a concrete race strategy in mind. However, his confidence in his car and Team Penske was unwavering. “I don’t have a specific plan at this moment,” he admitted. “I prefer not to establish any firm markers or milestones for the race. We just need to go for it. I know this: if we can get the car dialed in for Sunday, which has been the case for most of our time here, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has this enigmatic quality. Every day, every condition is slightly different.”
Newgarden continued, “If we have the same car we’ve had throughout the month, we’ll be competitive. I can’t predict what that will look like, so I’m remaining open-minded about how the day will unfold. We have the tools and the team to battle our way to the front, and that’s our plan.”
As the excitement builds for the Indy 500, Newgarden’s focus remains steadfast. The upcoming race is a culmination of hard work, preparation, and the spirit of competition that defines the Indianapolis 500. With a strong team behind him and a competitive car at his disposal, Newgarden is determined to make the most of this opportunity, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. As race day approaches, his commitment to the sport and his passion for racing set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating event at one of the most revered venues in motorsport history.
