Josef Newgarden Bio
Early Life and Background
Josef Nicolai Newgarden was born on December 22, 1990, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. He grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where he was influenced by his father’s passion for motorsports, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1. Newgarden attended Pope John Paul II High School, where he was friends with NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Golden Tate and NASCAR driver Josh Berry. His early exposure to racing began at the age of thirteen when he started karting, which would lay the foundation for his future career in motorsports.
Newgarden’s karting career took off in 2005 when he secured two championships in the KRA Junior Can division and repeated as the TAG World Champion in the junior division in 2006. His family supported his racing ambitions, and he focused on local and regional championships to maintain funding for his racing endeavors.
Path to IndyCar Series
Newgarden transitioned to open-wheel racing in 2006, competing in the Skip Barber Racing School Series. He finished as the runner-up in the Southern Regional Series, which led to further opportunities in racing. In 2008, he became the first American driver to win the Formula Ford Festival title while representing Team USA in England. After a successful stint in Europe, he returned to the U.S. in 2011 to compete in the Indy Lights Series, where he clinched the championship with five wins and ten podiums out of fourteen races.
In 2012, Newgarden made his debut in the IndyCar Series, racing for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. His early career was marked by determination and talent, setting the stage for his future successes in the series.
Josef Newgarden Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Newgarden began his IndyCar career with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing from 2012 to 2014. He earned his first podium finish at the 2013 race in Baltimore and achieved his second podium at Iowa Speedway in 2014. His performances during these years showcased his potential as a rising star in the series.
In 2015, Newgarden raced for CFH Racing, where he secured his first IndyCar Series victory at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. He followed this up with another win at the Honda Indy Toronto, finishing the season seventh in the standings.
IndyCar Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Newgarden joined Team Penske in 2017, marking a significant turning point in his career. He won his first race with the team at Barber Motorsports Park and went on to capture four wins that season, clinching his first IndyCar Series Championship. He continued to excel, winning his second championship in 2019 with four victories.
In 2023, Newgarden achieved a career milestone by winning the Indianapolis 500 after a thrilling last-lap pass, marking his first victory at the prestigious event. He followed this success with another Indianapolis 500 win in 2024, becoming the first driver to win back-to-back Indy 500s since Helio Castroneves. His 2024 season also included a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, further solidifying his status as a versatile and accomplished driver.
Team Penske Era (2017–Present)
Since joining Team Penske, Newgarden has been a consistent contender in the IndyCar Series. His ability to perform on various track types has earned him the nickname “The Oval King,” reflecting his dominance on oval circuits. He has achieved numerous podium finishes and maintained a strong presence in the championship standings.
In 2025, Newgarden faced challenges during the season, including a disqualification from a pole position due to team violations. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure a third-place finish at St. Petersburg and continued to demonstrate his competitive spirit.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Newgarden is known for his strong one-lap pace in qualifying and exceptional racecraft, which allows him to start at the front and secure dominant victories. His versatility across different track types and ability to execute successful outside line passes have made him a formidable competitor in the series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Newgarden’s career highlights include winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2023 and 2024, as well as his two IndyCar Series Championships in 2017 and 2019. He has established himself as one of the top drivers in the series, consistently finishing in the top five of the championship standings.
Josef Newgarden Career Wins
Josef Newgarden has achieved a total of 32 wins in the IndyCar Series, showcasing his talent and consistency as a driver.
Current IndyCar Series Highlights
In the current IndyCar Series, Newgarden has recorded significant victories, including his first win at the Indianapolis 500 in 2023. His most recent win came during the 2024 season, further solidifying his reputation as a top competitor in the series.
Previous IndyCar Series Achievements
Before his recent successes, Newgarden won his first IndyCar Series race in 2015 at Barber Motorsports Park and continued to build on his achievements with multiple wins and podium finishes throughout his career.
Josef Newgarden Family
Family Background and IndyCar Lineage
Newgarden was born into a family that supported his racing ambitions from a young age. His parents moved from Miami, Florida, to Nashville, where they established a photography business. He has two older sisters and has credited his family’s support for his success in racing.
Personal Life
Newgarden is married to Ashley Welch, and they welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2022. He maintains a YouTube channel where he shares vlogs and behind-the-scenes content from his racing experiences.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Newgarden, marked by a disqualification from a pole position at St. Petersburg due to team violations. Despite this setback, he demonstrated resilience by finishing third in the race. As the season progresses, Newgarden aims to regain momentum and continue competing at a high level in the IndyCar Series.
