Josef Newgarden, the Team Penske driver, candidly described his recent performance at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on May 4 as “nothing to brag about” after finishing 10th. Piloting the #2 Chevrolet-powered car, Newgarden expressed frustration with the race execution at Barber Motorsports Park but remains hopeful about securing a victory soon.
The 34-year-old American has a strong history at Barber, having won consecutively in 2017 and 2018, as well as his first-ever victory at the track in 2015 when driving for CFH Racing. Despite these past successes, his 2024 outing at Barber saw him start in 8th position but fall back to finish 16th. This year, his 10th-place finish reflects mixed results for the ongoing season.
Newgarden’s 2025 IndyCar season began on a positive note when he qualified 10th and finished third at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2. However, his performance at the 50th anniversary ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13 was less encouraging, as he qualified 15th and ended the race in 27th place. These fluctuations underscore the challenges Newgarden and Team Penske face as they seek consistency amid a fiercely competitive field.
Known also for his passion beyond IndyCar, Newgarden once dreamed of competing in Formula One. During a 2020 interview with All Things Automotive, he revealed why that aspiration shifted, choosing to build his career in IndyCar instead. Despite not reaching Formula One, Newgarden’s achievements—including two Indy 500 championships—demonstrate a remarkable career shaped by resilience and determination.
With the 2025 season underway, Josef Newgarden is already preparing for the Sonsio Grand Prix scheduled for May 10, aiming to improve his race results and reclaim a top spot on the podium. His reflective comments after Barber reveal a driver focused on growth and success, refusing to settle despite recent setbacks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Newgarden strives to turn his strong potential into consistent victories in the races ahead.
