Josef Newgarden is setting his sights on achieving what no driver has ever done before: winning the Indianapolis 500 three years in a row. After securing back-to-back Indy 500 victories in 2023 and 2024, the Team Penske driver aims to make history at the 109th running of the iconic race on May 25th at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite his ambition, Newgarden admitted he got “too excited” during practice but chose to keep his approach controlled and focused.
During Wednesday’s second day of Indy 500 practice, reigning NTT INDYCAR Series championship leader Alex Palou topped the speed charts with a lap of 227.546 mph. Newgarden followed closely, posting a third-best speed of 225.545 mph. Although he currently sits 12th in the championship with 92 points, Newgarden remains confident about capturing the checkered flag and defending his title against strong competitors like Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward.
Newgarden’s desire for a historic third consecutive win coincides with the 109th edition of a race that has been a landmark event since its inception in 1911. Despite its rich history, no driver has ever accomplished the feat of three straight victories at the Indy 500. In a recent appearance on the Athletes and Assets Podcast with Noah Lack, Newgarden openly expressed his determination to break that longstanding record and cement his legacy.
As the race draws near, Newgarden and other drivers are preparing for what promises to be an intense and thrilling showdown. His blend of passion, experience, and measured self-awareness could prove crucial in navigating the challenges the Indianapolis Motor Speedway presents. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if Newgarden can rewrite history by becoming the first to claim three consecutive Indy 500 wins.
