Two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden has expressed enthusiasm for increased IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheaders, despite criticism from fellow driver Pato O’Ward. The two series are set to share a race weekend at Phoenix Raceway from March 6 to 8, highlighting the growing crossover between these motorsports.
IndyCar and NASCAR Cup Series have previously held joint events, including the 2023 doubleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Ahead of the 2026 IndyCar season opener, O’Ward voiced frustration with these doubleheaders, feeling IndyCar is often treated as a secondary attraction.
Pato O’Ward Voices Concern About IndyCar’s Role in Doubleheaders
During a media session, O’Ward criticized the scheduling of doubleheaders where IndyCar events appear secondary to NASCAR races. He stated:
“I’m sick and tired of IndyCar being like the ‘support race’,” O’Ward said (via Bob Pockrass on X). “It’s (double-headers with NASCAR) great for the fans, but not for us. I know that every time we race with them, we are always the ‘support show’.”
O’Ward’s comment referred to IndyCar’s race being moved to Saturday, with the NASCAR Cup race headline on Sunday during the Phoenix weekend. This arrangement leaves IndyCar in a less prominent slot despite sharing the venue.
Josef Newgarden Supports More Collaboration Between IndyCar and NASCAR
In contrast, Newgarden, a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, showed optimism about joint race weekends during an episode of the Pit Pass Indy podcast. He conveyed a positive outlook on the partnership between the two series.
“I also think that’s very exciting,” said Newgarden. “I mean, we would love to do more of that. I think, on the Cup side, it’s the same deal. They would love to, you know, share more races as well. You probably, you might not get that answer from the upper management, but I think you go across the field, most drivers in NASCAR would love to do more doubleheaders and would love to have more crossover.”
“I think you ask anybody that’s a fan or that’s a racecar driver, they’re all going to cheer for that. I hope we can get more of it in the future. Definitely going to be fun at Phoenix,” the 35-year-old IndyCar added.
Following the mixed reactions, O’Ward humorously acknowledged the benefits of joining NASCAR events after observing the significant viewership gap at the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) compared to IndyCar’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
“I stand corrected, I’m so happy to be here with NASCAR this weekend🤝😆,” the 26-year-old Mexican wrote.
Josef Newgarden Discusses Challenges of Racing at Phoenix Raceway
Newgarden is uniquely positioned as the most recent IndyCar winner at Phoenix Raceway, claiming victory in the last event held there in 2018 before the series paused racing on this 1-mile oval for eight years. He elaborated on the demanding nature of the track during the podcast.
He compared Phoenix to the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, explaining:
“It’s a little trickier in ways than Gateway. It’s similar to Gateway in that it’s got this different architecture between the two ends of the track. One (Turn) is more banked, one’s more flat, one’s more open, one’s tighter. Very similar in those respects, the way the two ends are diverged. But you have the dogleg, which is similar to Gateway.”
Drivers have noted the parallels between the two venues, especially after a two-day Open Test at Phoenix in February. Newgarden also highlighted how Phoenix demands greater precision due to its size and layout.
“I also just find that the commitment level at Phoenix feels a little more truncated, if you will. It’s a little smaller, and so it feels like you got to be a little bit more on the ball than Gateway. Gateway gives you a little more breathing time, if you will, both in the corners and on the straights. So I just find that the intensity is higher at Phoenix.”
At the same Open Test, Newgarden posted the second-fastest average speed at 174.362 mph, narrowly trailing session leader Alexander Rossi, who clocked 174.542 mph.
Implications of Increased IndyCar-NASCAR Joint Events
The ongoing dialogue between drivers such as Newgarden and O’Ward highlights mixed feelings about the growing collaboration between IndyCar and NASCAR. While concerns remain over scheduling and visibility, the crossover events promise to attract larger audiences by combining fan bases. Newgarden’s enthusiasm suggests further integration could enhance the spectacle and provide fresh opportunities for drivers and fans alike.
With Phoenix Raceway preparing to host another combined weekend, the response from competitors and spectators will help shape the future of such partnerships in American motorsport. These events may play a crucial role in boosting exposure for both series, influencing scheduling decisions for upcoming seasons.
