Josef Newgarden, the two-time IndyCar champion, has voiced strong enthusiasm for increased collaboration between IndyCar and NASCAR, following a recent Firestone tire test at Phoenix Raceway. With both racing series set to share the Phoenix track from March 6-8, Newgarden is eager for the Josef Newgarden IndyCar NASCAR crossover to become a recurring feature on the motorsports calendar.
IndyCar and NASCAR Prepare for Joint Racing at Phoenix Raceway
This March, Phoenix Raceway will serve as the backdrop for a highly anticipated doubleheader weekend, featuring prominent events from both the IndyCar and NASCAR circuits. IndyCar will hold its race on Saturday, March 7 at 3 pm ET, alongside the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, while on Sunday the Cup Series and ARCA Menards drivers will headline the action on the one-mile oval.
Newgarden, who last raced—and won—at Phoenix during IndyCar’s previous appearance at the track in 2018, participated in a recent Firestone tire test with former teammate Will Power, now planning his future with Andretti Global starting in 2026. The test provided a chance for drivers to reacquaint themselves with the challenging circuit ahead of the upcoming schedule.
Discussing the upcoming crossover during an IndyCar interview, Josef Newgarden expressed his optimism for more such events, stating:
“I’m super excited to be teamed up with NASCAR and have a double weekend. People want more of that. This is a good addition. The last time we had it was obviously at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.tBut I look forward to sticking around that weekend, watching the Cup event. And you know the Cup guys love coming over, checking out what we’re doing over the weekend. So if we could get a couple more of those, I’d be all for it.”
— Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Champion
This isn’t the first time that IndyCar and NASCAR have shared a venue. The two series previously raced together on the same weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2022, marking the second consecutive year of such collaboration. Looking ahead, fans can also anticipate the 2026 season opener at St. Petersburg, another shared weekend—this time with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Newgarden Fondly Recalls Previous Victory in Phoenix
Josef Newgarden holds a special connection to Phoenix Raceway, as he was the most recent IndyCar driver to claim victory there. In 2018, he secured the win after starting seventh and leading 30 laps, ultimately finishing ahead of rookie contender Robert Wickens, who had paced the field for 44 laps during the 250-lap event.
Reflecting on his past success at Phoenix following his tire test, Newgarden said:
“Last time here was 2018. It was obviously a great time with Team Penske,” Newgarden said. “We ended up winning the race. So, it was fun to look at those memories. You don’t really think about it until you have to start studying again. And then you look and watch the race back, brought back a bunch of good memories.”
— Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Champion
Beyond nostalgia, Newgarden emphasized his desire for improved racing this time around. Regarding his expectations for the upcoming return, he added:
“I hope that we’re able to make this race different than what it raced in the past. We know for sure nowadays in IndyCar that getting a second lane in is what brings the best show.”
— Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Champion
Testing Paves the Way for a Competitive Weekend
During the recent Firestone test, both Newgarden and Will Power contributed to critical tire evaluations under cooler-than-expected conditions, with track temperatures hovering below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Their feedback helped Firestone address many technical objectives ahead of the spring event, though some insights may not directly translate to race weekend due to the expectation of much warmer weather in March.
The full IndyCar grid is set to return for a preseason test at Phoenix Raceway from February 17-18. When the Good Ranchers 250 gets underway in early March, teams and drivers will need to quickly adapt to changing conditions in pursuit of victory. The doubleheader weekend promises to offer heightened excitement for fans of both series, and for drivers like Newgarden, it’s a glimpse of what could become a more frequent collaboration at the highest levels of motorsport.
As crossover events like these bring together premier racing talent and broad fan interest, the momentum for further Josef Newgarden IndyCar NASCAR crossover weekends continues to grow. Both IndyCar and NASCAR communities will be watching closely, as the shared event at Phoenix could set the stage for a new era in American auto racing.
