Josef Newgarden, a two-time Indy 500 winner, recently infused excitement into a group of fourth-graders by sharing the revered traditions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On April 21, Newgarden brought the history and spirit of this prestigious race to young fans, emphasizing the influential aspects of these motorsport customs. His visit was part of the Education Program presented by Indiana University Health, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with the rich heritage of racing.
Through his Instagram stories, Newgarden unveiled snippets of his insightful visit to the racetrack, inviting his 150K followers to partake in this inspiring mission. He introduced the students to the iconic ‘Kissing the Bricks’ tradition—a practice dating back to the Brickyard 400 in 1996, initiated by NASCAR’s crew chief Todd Parrott and driver Dale Jarrett. This gesture has since become a cornerstone for every Indy 500 victor, symbolizing triumph and respect for the history of the track.
The initiative was part of a collaboration with the 500 Festival, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the Indy 500’s legacy. Newgarden, lauded as the most successful American driver in the series, embraced the opportunity to connect directly with young fans and impart the essence of a sport he adores.
As Newgarden gears up for the 109th running of the iconic race, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation for him to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive win—a feat that could redefine his racing career. Meanwhile, Newgarden’s recent experience at the 50th ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach presented challenges, as a seat belt malfunction disrupted his performance. The incident, reminiscent of an issue that troubled teammate Will Power the previous year, was notably critiqued by fellow racer Conor Daly.
With the next race slated for May 4, all eyes will be on Newgarden and his resilience, as well as how he leverages his recent experiences to possibly script another glorious chapter at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
