Josef Newgarden faces a daunting challenge as he prepares to compete in the Indianapolis 500 from the 32nd starting position, the very last row on the grid. Historically, no driver has won this race starting 20th or worse since Al Unser achieved it in 1987, making Newgarden’s situation a remarkable test of skill and determination. His confidence, however, remains undeterred as he aims to navigate these unfavorable odds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Historical Context Highlights the Difficulty of Newgarden’s Task
Throughout the history of the Indianapolis 500, victories from deep in the field have been extremely rare. The furthest back any winner has come is from 28th place, achieved by Ray Harroun in the inaugural 1911 race and Louis Meyer in 1936, the latter notable for starting the tradition of drinking milk in victory lane. Moreover, no driver has ever captured three consecutive Borg-Warner Trophies, underscoring the exceptional nature of the event’s competition and unpredictability.
Newgarden’s Performance and Confidence This May
During the Month of May leading up to the race, Newgarden has consistently demonstrated strong performance, appearing near the top of the speed charts throughout practice and topping the final day of on-track preparations, known as Carb Day. His ability to confidently handle traffic—a key attribute for success at the Indy 500—further supports his belief in his ability to climb through the field.
Peers Recognize Newgarden’s Skill and Determination
Kyle Larson, who is starting 19th, expressed admiration for Newgarden’s abilities and expectations for his race progress. Larson remarked,
“It’s going to be really exciting for fans to watch Josef carve his way to the front,”
highlighting Newgarden’s experience and bravery behind the wheel. He added,
“It will be tough to pick his way forward, but I think he’ll be able to execute his way to the front along with a good car. He’ll be great on restarts. He will execute good pit stops. It’s the unknown of if there’s an accident in front of him and stuff that he can’t avoid, things like that. He’ll have no problem getting his way to the front.”
Newgarden shares this conviction without hesitation. When asked if winning from deep in the field was still possible, he declared,
“Oh, absolutely, absolutely.”
The 34-year-old maintains a steady focus on what it will take to succeed amid challenges.
Staying Focused Amid Team Setbacks and Penalties
Beyond the racing challenges, Newgarden and Team Penske have faced recent turmoil with penalties and the firing of three executives, including the team president Tim Cindric. Despite this backdrop, Newgarden remains resolute and undistracted, emphasizing that his focus is solely on the race.
He stated clearly,
“I don’t want to disappoint or offend anybody. I’m here to talk about the race. I’m here with my team. I’m ready to go racing. I love this race. My goodness, I’ve been enjoying being here this whole time. I look forward to it every year, as we all do. Ready to go to work with our group.”
When pressed again on the penalties, he responded,
“I just see a bigger mountain. That’s all I see.”
And later,
“Yeah, I’m not going to comment further on the actions that have happened with the team this week, like I said earlier.”
Adapting to the Unpredictable Environment of the Indy 500
Newgarden describes the Indianapolis 500 as an unpredictable and temperamental environment where no fixed strategy can guarantee success. Each year has unique dynamics that require flexibility and instinctive decision-making during the race.
He explained,
“It’s different every year. I didn’t predict anything the first two races. I didn’t know how they were going to flow,”
recalling the chaotic 2023 race.
“Last year, same deal. You’re just sort of going off instinct. It was a really big battle last year with multiple cars. I don’t know what this year’s going to look like. I think you have to stay very open-ended, at least as far as your plan or perspective. They’re all different.”
The Formula Newgarden Trusts to Win From Any Starting Spot
Though he acknowledges there is no one formula to win the Indy 500, Newgarden emphasizes the importance of a race cadence—managing pace, strategy, and timing throughout the 500 miles. He firmly believes this approach applies regardless of starting position, including from the very back.
Newgarden stated,
“We know what we need to do throughout the race to give ourselves an opportunity to go for the win,”
explaining that the key lies in patience and calculated moves.
“I think that’s really not the secret, but it’s just the formula, if you will. You have to give yourself a chance at the right time. Seems simple, but this race, it’s an endurance in a lot of ways, it’s 500 miles.”
He elaborated on the factors that must be managed carefully, saying,
“A lot you have to calculate through: the way you manage yellows, where you put yourself in the strategies, when you’re making moves, when you’re not. There’s a cadence to it. We’ve done it before, and we’ll try and do the exact same thing this weekend.”
The Outlook for Newgarden and the Indy 500 Legacy
Josef Newgarden’s attempt to win the Indy 500 starting from the last row represents not only a personal test of skill and perseverance but also a challenge to the history books that have largely favored those starting closer to the front. His resilience and tactical maturity, combined with his proven speed and experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, position him as a compelling figure to watch in this year’s race.
If he succeeds, Newgarden would join a very exclusive group of winners who overcame daunting starting positions, potentially inspiring other drivers to believe that starting deep in the field does not preclude victory. Regardless of the outcome, his approach embodies the enduring appeal of the Indy 500: a race where determination, adaptability, and race-day execution hold the power to defy expectations.
