INDIANAPOLIS — Entering his 15th season in the IndyCar Series, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden finds himself as the most experienced driver on Roger Penske’s three-car team, stepping into a leadership role during a transitional period. The 35-year-old Nashville native is working not only to bounce back from his toughest recent season but also to help restore the reputation of Penske Racing following two cheating controversies over the past two years.
Newgarden’s adjustment is further complicated by familiar faces from Penske now aligned with a rival squad, Andretti Global. Seeing longtime teammate Will Power and former managing director Ron Ruzewski together at Phoenix for a Firestone test earlier this month gave Newgarden pause.
Familiar Faces Reappear on Opposing Teams
Reflecting on his reaction, Newgarden admitted the experience felt unusual.
“It was more weird seeing Ron. I was like ‘What the heck?’ Like I just wanted to debrief with Ron. I was like ‘Yeah, what do you think of this? We like this tire, right?’ It was so silly. I’m like ‘What are you even doing over there?’ — both him and Will,”
he said.
Despite personal disruptions, including losing power at his Tennessee home during a recent severe winter storm, Newgarden attended the preseason media day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway ready to focus on the demanding season ahead.
Adapting to Change Amid an Unstable Environment
After nearly a decade with Penske, Newgarden has grown accustomed to the fast-paced nature of open-wheel racing. Until recently, he had enjoyed stability and consistent success, but last season introduced uncertainty. Power, a fellow two-time series champion and IndyCar 500 winner, faced contract limbo in his final year with the team, creating unrest behind the scenes.
The challenge intensified in May during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying when inspectors discovered modified safety parts on Power’s and Newgarden’s cars. Although IndyCar officials determined the alterations did not confer a competitive edge, the violation sparked Penske’s second cheating scandal within just over a year.
Leadership Shake-Up and Team Restructuring
In response to the scandal, Roger Penske took decisive action by terminating key personnel, including Ruzewski, team president Tim Cindric, and IndyCar general manager Kyle Moyer. Subsequently, Jonathan Diuguid was promoted to president of Penske Racing, while Travis Law assumed the role of competition director. Later in the year, the team announced that Power would not be returning for the new IndyCar season, instead signing David Malukas to pilot the No. 12 Chevrolet.
With these changes, Newgarden assumes the mantle of longest-serving driver on a team focused on reestablishing its dominance and championship contention.
Newgarden Ready to Lead the Rebuild
Despite the challenges, Newgarden expressed a confident outlook on the evolving situation.
“We are the evil empire, about to strike,”
he joked.
“I want to tell you, yeah, it feels all different. It feels similar in a lot of ways. When I go in the shop, obviously we’re going to have some changes, but it feels like business as usual in a lot of respects, so I’m excited.”
Rivalries and Respect Among Former Teammates
Will Power, now competing against Penske, also voiced his competitive intent.
“There’s nothing more I want to do this year than beat Penske every single weekend,”
Power stated from Daytona Beach, Florida, where he participated in the IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona, a race Penske’s team recently won for a third consecutive year.
Newgarden, while harboring no resentment toward Power, acknowledges the intensity of racing against a former teammate.
“I just have a pothole detector,”
he said.
“It’s like instead of not seeing where they are, I’m going to find them this year, so that’s my strategy. It’s not a good strategy, but if I can just avoid them without falling into the crevices, I think we’re going to be better off. I’m like 90% positive if we fall in less potholes, we’re going to be better.”
Implications for the Season Ahead
As the 2024 IndyCar season unfolds, Newgarden’s veteran status places him at the forefront of Penske’s efforts to navigate a complex field fraught with internal rebuilding and external rivalry. His experience and determination will be pivotal in steering the team through ongoing challenges, as Penske Racing aims to reclaim its status at the top of American open-wheel racing.
The departure of Will Power, the leadership overhaul, and the aftermath of the cheating scandals underscore a period of transformation that could redefine the team’s trajectory. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if Newgarden and Penske Racing can return to championship form amid this high-stakes era in IndyCar history.
