Josef Newgarden of Team Penske has faced a challenging start to the 2025 IndyCar season, currently placed 16th in the Drivers’ standings after eight rounds. Despite these setbacks, Newgarden maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing his focus on optimism rather than superstition as he prepares for the upcoming XPEL Grand Prix at Road America.
Early Season Performance and Setbacks
So far this season, Newgarden has accumulated 132 points, achieving one top-five and three top-ten finishes. His performance contrasts with his Penske teammates, Will Power and Scott McLaughlin, who are positioned seventh and eighth respectively in the standings, with Power holding 181 points and McLaughlin close behind at 171 points.
Newgarden’s struggles came into sharp focus at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, where during lap 129 of the 260-lap race, he crashed and flipped his #2 Penske car. He managed to walk away unharmed, though the incident was one of the more severe accidents this season. Despite this, Newgarden continues to uphold a positive mindset as a guiding principle.
“I don’t know if I have a specific mantra, but I try not to be superstitious, and I just try and be positive, more than anything. And if that’s my mantra, it’s positivity.” —Josef Newgarden, Driver
Reflection on the St. Louis Crash and Recovery
Newgarden’s crash at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in St. Louis was a stark reminder of the risks involved in IndyCar racing. The two-time champion was on track for a competitive finish before the accident raised concerns among fans and fellow competitors. Thanks to modern IndyCar safety measures, Newgarden escaped serious injury.
“Feel so bad for my PPG team and Chevrolet. Felt like we had the car to beat. Feel fortunate with all the safety processes that INDYCAR has and look forward to getting back on track next week in Road America.” —Josef Newgarden, Driver
Focus on Upcoming Challenges and Season Outlook
Newgarden’s previous success at Road America, where he finished second in 2024 behind teammate Will Power, offers a moment of encouragement amid a difficult campaign. At 34 years old, Newgarden faces a tough challenge to match his impressive 2024 season results, which included two wins, two pole positions, and multiple top-five finishes, ultimately securing eighth in the rankings with 401 points.
With only nine races left in the 2025 calendar, Newgarden’s emphasis on maintaining a positive mindset during this slump is a key factor in his approach to the season’s remainder. His resilience and focus on optimism could play an important role in turning his fortunes around as he vies to close the gap with the frontrunners.
