IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden revealed that he used an alias to sneak into a fan party at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the night before the 109th Indy 500. This clever move placed him alongside Formula 1 star Max Verstappen, who recently used a similar tactic to stay unnoticed during a Ferrari test session.
How Josef Newgarden Adopted a Secret Identity to Join the Festivities
The night before the 109th Indy 500 on May 24, Josef Newgarden attended a fan gathering at Indianapolis Motor Speedway under the pseudonym “Jason Newberry.” This allowed him to blend in without drawing attention, a strategy reminiscent of Max Verstappen’s recent use of the fake name “Franz Hermann” during an F1 test at the Nurburgring Endurance Series with Ferrari.
Verstappen’s covert appearance under the alias generated widespread attention, with even F1’s official social media accounts adopting “Franz Hermann” in their practice session updates at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. Red Bull now offers Franz Hermann merchandise inspired by this playful stunt.
Josef Newgarden shared his story while speaking to fans during the Indy 500 gala, humorously describing his alter ego:
“We were out on the Speedway the night before (the race). I just wanted to see what happens the night before on the Speedway. I think I was given an alter-ego name, Jason Newberry. You should look out for Jason Newberry. He’s an animal at night.”
He elaborated on his appreciation for Indianapolis and its passionate community as the reason behind his desire to experience the pre-race atmosphere incognito:
“I didn’t expect you (the host) to bring this up, but yeah, I love the community of Indianapolis. It’s what makes this race so special. I keep talking about it because there is nothing that replicates it anywhere in the world. It was a dream for me to go in the crowd. I love what Indy is. Whether you love or hate somebody, it’s the passion of Indianapolis, it’s the chance to watch people coming together and going for it.”
Day of the Race: Challenges and Outcomes for Newgarden and Verstappen
May 25 was a landmark day in motorsports, featuring the Monaco Grand Prix for F1, the Indy 500 for IndyCar, and the Coca-Cola 600 for NASCAR, all in sequence. Verstappen finished fourth in the challenging streets of Monaco, while Josef Newgarden faced misfortune at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newgarden, who was aiming to make history as the first driver to win three consecutive Indy 500s, encountered significant hurdles. His No. 2 Team Penske vehicle was penalized for a technical infraction discovered during qualifying, forcing him to start from 32nd on the grid along with teammate Will Power in 33rd position.
Despite this setback, Newgarden made an impressive climb to sixth place, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination. Unfortunately, his race ended prematurely due to a fuel pump malfunction deemed an “anomaly,” forcing him to retire from the event.
“It’s tough to not have a shot here at the end. It’s a team sport. It takes everything to win here. I’m still immensely grateful to run at Indianapolis. As tough as it is to take, I still feel grateful to be out here today. I just wish we had a chance to fight for it,” he told FOX.
What’s Next for IndyCar and Formula 1 After the Indy 500
Following the intense weekend, the motorsport calendar continues with a major F1 and IndyCar double-header from May 30 to June 1. Formula 1 will move to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured victory in 2024. Meanwhile, IndyCar heads to Detroit for the Detroit Grand Prix, keeping excitement high among racing fans.
Josef Newgarden’s creative use of the pseudonym Jason Newberry highlights both his desire to connect with fans and the unique atmosphere surrounding the Indy 500. His determination despite technical setbacks emphasizes the competitive spirit of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the close-knit racing community that surrounds it.
