Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden delivered a striking performance on Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing first in the third practice session ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. His standout effort signals a potential turnaround for both himself and Team Penske, as they prepare for one of the most prestigious events on the IndyCar calendar, scheduled for May 25. Newgarden, at the helm of the #2 Team Penske Chevrolet, described the practice as a “solid day” and expressed optimism about the team’s readiness for the crucial Fast Friday session.
Despite his proven track record as a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Newgarden has faced a challenging season so far, remaining winless through several races. The closest he came to a podium this year was at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, where he qualified 10th but ultimately missed out on a win. Other races, such as the ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach and the Sonsio Grand Prix, saw Newgarden qualify in mid-field positions and finish further back, fueling intense scrutiny and a sense of urgency within Team Penske.
During a conversation with IndyCar staff reporter Paul Kelly, Newgarden highlighted Team Penske’s high level of preparedness and eagerness to adjust their strategy for Fast Friday. This approach, he explained, could be the key to reversing his fortunes and building momentum after a difficult string of results. “We’ve had a solid day,” Newgarden remarked, referencing not just his own driving but Team Penske’s collective efforts to overcome recent setbacks.
The current driver standings place Josef Newgarden in 12th, holding 96 points, and considerably behind defending champion Alex Palou by 152 points. Noting his aggressive approach on the track, Newgarden admitted that this intensity has yet to yield the results he and Team Penske are chasing, stating that despite pushing hard, positive outcomes have remained elusive this season. FOX Motorsport reporter Bob Pockrass also pressed Newgarden on this strategy, further highlighting the sense of urgency surrounding these practice sessions.
As Team Penske continues to fine-tune its cars and adapt to rapidly changing conditions at the Speedway, the stakes are rising. Newgarden’s determination and the team’s persistent adjustments could signal a comeback just in time for the iconic race. With a third Indianapolis 500 victory in sight, all eyes are on Team Penske and Josef Newgarden as anticipation builds across the racing community.
