Josef Newgarden captured attention at the Toronto IndyCar event with a bold Ryan Blaney fashion statement, wearing a themed shirt ahead of the race in Canada. The Team Penske driver stirred conversation among fans and the paddock, integrating the Ryan Blaney fashion statement Canada into pre-race buzz as he searched for a change of fortune on the temporary street circuit.
Newgarden Debuts Blaney-Inspired Look Amid Challenging Season
Josef Newgarden, age 34, drew a crowd when he arrived at the opening practice for the Toronto Grand Prix clad in a black T-shirt featuring a playful design: ‘I ❤️’ followed by an image of Ryan Blaney and his iconic moustache. The Nashville native made his nod to fellow Team Penske racer Blaney known through an Instagram post, highlighting his light-hearted approach despite facing a difficult 2025 campaign.
“Felt like Blaney’s beard would be a hit with the Canadians.”
—Josef Newgarden, Team Penske driver
This creative wardrobe choice comes as Newgarden attempts to shift his luck amid a turbulent season that has seen several crashes and race retirements. The link to Blaney is especially notable; Blaney, known for his NASCAR Cup Series success, is also recognized for a superstition involving his unshaven moustache as the stock car season intensifies—a ritual Newgarden appears to be borrowing as the IndyCar season enters its critical phase in Toronto.
Seeking Better Results After Recent Setbacks
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden approached the Canadian race weekend hoping to reverse a run of misfortune that had plagued him throughout the 2025 season. Following multiple crashes and missed opportunities for victories, Newgarden experienced more strategic challenges during the Iowa Speedway doubleheader, missing a potential win due to pit strategy on both days. Although he avoided incidents in Iowa, the elusive first win of his year continued to slip away, increasing the stakes for his outing in Toronto.
Notably, Newgarden’s history on the Toronto street circuit features memorable moments, including victories in 2015 and 2017. This background fueled optimism that donning the Ryan Blaney-themed shirt might offer a boost as he targeted a stronger finish and hoped to capitalize on experience around the Canadian venue.
Challenging Start to Toronto Grand Prix Weekend
Newgarden’s hopes for immediate improvement were tempered during the initial session of the Toronto Grand Prix weekend. He concluded the first practice on Friday, July 18, in 15th position—a result that stood in contrast to his role as the top Penske performer at the previous Iowa Speedway event. Fellow Penske teammates excelled by comparison: Scott McLaughlin secured the second best lap time, while Will Power finished fifth in the session.
The practice session also saw strong performances from other drivers, with Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Autosport leading the field and championship frontrunner Alex Palou setting the third fastest time. The result underscored ongoing challenges for Newgarden on road and street courses throughout the current season, with his race team facing increasing pressure to find competitive form.
Looking Ahead: Newgarden Eyes Turnaround
Despite the rocky start in Toronto and the continued struggles on non-oval circuits, Newgarden remains focused on maximizing his opportunity during the remainder of the race weekend. With fond memories of his past successes in Canada, including his two previous victories on the Toronto street circuit, the two-time IndyCar champion is hopeful that his playfully superstitious tribute to teammate Ryan Blaney may offer a change of luck as he looks to collect points and move up the standings.
The weekend’s action will continue to draw attention to both Newgarden’s performance and the light-hearted, fan-pleasing approach he brings, integrating both the competitive spirit of Team Penske and the camaraderie across the larger racing community. As the race unfolds, all eyes remain on Newgarden to see if his Ryan Blaney fashion statement translates into better fortune on the challenging streets of Toronto.
