Josef Newgarden secured a much-needed Team Penske IndyCar Nashville victory at the Nashville Superspeedway, breaking a winless streak that extended from the beginning of the 2025 season. Facing hurdles such as mechanical failures and a streak of misfortunes, the 32-year-old driver finally celebrated a home track win, drawing praise from his fellow competitor Conor Daly.
Overcoming Setbacks on Nashville’s Circuit
Newgarden was widely expected to notch multiple race wins in 2025 after a stellar 2024 season in IndyCar. However, the year delivered numerous obstacles for the driver of the #2 Chevrolet, including several non-finishes and lapses that saw him fall short in previous races. The Nashville round marked a significant turning point, especially given its status as Newgarden’s home event.
Qualifying sixth, Newgarden remained among the front runners throughout the race. The competition shifted following David Malukas’ crash on Lap 83, which prompted a caution. This provided Newgarden the chance to advance further up the order as the endgame unfolded.
A crash involving Pato O’Ward and trouble for Will Power in the pit lane handed Newgarden an effective lead. Despite losing this position to teammate Scott McLaughlin after the final pit stop, a late error from the New Zealander allowed Newgarden to reclaim the lead and seize his first win of the season in front of a hometown crowd.
Conor Daly Commends Newgarden’s Determination
Following Newgarden’s breakthrough, Conor Daly, who started from the back following a tough qualifying session, shone on race day by progressing through the field and finishing fifth. Daly is known for his prowess on oval circuits, and after the race, he spoke openly about Newgarden’s accomplishment:
“If we were on the black tire at the end, it becomes a different game. Obviously, Josef is so good in these places. He wanted to win so bad. I was staying at his house a couple of days ago, and all he could think about was winning. So I respect it.”
—Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
Missed Victories for Newgarden Amid 2025’s Hard Luck
Newgarden’s win at Nashville hasn’t been his only shot at glory in 2025. In the Indy 500, he showed strong pace and reached the Top 12 qualifiers, but after the attenuator scandal, he was moved to the rear of the field. Despite recovering to contend among the leaders, a mechanical problem forced an early retirement, robbing him of a possible victory at Indianapolis.
At Gateway, Newgarden was leading comfortably when the lapped car of Louis Foster struck the barrier. Running directly behind, Newgarden was swept up in the incident caused by the stricken RLL car, ending his race prematurely through no fault of his own.
In Iowa Races 2, Newgarden once again led the race with 35 laps remaining and made his final scheduled pit stop. Moments later, Colton Herta crashed, causing a caution that trapped Newgarden a lap down and dashed his chances for another win.
The Road Ahead: Newgarden and Team Penske Eye Strong Finish
Josef Newgarden’s Team Penske IndyCar Nashville victory not only lifts morale for the driver and team but also keeps championship hopes alive as the season advances. The win, achieved after overcoming significant adversity and repeated setbacks, demonstrates Newgarden’s resilience in the face of challenges. As the series continues, Newgarden and Team Penske will look to build on this home triumph, with fans and fellow competitors like Will Power, Scott McLaughlin, and Conor Daly closely watching his pursuit of further wins.
