Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden recently experienced a heart-stopping moment during the NTT IndyCar Series qualifying at Road America. The two-time defending Indy 500 champion had a massive crash on the final lap of the Firestone “Fast Six” qualifications, leaving fans and fellow drivers in shock. Let’s delve into the details of this high-speed incident and Newgarden’s remarkable escape.
A MASSIVE impact for @josefnewgarden at the end of qualifying.
The No. 2 driver has been seen and released.#INDYCAR // #XPELGP pic.twitter.com/xSdaiOK2lQ
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) June 8, 2024
On the picturesque Road America circuit, Newgarden was pushing the limits in pursuit of pole position for the XPEL Grand Prix. At an estimated 180 miles per hour, his No. 2 PPG Chevrolet hit a slick part of the track in Turn 2. The car flew off course, slamming hard into the SAFER Barrier. The impact sent the car airborne before coming to an abrupt stop. Despite the violence of the crash, Newgarden emerged unscathed.
After being evaluated in the AMR IndyCar medical unit, Newgarden expressed relief. “I’m good,” he told NBC Sports. “What happened is what I thought happened. I feel like an idiot. I got a little bit wide. You can’t do that in this position.” Newgarden acknowledged that he had pushed too hard, aiming for pole position like everyone else. His rocket-ship car had the potential for a strong lap, but the mistake cost him dearly.
Josef Newgarden's on-board camera shows just how vicious his crash was.
Glad he's OK. #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/V3LXTUy0Dz
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) June 8, 2024
Team Penske immediately sprang into action, preparing a backup car for Sunday’s race. Newgarden’s disappointment was palpable, knowing that the car was performing exceptionally well. The Fast Six appearance hinted at a shot for pole position, but fate had other plans. Despite the setback, Newgarden’s resilience shone through.
Josef Newgarden’s Historic Back-to-Back Indy 500 Wins: A Triumph of Resilience
On the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Josef Newgarden etched his name into racing history. The Team Penske driver secured back-to-back victories at the iconic Indianapolis 500, becoming the first to achieve this feat in over two decades. Let’s delve into the drama, triumph, and controversy surrounding Josef Newgarden’s remarkable achievement.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, Josef Newgarden found himself locked in a fierce battle with young sensation Pato O’Ward. The final lap unfolded like a high-speed chess match, with both drivers pushing their limits. Newgarden’s experience and determination prevailed as he executed a daring move to snatch victory from O’Ward. The roar of the crowd echoed through Gasoline Alley as Newgarden crossed the finish line, etching his name alongside legends.
Newgarden’s victory lap was a mix of elation and introspection. Unlike some exuberant champions, he wore the weight of his achievement. His crew knew it too—the seamless coordination, the familiar route through the crowd—it was all part of a well-rehearsed script. But Newgarden, ever the introvert, sat on the outer wall, absorbing the moment. His wife, Ashley, checked on him, and chief mechanic Chad Gordon assured everyone that he was merely exhausted. The spoils of victory came with a price: Newgarden would be IndyCar’s reluctant frontman for another year.
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