Josef Newgarden – 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner (Penske)

Lore & Background

The race itself was a test of strategy and nerve, with Newgarden’s Penske crew executing flawless pit stops and adjustments that kept him in contention through the grueling 200 laps. A record 34 lead changes scrambled the order, and with 15 laps to go, Newgarden had dropped to 12th after a slow final stop—only to claw back through the pack, lap after lap, his car handling like it was on rails. The defining moment came on the final lap, when Newgarden executed a bold pass on the outside of Turn 4, overtaking Marcus Ericsson to take the lead and the checkered flag by less than a car length. The move was both audacious and calculated—a high-speed gamble on a line that most drivers avoid—showcasing Newgarden’s ability to thrive under pressure. The victory was celebrated as a classic Indianapolis 500 finish, echoing the dramatic last-lap passes of legends like Al Unser Jr. in 1992. For Newgarden, it was the culmination of a decade-long quest, and for Team Penske, it added another chapter to their storied history at the Speedway. Beyond the trophy, the win cemented Newgarden’s legacy as a versatile driver capable of winning on all types of tracks, from road courses to ovals. His victory lane celebration, complete with a tearful embrace of his wife Ashley and their young son, became an iconic image of the race, symbolizing the emotional weight of achieving a lifelong dream.

In Their Own Story

One lap to go. The checkered flag was a promise, but the path was a razor’s edge. He had been here before—so close, yet so far. But this time, the rhythm was different. His Penske machine hummed with precision, a symphony of horsepower and hope. As they barreled into Turn 4, he saw the gap, a sliver of possibility—Ericsson had drifted just a foot high. Newgarden dove to the outside, the tires biting into the asphalt as if they knew the script. For a heartbeat, time stopped. The finish line flashed under his nose, a blur of white and red. Then, the line. Victory. The world exploded in a cascade of cheers and tears, and Newgarden knew—this was the moment he’d chased his whole life.

Reader's Guide

Newgarden, driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Team Penske, started from 17th position but steadily worked his way through the field, showcasing his strategic acumen and raw speed. The win was his first in the Indianapolis 500 after eight previous attempts, making it a breakthrough moment in his career. The significance of this victory extends beyond Newgarden’s personal milestone. It marked the 19th Indianapolis 500 win for Team Penske, further cementing the organization’s dominance at the Speedway. The race itself was a thriller, with multiple lead changes and a dramatic final lap that saw Newgarden pass Marcus Ericsson for the win. This finish is often compared to other classic last-lap battles in 500 history, such as Al Unser Jr.’s 1992 victory. It also demonstrated his versatility as a driver, proving he could conquer the unique challenges of the Indianapolis 500. The race’s outcome was celebrated as a testament to perseverance and teamwork, with Newgarden’s crew playing a crucial role in his success.

Did You Know?

• Newgarden’s victory marked the 19th Indianapolis 500 win for Team Penske, extending their record as the most successful team in the race’s history.
• The winning pass on the final lap was made on the outside of Turn 4, a high-risk maneuver that Newgarden later called the most intense moment of his career.