Josef Newgarden is a two-time NTT IndyCar Series (NICS) champion.
By virtue of a series-high 4 wins, 7 podium finishes and 2 poles, including a eighth-place finish in today’s Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Newgarden drove the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet to his second championship in three years. Newgarden’s first title came in 2017, his first season driving for Team Penske.
Newgarden’s title is the 16th NICS championship for team owner Roger Penske. Team Penske has earned four titles since partnering with the Bowtie Brand in 2012, when Chevrolet returned to competition with the powerful and reliable 2.2-liter, twin turbo V6 engine. Chevrolet drivers have recorded six titles in eight seasons of V6 competition.
“On behalf of Chevrolet, congratulations to Josef Newgarden on capturing his second NTT IndyCar Series driver championship,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports. “Josef and his No. 2 Hitachi Chevrolet team started the season with a win at St. Pete and kept the momentum going all season long. Josef, Tim Cindric and the crew persevered through the intense IndyCar competition.
“It is equally exciting to recognize team owner Roger Penske on capturing his 16th championship in Indy car competition, a feat unmatched by any other owner in the series.”
The 28-year-old native of Hendersonville, Tennessee, started his run to the championship with a decisive victory in the season-opening race on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Newgarden went on to score victories in Race 1 of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix (CDGP), Texas Motor Speedway and Iowa Speedway.
He led the point standings the entire 17-race season except for leaving Indianapolis after the Indianapolis 500 was won by teammate Simon Pagenaud. Newgarden quickly regained the top spot following his victory in Race 1 in the CDGP on Belle Isle, and never looked back.
“My team did such a great job today and all year long. Tim (Cindric) called a great race,” said an elated Newgarden. “I tried to be as smart as I could today. Team Chevy has done a great job. Won the Indy 500 with Simon (Pagenaud) and now this championship. It’s about all you can ask for in one season. I’m just so thankful to everyone who has helped me. It’s been a heck of a year.”
In his young NICS career — his first race was St. Petersburg in 2012 — Newgarden has amassed 14 wins, all behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-powered race car.
In addition to most race wins this season, Newgarden has led the most races during the season, most laps led and most top-five finishes.
Led by race strategist Tim Cindric, the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet team brought home the title with detailed preparation, great strategy, excellent execution on pit lane and dedication to delivering the best performance on-track throughout the season.
Chevrolet competed previously in Indy car competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines that powered six driver champions. Today’s crowning of Newgarden brings the historical total to 12.
Newgarden will begin his title defense on the Streets of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Inside Track Communications PR
