Newgarden Clinches Fifth Triumph at World Wide Technology Raceway
Josef Newgarden demonstrated his mastery at World Wide Technology Raceway, securing his fifth career victory at the venue in a thrilling race marked by high-stakes restarts and pivotal pit stops. The Team Penske driver edged out teammate Scott McLaughlin on two crucial restarts and maintained his composure during a late-race pit stop to seize the lead.
Newgarden's victory, his fourth in the past five years at the track, was a testament to his skill and determination. His race almost took a disastrous turn on Lap 196 when he nearly spun out but managed to keep his car off the wall, showcasing remarkable control and poise.
“We had the car and the speed to win that thing," said an elated but focused Newgarden after the race. The win marked a significant comeback from last year's event, where a crash with 49 laps remaining ended his winning streak at the track. This victory, however, reaffirmed his dominance in Madison, Illinois.
Team Penske had more reasons to celebrate as their No. 2 cars swept the venue. Earlier in the year, Austin Cindric clinched victory in the NASCAR Cup race, solidifying the team's supremacy at the track.
The race saw a showdown between Newgarden and teammate Scott McLaughlin, but it was Will Power who led the most laps. Unfortunately for Power, his race unravelled during a chaotic restart with nine laps to go, resulting in a collision with Alexander Rossi. Power finished 18th and subsequently dropped to fourth in the points standings.
"I don't know why — I do not know why — he would just keep backing up and going, not going," Power expressed his frustration, reflecting on the fateful restart.
The closing laps of the race were marred by multiple incidents, with David Malukas's crash bringing out a caution with 18 laps remaining. Newgarden seized the lead during the caution and never looked back. The race eventually concluded under caution due to a last-lap wreck, solidifying Newgarden's victory.
Defending series champion Álex Palou managed to extend his points lead amidst the chaotic race. In a display of consistent driving, Palou capitalized on others' misfortunes, keeping himself in contention for back-to-back championships.
Marcus Ericsson, who briefly held the lead for 13 laps, saw his chances dwindle after complications in the pits on Lap 149. "It just doesn't want to go our way," he lamented.
Pato O'Ward's day ended prematurely due to engine trouble, retiring after just 42 laps. O'Ward, who had been the runner-up in four of the last five races at the venue, voiced his determination: “It's been a year of ups and downs, and I think at this point we just want to be winning races. There's four to go, so there's plenty of points on the table."
The race was not without its share of dramatic spins and crashes. Both Juncos Hollinger Racing cars crashed on Lap 17, and Conor Daly, replacing Augustin Canapino in the No. 78 car, spun on the backstretch, marking a tumultuous debut.
Despite the adrenaline-filled action on the track, the event saw smaller crowds compared to the earlier NASCAR event at the venue. The noticeable empty seats in the main grandstand raised questions about spectator interest and engagement for the IndyCar series at World Wide Technology Raceway.
As the series moves forward, the focus shifts to the final road course race in Portland, Oregon, set for Sunday, Aug. 25. It was here last year that Palou secured his second series championship, and he will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen his lead as the season approaches its climax.
The mix of seasoned contenders and emerging talents promises an exciting drive to the championship. With four races remaining, the battle for points and podium finishes intensifies, and every lap counts in the quest for glory on the IndyCar circuit.