IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden used the nickname “Jason Newberry” to sneak into a fan party at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the evening before the 109th Indy 500, echoing a similar tactic employed by Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. This clever use of a pseudonym allowed Newgarden to mingle unnoticed with fans, highlighting the unique connection between drivers and the racing community at Indianapolis.
How Josef Newgarden and Max Verstappen Used Fake Names to Stay Under the Radar
Max Verstappen, well known for his achievements in Formula 1, previously adopted the alias “Franz Hermann” to keep a low profile while testing the Ferrari 296 GT3 car for Emil Frey Racing during a Nurburgring Endurance Series session. This was ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, where the Red Bull driver continued to attract attention, both on and off the track. The pseudonym sparked widespread social media buzz and even earned a presence on official F1 platforms, with fans embracing the joke and memorabilia featuring the name becoming available through Verstappen’s official store.
Similarly, Josef Newgarden, a two-time Indy 500 winner, shared his lighthearted experience using the alias “Jason Newberry” during the festivities before the 2025 Indy 500. At the event’s gala held a day after the race, he described his desire to be part of the fan atmosphere without the usual recognition a star driver commands.
“We were out on the Speedway the night before (the race). I just wanted to see what happens the night before on the Speedway. I think I was given an alter-ego name, Jason Newberry. You should look out for Jason Newberry. He’s an animal at night.”
—Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Driver
Newgarden’s Passion for IndyCar’s Community and Race Day Challenges
Newgarden expressed deep admiration for the Indianapolis racing scene, emphasizing the unmatched energy and passion shared by fans and participants alike. His enthusiasm for blending into the crowd reflected a genuine love for the event and the city itself.
“I didn’t expect you (the host) to bring this up, but yeah, I love the community of Indianapolis. It’s what makes this race so special. I keep talking about it because there is nothing that replicates it anywhere in the world. It was a dream for me to go in the crowd. I love what Indy is. Whether you love or hate somebody, it’s the passion of Indianapolis, it’s the chance to watch people coming together and going for it.”
—Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Driver
The 109th Indy 500 on May 25 was part of a major motorsport weekend that included Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. While Verstappen secured a respectable fourth-place finish on the Monaco streets, Newgarden’s day ended early due to mechanical trouble.
Setbacks During Indy 500 Threaten Newgarden’s Historic Bid
Josef Newgarden entered the race aiming to become the first driver in modern Indy 500 history to win three consecutive times. However, complications arose during qualifying when his No. 2 Team Penske car, along with teammate Will Power’s vehicle, was found to have a technical infraction. This led to both drivers being relegated to the back of the starting grid, occupying positions 32 and 33 respectively.
Despite the disadvantage, Newgarden displayed strong determination, battling up to sixth place during the race. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short when an unexpected fuel pump failure forced him to retire his car, eliminating his chance to compete for the title.
“It’s tough to not have a shot here at the end. It’s a team sport. It takes everything to win here. I’m still immensely grateful to run at Indianapolis. As tough as it is to take, I still feel grateful to be out here today. I just wish we had a chance to fight for it,”
—Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Driver
Upcoming Racing Events Continue the Intense 2025 Season
The high-stakes motorsport action will continue immediately, with another weekend featuring both Formula 1 and IndyCar races. From May 30 to June 1, Formula 1 heads to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, a track where Verstappen claimed victory in 2024. Meanwhile, IndyCar moves to the Detroit Grand Prix, where drivers will once again face the challenge of a tight street circuit.
Josef Newgarden’s experience using the “Jason Newberry” pseudonym underscores racers’ desire to engage with fans beyond the track, while his recent mechanical troubles illustrate how unpredictable and demanding the Indy 500 remains. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely as the 2025 season unfolds across multiple disciplines and venues.