Penske driver Josef Newgarden was lucky to walk away unharmed following a frightening airborne crash during Sunday’s IndyCar race at Gateway. The collision, involving 21-year-old Louis Foster, occurred on lap 130 when Foster lost control after hitting the wall twice, sending his car spinning onto the racing line just as Newgarden approached at high speed.
Newgarden tried to avoid the out-of-control RLL Honda by swerving left, but contact was unavoidable, causing his car to launch into the air, flip over, and land hard further down the track. A track marshal quickly responded, climbing over the barrier to help right Newgarden’s car. Both drivers subsequently passed medical evaluations and were released without injuries.
Sequence Leading to the Crash From Louis Foster’s Perspective
After the incident, Foster described the moments that led to the accident. He explained that while following behind drivers like David Malukas and Santino Ferrucci, he experienced significant instability.
“I got up behind [David] Malukas or [Santino] Ferrucci [and] got a bit of a wiggle. I was having big wiggles all race there. I just got a bit too high onto the dark stuff.”
He continued,
“I just got into the marbles and I was a complete passenger. At that point, I bent my toe link. I just couldn’t stop the car from spinning there.”
Reflections on the Impact and Race Outcome
Foster acknowledged the severity of the crash for both himself and Newgarden and expressed relief that neither was injured. He also voiced frustration at how the race ended.
“Really, really annoying because we were really fast. We were really fast. It’s just a shame it had to end that way. Marbles caught me out.” —Louis Foster, Driver
Newgarden chose not to comment publicly after the accident, while medical staff confirmed both drivers were cleared following a precautionary assessment.
Implications for Future IndyCar Races at Gateway
This crash highlights the ongoing challenges drivers face with track conditions, particularly the marbles—small debris on the racing surface that can cause loss of traction. Newgarden’s airborne crash underscores the importance of safety measures and quick emergency response at high-speed events. Observers will watch closely how this incident influences team strategies and car setups in upcoming IndyCar races at Gateway and beyond.