Josef Newgarden, driving for Team Penske, recently discussed the outcome of the Iowa double-header weekend, emphasizing that despite the pit stop mistake that cost the team a race win, Team Penske does not need to alter its approach. The American racer, behind the wheel of the #2 Chevrolet-powered car, claimed pole position for the Saturday, July 12 race and was leading strongly until a pit stop error allowed Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren to pass and secure the victory.

Newgarden praised the team for their hard work and steady progress throughout the race weekend. Speaking to Bob Pockrass, he stated:

“We just have to keep doing what you are doing,” Newgarden said. “Team Penske is working incredibly hard. [Saturday] was a good day for everybody. You could see the spirits lift. They don’t need to change what they are doing. They are doing a great job. They brought a fast car here again today.”

Throughout the season, Team Penske has demonstrated speed and competitiveness, but setbacks like poor execution and unfavorable circumstances have frequently affected their race results. After a strong 2-3-4 finish in one event, hopes were high for further success, but the Sunday race at Iowa ended with disappointing 10th, 24th, and 26th place finishes due to mechanical failures and incidents involving other drivers.

Newgarden’s Recent Season Highlights and Challenges

Josef Newgarden’s 2025 season has shown promise despite difficulties. At the Firestone Grand Prix on March 2, he qualified 10th and secured a podium finish by coming in third, marking Team Penske’s first top-three result of the year. At the Synk 275, Newgarden achieved pole position once again but finished second, continuing to showcase the team’s competitive pace even if the ultimate victory remains elusive.

The Iowa races added to the mixed fortunes. While Saturday’s race saw Newgarden leading dominant laps, the Sunday event presented numerous obstacles for Team Penske drivers, affecting their overall standings in the championship.

Newgarden’s Reaction to Iowa Race Setbacks

Josef Newgarden, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, candidly shared his thoughts after the Iowa races, particularly about the Saturday event where he was overtaken by Pato O’Ward on the final pit stop. Leading 232 of 275 laps, Newgarden’s chances of victory slipped away during the pit sequence when his crew’s slower stop allowed O’Ward’s Arrow McLaren to take track position and ultimately the win.

Speaking to Jack Harvey from IndyCar, Newgarden expressed his perspective on what determined the outcome:

“I don’t know what changes tomorrow. You know O’Ward got track position, and it was game over, just as simple as that so. My car was quick; Team Chevy did a great job. Finally getting a win for team Chevy is a big deal.”

Despite the setback, Newgarden has a strong track record at Iowa, with eight previous wins. Currently, he is positioned 14th in the drivers’ championship standings, holding 207 points as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead for Team Penske and Josef Newgarden

The Iowa double-header underlined both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Team Penske. Their cars remain capable of leading and setting quick lap times, but consistent execution during critical moments like pit stops will be crucial to translating speed into wins. Newgarden’s steady performance and confidence in the team’s efforts suggest that the organization will maintain its current strategy, trusting that the hard work and speed will eventually convert into more victories.

As the season continues, fans and team members alike will watch closely to see how Josef Newgarden and Team Penske build on their momentum, address operational challenges, and pursue the championship after their promising displays of speed and resilience on tracks like Iowa.