Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden and other IndyCar drivers have arrived in Toronto, Canada, gearing up for the Honda Indy Toronto, the last street race of the 2025 season. Following the recent doubleheader at Iowa Speedway, the series now moves into its final third with just five race weekends left before the 2025 champion is crowned. Newgarden reflected on the significant place Toronto holds in his career as the IndyCar season heads towards critical final stages.

Upcoming Races Feature a Mix of Street Circuits and Permanent Tracks

The 2025 IndyCar schedule includes only one more street race after Toronto, making this event a pivotal challenge before the series shifts to permanent road courses and oval circuits. The remaining races after Toronto will be held at Laguna Seca, Portland, Milwaukee Mile, and Nashville Superspeedway, with Toronto’s temporary 1.786-mile street circuit located beside Lake Ontario serving as the last test on city streets.

Toronto’s Street Circuit Holds Special Meaning for Newgarden

Josef Newgarden spoke with the media as he prepared to tackle the demanding Toronto street track, emphasizing its importance in his racing journey. The 2015 Honda Indy Toronto marked only his second career win while driving for CFH Racing, shortly after earning his first victory at Alabama that same year. These early triumphs drew the attention of Team Penske, where Newgarden later secured two IndyCar championships and two Indy 500 victories after a stint with Ed Carpenter Racing in 2016.

Newgarden expressed the emotional connection he has with the Toronto venue:

“Toronto has always been a special place for me. It was one of my first INDYCAR SERIES wins in 2015 and helped me get to the place I am today with Team Penske. It’s a very demanding circuit but that makes it so much sweeter when you win there. The fans are passionate with great energy, and you can feel that in the car.” —Josef Newgarden, IndyCar Driver

Challenges Faced by Newgarden and Team Penske at Iowa Speedway

The first half of the 2025 season was difficult for Team Penske, with neither Newgarden nor his teammates managing a victory. Despite hopes of a turnaround in the second half, the team again encountered obstacles at Iowa Speedway. Newgarden secured pole position for Race 1 and led most of the event before Pato O’Ward overtook him following the final pitstop, relegating Newgarden to second place. Team Penske drivers still achieved strong finishes, with all three placing within the Top 5.

In Race 2, Newgarden began in the Top 5 and quickly took the lead. However, a caution period disrupted his pit strategy, placing him at a disadvantage. Demonstrating resilience, Newgarden fought back to regain the lead before another late caution allowed Alex Palou to execute a favorable pitstop, leading to Palou’s victory. Despite these setbacks, Newgarden’s drive showed determination as he worked through the challenges on track.

Toronto Race’s Importance for Newgarden and Season Outlook

As the 2025 Honda Indy Toronto represents the final street race of the year, it carries significant weight for drivers like Newgarden who thrive in the high-pressure environment of street circuits. The demanding nature of the Toronto track, combined with passionate fans and the proximity to Lake Ontario, creates a unique racing atmosphere. A strong performance here can set the tone for the remaining events at permanent tracks and ovals, potentially influencing the championship fight.

With just over a month until the champion is decided, Newgarden’s reflections highlight not only his personal connection to Toronto but also the strategic importance of this race weekend. Success on these streets could bolster momentum as the IndyCar series heads into its concluding rounds at Laguna Seca, Portland, Milwaukee Mile, and Nashville Superspeedway.