Josef Newgarden, driving for Team Penske, was forced to retire from the 2025 IndyCar race in Toronto following a collision with rookie Jacob Abel of Dale Coyne Racing during a restart after a caution. The incident occurred just over a third of the way through the race on the tight street circuit, which often prompts crashes due to its challenging layout. Several other cars were involved in the crash but managed to continue.
The Toronto street course, the only international venue on the IndyCar calendar, is known for its unforgiving bumps and tight turns, frequently leading to caution periods and close racing battles, as demonstrated once again this year.
Sequence Leading to the Crash During Restart
Earlier, Alexander Rossi had caused the race’s third caution when he made contact with the barriers. At the restart, Jacob Abel was running just ahead of David Malukas and Louis Foster. Abel struggled with the restart pace and was overtaken by Malukas entering Turn 1. Louis Foster, attempting to follow Malukas, nudged Abel’s car, forcing the rookie into the barrier.
With little reaction time, Josef Newgarden, directly behind the trio, collided into Abel’s stalled car. The crash dramatically left Abel’s vehicle resting on top of Newgarden’s #2 Team Penske Chevrolet, ending the race for both drivers. Meanwhile, Devlin DeFrancesco spun while trying to avoid the congestion exiting Turn 1, and Kyle Kirkwood narrowly evaded involvement by swerving sharply.
Both Newgarden and Abel were able to exit their vehicles without injury, though Newgarden appeared visibly frustrated after the crash, continuing a streak of misfortune during the 2025 season.
Speaking to FOX after the incident, Newgarden said,
“Wrong place, wrong time. Just want to say thanks to PPG, Chevrolet and all our supporters at home.”
—Josef Newgarden, IndyCar driver
Earlier in the race, Newgarden’s teammate Scott McLaughlin had faced an early retirement after an improperly secured rear left wheel nut led to tire failure and the first caution.
Ongoing Challenges for Josef Newgarden in 2025 Season
Josef Newgarden has demonstrated strong speed throughout the 2025 IndyCar season but has been plagued by bad luck at several key events, including recent misfortunes in Toronto. Despite the #2 Chevrolet showing winning potential, unexpected setbacks have repeatedly derailed his efforts.
At the Indianapolis 500, Newgarden started from the back of the grid after a controversy involving an attenuator part but moved up through the field before a fuel system malfunction forced him out of the race. Later, while leading at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), Newgarden was taken out after a collision with Louis Foster’s damaged car.
In Iowa, pit strategy decisions and ill-timed caution flags also prevented Newgarden from capturing victories, notably benefitting rivals like Pato O’Ward. His exit from the Toronto race in round one adds to a frustrating year, and he is currently positioned 14th in the championship standings.
Implications for Newgarden and Team Penske Moving Forward
This crash in Toronto underscores the challenges faced by Newgarden and Team Penske in turning competitive pace into consistent results. The tight street circuit’s difficulties and the string of incidents have compounded pressure on the driver to regain momentum. Maintaining focus and strategy will be critical for Newgarden as the season continues, especially with important races on more conventional tracks ahead.
Both Newgarden and Abel’s ability to walk away safely from the crash offers relief, but the impact on championship points and team morale is significant. Newgarden and Team Penske will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for upcoming events where every point counts.