Josef Newgarden, driving for Team Penske, expressed his disappointment after the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca, describing his race finish as “not ideal.” The American driver used his social media platform to communicate with fans, explaining the challenges his team faced and his hopes for upcoming races. This reflection shines a light on the struggles he experienced during the event despite having a competitive starting position.
The 34-year-old driver qualified in fourth place with an average lap speed of 101.845 mph but ultimately finished 11th. In his message, Newgarden acknowledged his team‘s efforts and expressed optimism for the remaining races in the season. He wrote,
“Not ideal to finish 11th, we just didn’t quite have the speed today. Big thanks to Astemo and the 2 team. Looking forward to learning what we can in these last few rounds and finish strong. See you in Portland!”
—Josef Newgarden, Team Penske Driver
Newgarden’s 2025 Season Performance Highlights
Earlier this year, Newgarden had shown strong form, finishing third at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg after qualifying tenth. His success continued at the Synk 275 race, where he secured pole position but encountered setbacks during a slow pit stop, which contributed to his second-place finish. His efforts demonstrated both speed and competitiveness despite some team missteps.
Impact of Pit Stop Errors on Newgarden’s Race Results
Race incidents beyond driver control have recently affected Newgarden’s outcomes, particularly in Iowa. Starting from pole position, he led 232 laps out of 275, dominating the race until a slow final pit stop by Team Penske allowed Pato O’Ward from Arrow McLaren to take the lead and the victory. Reflecting on the race while speaking to Jack Harvey of IndyCar, Newgarden remained positive about his and his team’s performance, stating,
“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.”
—Josef Newgarden, Team Penske Driver
Newgarden’s Standing in the 2025 Championship and Season Significance
Despite recent setbacks, Newgarden currently holds 15th place in the drivers’ championship with 232 points. His consistent speed and strong race leadership are notable, especially as he set a new record for the most laps led by a driver at a single track during the Iowa race. The podium at Iowa, with Chevrolet-powered cars filling all top three spots, marked a milestone for the manufacturer’s success this season. Looking forward, Newgarden aims to capitalize on lessons learned and maintain his momentum as the season moves toward its final rounds, including the upcoming race in Portland.