Josef Newgarden Aims for Back‑to‑Back Music City Wins

Newgarden captured victory at the Nashville Superspeedway on Aug. 31, 2025, celebrating with his wife and son in front of a crowd that has grown to anticipate his performances. The win snapped a 20‑race dry spell and gave the Nashville native a morale boost after a forgettable stretch. As he looks ahead to the upcoming Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, he says the goal is simply to repeat the momentum of last year.

This year’s race has been extended to 300 laps, 75 more than the event’s previous edition, giving drivers additional time to fine‑tune their setups. Newgarden, who competes for Team Penske, notes that the extra distance adds only a modest tactical twist—an additional pit stop and a slightly longer stint. “You’ll see the same product,” he says, emphasizing continuity over radical change.

His recent win came while he was still coping with a left‑foot injury sustained at the Indy 500 in May. At the Assembly Food Hall Skydeck, he was observed using crutches and a walking boot, yet he has kept details about the ailment largely private. “I’m keeping it to myself,” he explained, focusing instead on the team’s progress and the pace of development each weekend.

Newgarden’s current standing in the championship points is sixth place, sitting 134 points behind series leader Alex Palou. The gap reflects both the competitive depth of the field and the rebuilding phase Newgarden’s team is undergoing after a campaign many consider forgettable. Despite the distance to the top, he remains upbeat, crediting his crew for “building faster cars every weekend we show up.”

Famously reserved about personal health matters, Newgarden has spent the off‑season focusing on family time and recovery, which he says has left him “well rested.” The combination of rest, a clear mind, and a team that continues to improve suggests he enters the July 19 event with renewed confidence. If he can reproduce the rhythm of his victory last year, fans can expect another compelling performance at the Music City Grand Prix.