Josef Newgarden Aims for Historic Win at Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Josef Newgarden is set to make history at the 109th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. The driver of the No. 2 Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Team Penske Chevrolet led the final practice session with a top lap speed of 225.687 mph, indicating strong performance ahead of the race.

Newgarden is trying to become the first driver to win three consecutive Indianapolis 500s while starting from the 32nd spot, the deepest position ever for a ‘500’ winner. The current record for the furthest starting point is 28th, set by Ray Harroun in 1911 and later matched by Louis Meyer in 1936.

“Good final run here,” Newgarden said. “Excited to check the car off again and work with the team. I’m really excited for Sunday. The main show. Everything we work for.”

Two-time ‘500’ winner Takuma Sato finished second in the practice at 225.415 mph. However, Sato’s car, the No. 75 AMADA Honda of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, experienced issues late in the session. His vehicle slowed down due to a mechanical problem, requiring the team to investigate further. Sato expressed concern over the performance, saying, “We were making good progress, but I almost lost control in Turn 1.”

Scott Dixon, a six-time series champion, clocked in third at 225.200 mph in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, starting fourth in the race. Devlin DeFrancesco, who starts 16th, moved up to fourth in practice at 224.778 mph, while Will Power, starting 33rd, rounded out the top five at 224.419 mph.

Pole sitter Robert Shwartzman, the first rookie to start from the top spot since 1983, qualified 29th at 220.987 mph. Both Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Team Penske secured two cars each in the top five, showcasing competitive performances amid some mechanical challenges faced by several drivers.

Graham Rahal also struggled with his car as it was returned to Gasoline Alley after just 45 minutes of practice. Additionally, 2016 winner Alexander Rossi had to pause on track due to a water leak in his car.

The final practice session experienced caution periods, including one caused by flames from Ryan Hunter-Reay’s No. 23 DRR CUSICK WEDBUSH SECURITIES Chevrolet. Hunter-Reay safely guided his car to pit lane before exiting to let the safety team manage the situation.

With the race set to start at 10 a.m. ET Sunday, fans and teams alike are eager to see if Newgarden can etch his name into the record books.