Roger Penske, on his part, expressed his support for the 33-year-old driver from Tennessee and revealed that he is currently in the process of negotiating a contract extension for Newgarden. This comes as Newgarden enters his eighth season with the organization.
Joe Newgarden secured a new deal by emerging victorious at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, following a lengthy rain delay. In a remarkable feat, he overtook Pato O’Ward just two corners before the finish line, clinching Penske’s 20th Indy 500 triumph and becoming the first back-to-back winner since Helio Castroneves achieved the same feat for Penske in 2001-2002.
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IndyCar took away the first and third-place finishes of Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin and imposed fines on all three Penske drivers. It is important to note that Will Power did not engage in any illegal activity. As a result, Penske made the decision to suspend four crew members, including Tim Cindric, the esteemed team president and expert race strategist for Newgarden.
“It has truly been an enlightening journey for me, especially in terms of gaining perspective from the world beyond. I have learned a great deal from this experience and am grateful for the insights it has provided me,” expressed Newgarden. “I believe that such an experience can either shatter you or make you stronger, and I am determined to emerge stronger.”
“We are making progress. Our teamwork has reached new heights this weekend, which I initially thought would be challenging. This is the closest-knit team I have ever witnessed. I have never experienced a better working environment than this month.”
THE AGONY OF DEFEAT
As Newgarden reprised last year’s victory celebration, crawling through a fence hole to greet supporters in the grandstands, a dejected O’Ward sobbed inside his race vehicle.
He was attempting to become the first Mexican winner in 108 runs of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” but ended up finishing second for the second time in three years. They accused him in 2022 of not being aggressive enough to defeat Marcus Ericsson, and last year, he wrecked when battling Ericsson for the win.
O’Ward finished sixth in his Indy 500 debut and fourth the following year. So, after five tries and five near-misses, he was inconsolable, despite his Arrow McLaren Racing team’s best efforts.
It was an unusual scene for O’Ward, who admits he wears his emotions on his sleeve but is usually the most optimistic driver in the paddock. On Monday, he announced on social media that he was feeling much better.
“I woke up with a big smile on my face today, feeling very loved by all of you,” he said above a carousel of photographs depicting his post-race disappointment. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience thus far. “I know it will be unforgettable the day my name is engraved in the stars, and I get to experience the magic everyone talks about.”
O’Ward’s face was tear-stained and his eyes puffy during the post-race news conference, but he remained composed. He stated that he did not need to watch a replay of the final lap to determine what he could have done differently to hold off Newgarden.
“I believe I’ve discovered a code and know how to position myself to win this race.” I know I can win this race, and I know how to protect a good result even if I don’t win,” he remarked.
He received plaudits from six-time series champion Scott Dixon, a one-time Indy 500 winner, and Newgarden. When IndyCar stripped Newgarden of his St. Pete victory, it went to O’Ward, the initial runner-up, in his only win through five races so far this season.
“He drove me beautifully.” I’m grateful for him and the manner in which he drove. He is a champion. He’s one of our top rivals in this industry.” He’s a really nice guy,” Newgarden explained. “Every time I talk to Pato, we have excellent chats, and I believe we have a lot of respect for one another.
“I appreciate the way he drives.” He drove like a champion in this race, and I believe he deserves the win. He certainly could have won this race. It’s tough not to win. I can’t say anything to make it easier for him. It hurts to lose. I’ve left here 11 times before with a broken heart, so I know how it feels. It’s a broken heart, no matter how close or far you are. I can’t make that easier.”
