Josef Newgarden’s aspirations for a strong performance at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course were dashed almost immediately as the Honda Indy 200 commenced. The two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion found himself in trouble on the very first corner of Sunday’s race. As Newgarden approached turn one, his rear tires unexpectedly locked up, causing him to spin out and collide with Graham Rahal’s Honda before crashing into the wall and coming to a halt in the gravel trap.
“I’m not sure. I either had just a massive rear lockup and spun, or I got touched. I don’t know,” Newgarden remarked after the incident. “To me, initially it felt like I just locked rears all of the sudden out of nowhere, kind of unexpectedly. Or I got touched. If I didn’t get touched, then (it was) just a weird, freak, massive rear lock, which is bizarre.”
Rahal was also caught in the chaos, ending up in the gravel with Newgarden and losing a lap as he awaited assistance to rejoin the race. Meanwhile, further back, Will Power collided with both teammate Scott McLaughlin and Devlin DeFrancesco, resulting in DeFrancesco needing to pit for a new wing and both Penske cars falling back in the order. Callum Ilott was forced off-course in an attempt to avoid the melee.
Team Penske’s Struggles Continue
Sunday’s incident is the latest in a series of setbacks for Newgarden and Team Penske. Known for their championship prowess, the team has yet to secure a victory in the 2025 season. Entering Mid-Ohio, none of their drivers were ranked higher than seventh in the standings, with Newgarden himself languishing in 17th place, having suffered three DNFs in the four races preceding Sunday’s event.
The race at Mid-Ohio was already poised to be challenging for Team Penske, as all their drivers had qualified 18th or worse, with Newgarden leading the pack. Any hopes of a straightforward climb through the field were dashed the moment the green flag waved. Reflecting on the situation, Newgarden said, “Just go to the next one.”
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
Team Penske’s current struggles stand in stark contrast to their historical performance in the IndyCar Series. The team, which has been a dominant force in the sport, is experiencing one of its most challenging seasons in recent memory. Racing analyst and former driver, David Hobbs, commented on the situation, “It’s unusual to see Team Penske in this position. They’ve been a powerhouse for decades, and this season is a real test of their resilience.”
“It’s unusual to see Team Penske in this position. They’ve been a powerhouse for decades, and this season is a real test of their resilience.” – David Hobbs
Comparisons have been drawn to previous difficult seasons in the team’s history, but the current lack of victories and consistent performance issues are unprecedented. The team is known for its ability to bounce back, but the challenges they face this year are significant.
Looking Ahead
As the IndyCar season progresses, Team Penske will need to regroup and strategize to overcome their current difficulties. The focus will likely be on addressing the mechanical and strategic issues that have plagued their performances thus far. For Newgarden, the goal remains clear: to regain form and finish the season on a high note.
The next races will be critical for the team as they seek to salvage their season and return to their winning ways. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Team Penske navigates these turbulent times and whether they can reclaim their position as a dominant force in the IndyCar Series.
