Even the Abu Dhabi Auto Racing League
Josef Newgarden has signed a contract extension with Team Penske, taking one of the most valuable free agents off the 2025 IndyCar driver market.
Newgarden, 33, is just coming off a win at last weekend's Indy 500 — which marked Penske's 20th win in the event — and will extend his stay at Team Penske beyond 2024 under a multi-year deal.
He signed with Penske ahead of the 2017 season, where he won his first IndyCar championship – then followed that up with another title in 2019.
His heroics, combined with ending a 12-year wait to win the Indy 500 last year, have already made Newgarden the hottest real estate of a ridiculous season.
While there were rumors just before the start of the season about Newgarden looking at other teams, it soon became clear that the most likely outcome was for him to stay at Penske.
One rumored alternative was McLaren, but when The Race asked Zak Brown about any interest in Newgarden ahead of the Indy 500, he said: “I think he's a great racing driver. But no, I'm ready with 62 drivers!”
Now Newgarden will compete with Penske until at least the end of 2026.
“Driving for Roger Penske and this famous team is a dream I never thought I would achieve,” Newgarden said.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded during my time at Team Penske.
“I'm sure we can achieve more in the future. I still think we haven't reached our full potential together yet.”
Roger Penske added: “Joseph Newgarden is a true winner, and we are excited that he will continue as part of Team Penske for years to come.
“What he did Sunday at the Indianapolis 500 shows how Joseph consistently delivers for our team and partners on the track, and is equally impressive off the track.”
Newgarden has 27 wins with Team Penske, as well as 16 pole positions, and his Indy 500 victory last weekend propelled him to a feat no other Team Penske driver has been able to accomplish with the team – winning the Daytona 24 Hours and the Indy 500 in the same season . .
Newgarden qualified third at this weekend's Detroit race, with Colton Herta on pole ahead of last year's winner Alex Palou.
Attention will now turn to who is next on this ridiculous season list.
Letterman Lanigan's Christian Lundgaard will likely be the biggest name to attract interest from opposing teams.
What about the rest of Penske?
Team Penske is private about details regarding contracts.
Its other two-time champion, Will Power, signed a multi-year contract in 2023, which runs until the end of 2025. Racing sources indicate options exist within that deal to extend it for another year.
Scott McLaughlin has signed a multi-year contract in 2022. Racing sources indicate he is also signed with the team through 2025.
