The IndyCar season opener at St. Petersburg was an exhibition of skill and strategy, with Josef Newgarden of Team Penske dominating the field. Newgarden, driving the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet, clinched the victory by leading 92 of 100 laps and crossing the finish line 7.9121 seconds ahead of runner-up Pato O’Ward, who drove the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. This win marked Newgarden’s 30th career victory in the INDYCAR SERIES, placing him 13th on the all-time win list, ahead of racing legend Rick Mears.
Team Penske showed its strength with Scott McLaughlin finishing third and Will Power securing the fourth spot, ensuring that three of the team’s cars were among the top four. The race also saw notable performances from other drivers, such as Colton Herta and Alex Palou, who finished in the top six
The race wasn’t without its challenges, including multiple caution periods that reshuffled the pack but ultimately didn’t deter Newgarden’s lead. One significant incident involved Marcus Armstrong, causing the first caution when his car hit the wall after a braking lock-up. Another caution was brought out by a collision involving Linus Lundqvist and Romain Grosjean, with Grosjean receiving a penalty for avoidable contact.
Newgarden’s victory at St. Petersburg was not just a personal triumph but also underscored Team Penske’s continued excellence in IndyCar racing. It sets a high standard for the rest of the season, promising intense competition and strategic racing.
Image Credit : Mitch White
