Josef Newgarden wishes to emulate the path taken by Kyle Larson. Larson and Newgarden (Via IMAGO) In a first occurrence since 2016, a driver ventured into the renowned ‘The Double’ this season.
took the opportunity to compete in the Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren. However, his endeavor did not go as planned, as a speeding penalty prevented him from reaching a top-10 at Brickyard. Additionally, he didn’t even manage to complete a lap at the Coca-Cola 600 due to the race being interrupted by rain. Larson, on the other hand, made a lasting impact on the IndyCar scene, and it is widely anticipated that he will attempt “The Double” again next season. Interestingly, Josef Newgarden, the current champion of the Indy 500 who triumphed in the prestigious race for the second consecutive year, also wishes to attempt the same feat in the future. Newgarden’s association with Team Penske gives him a significant advantage and increases his chances of securing a spot in the series. However, it remains to be seen if any team will offer him an opportunity, considering his lack of experience on NASCAR ovals. If the race were held on a road course, Newgarden would undoubtedly be a strong contender from the start, as suggested by . However, due to the oval nature of the race, his chances of having a shot are minimal. During a discussion about Larson’s performance at the Brickyard race, Josef Newgarden highlighted that he and most of the IndyCar field would like to see the 2021 Cup champion attempt “The Double” next year. He emphasized Larson’s desire to return after his debut. Additionally, many people in the NASCAR community also hope that Larson will complete what he started, as his attempt was spoiled by rain this season. It will be intriguing to see how things unfold next season regarding a possible ride at the Indy 500.
