Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden’s hopes of achieving a historic three-peat at the 2025 Indy 500 were dashed as he was forced to retire from the race with a fuel system issue. The #2 Chevrolet had shown promising pace leading up to the event, but a setback during qualifying saw Newgarden starting from the back of the grid alongside his teammate Will Power.
Despite the unfavorable starting position, Newgarden managed to navigate through the field and was running in a competitive sixth place before disaster struck. With 67 laps remaining, Newgarden made his penultimate pit stop alongside Alex Palou, only to encounter a fuel pressure problem as he exited the pit lane. The team tried to rectify the issue, but ultimately, Newgarden was forced to retire from the race.
The disappointment was palpable for the two-time Indy 500 winner, who was on track for a remarkable comeback before the technical gremlins intervened. In a post-race interview, Newgarden expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete at Indianapolis but lamented the missed chance to fight for victory.
Chevrolet later confirmed that a fuel pump issue was the culprit behind Newgarden’s retirement, putting an end to his quest for a third consecutive triumph at the iconic event. Despite the setback, Newgarden’s performance showcased his skill and determination as he climbed an impressive 25 positions from his starting spot before his premature exit.
The 2025 Indy 500 will go down as a bittersweet chapter in Josef Newgarden’s career, but the setback will only fuel his determination to come back stronger in future races. As he reflects on the disappointment of the race, Newgarden remains grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a prestigious event and will undoubtedly be seeking redemption in the races to come.
