The Race IndyCar Podcast · The Race Media Ltd

Josef Newgarden on mental struggles, Penske's perfect start and Thermal preview

March 20, 2024·35 min·3 clips

Josef Newgarden reveals his mental approach changes after winning the IndyCar opener and 24 Hours of Daytona.

This episode of The Race IndyCar Podcast features an interview with two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden following his season-opening victory at St. Petersburg. Hosts from The Athletic discuss Newgarden's win and Team Penske's strong start to the year, which also includes a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Newgarden joins to detail his mental approach and the team's current performance. The conversation covers Newgarden's specific victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which marked the first race of the IndyCar season. He elaborates on changes to his personal mental preparation and mindset heading into the new championship. Newgarden emphasizes that the successful start is a broader achievement for the entire Team Penske organization. The episode also previews the upcoming non-championship Thermal $1 Million Challenge event. The hosts outline the unique format of the Thermal event, describing it as a made-for-TV "dash for cash" with no championship points awarded. They explain the unusual structure, which will feature heat races followed by a final main event. This format is presented as an experimental all-star style race for the series. Newgarden reflects on the significance of also winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car race to open the year. A key insight is Newgarden's focus on the collective team success rather than just his individual results. He provides specific details about his evolved psychological strategies for competition. The preview of the Thermal race reveals a deliberate departure from a standard IndyCar weekend structure. The non-points paying event represents a significant financial incentive for the drivers involved. The episode maintains a conversational and celebratory tone, blending interview segments with host analysis. Its style is informational, aimed at updating listeners on recent results and upcoming events. IndyCar fans seeking insights from a top driver and details on the new Thermal format will enjoy this episode. Listeners preferring only championship-focused race coverage might find the segment on the non-points event less relevant.

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