Josef Newgarden is an American racing driver known for his success in the IndyCar Series and his long-standing career with Team Penske. Born on December 22, 1990, in Nashville, Tennessee, he began racing in karting before progressing to professional open-wheel competition. Newgarden won the 2011 Indy Lights championship and later secured the 2017 and 2019 IndyCar Series titles. He also became a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner after victories in 2023 and 2024. Driving the No. 2 Chevrolet, he remains one of the prominent names in American motorsport. Outside racing, fans are also interested in his wife, family, net worth, height, career achievements, and injury history.
Who Is Josef Newgarden?
Josef Nicolai Newgarden is an American professional racing driver who competes in the IndyCar Series. He races the No. 2 Chevrolet for Team Penske and has been one of the team’s leading drivers since joining the organization in 2017.
His career includes championships in the 2011 Indy Lights series and the 2017 and 2019 IndyCar Series. He also became a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner after taking victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023 and 2024.
According to INDYCAR’s current driver profile, Newgarden completed his 15th IndyCar season in 2026 and his 10th consecutive season with Team Penske. By the end of the 2026 season, he had 34 career IndyCar victories, two championships and two Indy 500 wins.
Age and Early Life
Josef Newgarden was born on December 22, 1990, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is 35 years old as of 2026.
Newgarden developed an interest in motorsports at a young age and began his racing career in karting. According to his official biography, he started racing at age 13 and won numerous karting titles between 2006 and 2008 at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana.
He later moved to Europe to continue developing his racing career, competing in Formula Ford and GP3 before returning to the United States. His international experience helped prepare him for his move into professional American open-wheel racing.
Education and Family Background
Newgarden attended Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
His parents are Joey Newgarden and Tina Newgarden. He also has siblings named Josie Newgarden and Kristina Newgarden.
Newgarden’s connection to racing eventually took him far beyond Tennessee, but Nashville has remained an important part of his life. INDYCAR lists Nashville as both his hometown and residence.
Wife and Children
Josef Newgarden is married to Ashley Newgarden. The couple has built a family together while Newgarden continues his demanding international racing career.
The couple has two young sons, and their older son is named Kota. Newgarden has spoken publicly about how becoming a father changed his perspective on life. During the 2024 Indianapolis 500, his wife Ashley and son Kota were present as he celebrated his second consecutive victory.
Newgarden and Ashley also share an interest in travel and philanthropy. His official biography says the couple founded the Newgarden Family Foundation in 2025, supporting organizations that create opportunities for people from different backgrounds.
Height and Physical Stats
Josef Newgarden’s reported height is 1.83 meters, which is approximately 6 feet.
Here are some basic details:
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josef Nicolai Newgarden |
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years |
| Birthplace | Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 1.83 m (about 6 ft) |
| Profession | Racing Driver |
| Team | Team Penske |
| Car Number | No. 2 |
Net Worth and Salary
The exact Josef Newgarden net worth is not publicly confirmed. IndyCar driver salaries and private sponsorship agreements are generally not disclosed in full, so figures published online should be treated as estimates rather than official numbers.
However, his career earnings from major races provide an indication of the scale of his success. His two Indianapolis 500 victories alone generated substantial prize money.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official statistics list Newgarden’s total Indianapolis 500 winnings at $13,738,594 across 15 starts through 2026. His individual winning payouts were $3.666 million in 2023 and $4.288 million in 2024.
Sporting News previously reported that Newgarden’s two Indy 500 victories brought him more than $7 million combined and noted that his precise overall net worth was difficult to determine because IndyCar salaries are largely confidential.
Therefore, it is safer to describe his net worth as an estimate rather than claim a specific figure as confirmed fact.
Josef Newgarden Salary
Newgarden’s exact annual salary with Team Penske has not been officially disclosed. His income can include racing contracts, race winnings, sponsorships, endorsements and other business opportunities.
Because the complete terms of his contracts are private, there is no reliable official figure that can be used as his exact yearly salary.
What Car Does He Drive?
Josef Newgarden drives the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet in the IndyCar Series.
His current IndyCar entry is a Dallara/Chevrolet, with Team Penske operating the No. 2 car. The combination of Dallara chassis and Chevrolet power is part of the technical foundation of his IndyCar program. INDYCAR’s official driver profile identifies him as the driver of the No. 2 Chevrolet.
Newgarden has spent the majority of his IndyCar career with Team Penske. He joined the team in 2017 and has continued to compete with the organization through the 2026 season.
Indy 500 Career
The Indianapolis 500 has played a major role in Newgarden’s career.
He won his first Indy 500 in 2023, defeating Marcus Ericsson after a dramatic final-lap battle. One year later, he returned to Victory Lane and won the 2024 Indianapolis 500, becoming the first driver since Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 to win the race in consecutive years.
His 2024 victory also made him just the sixth driver in Indianapolis 500 history to win the event in consecutive years.
Through the 2026 Indianapolis 500, Newgarden had made 15 starts, with two wins, five top-five finishes and seven top-10 finishes. His official Indianapolis Motor Speedway statistics list his total Indy 500 winnings at more than $13.7 million.
What Happened to Josef Newgarden’s Injury?
Josef Newgarden suffered a left-foot injury during the 2026 Indianapolis 500.
On May 24, 2026, Newgarden crashed on Lap 125 after losing control in Turn 4 and hitting the outside wall. He was evaluated at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway medical center and was reported to have a minor foot injury.
The injury was more noticeable in the following race. INDYCAR reported that Newgarden wore a boot and used a crutch after the Indy 500 accident. He still competed in the Detroit Grand Prix and finished 10th.
Despite the injury, he returned to strong form later in the season. In June 2026, he won at World Wide Technology Raceway, his second victory of the 2026 season. INDYCAR reported that he was still recovering from the lower-leg injury when he won the race.
Racing Career and Championships
Newgarden’s professional career developed through several stages before he became an IndyCar champion.
He won the 2011 Indy Lights championship, recording five victories and 10 podium finishes in 14 starts. That championship helped launch his IndyCar career in 2012.
After several seasons in IndyCar, Newgarden joined Team Penske in 2017. That same year, he won his first IndyCar Series championship.
He captured his second championship in 2019, adding another major achievement to his growing career résumé.
His two IndyCar championships and two Indianapolis 500 victories have made him one of the most successful active American drivers in the series.
Career Stats
The latest official INDYCAR statistics provide a snapshot of his career through the 2026 season:
| Career Statistic | Josef Newgarden |
|---|---|
| IndyCar Starts | 250 |
| IndyCar Wins | 34 |
| IndyCar Championships | 2 |
| Indy 500 Wins | 2 |
| Pole Positions | 19 |
| Top-5 Finishes | 92 |
| Top-10 Finishes | 149 |
| Laps Led | 4,601 |
| 2026 Championship Finish | 7th |
| 2026 Wins | 2 |
INDYCAR lists Newgarden as the winningest active American driver in the series, with 34 career victories at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Books Written by Josef Newgarden
Racing is not Newgarden’s only professional interest. He has also worked as an author of children’s books.
His books include “Josef, The Indy Car Driver” and “Josef’s Big Dream: An Indy 500 Story.” His official biography also notes another children’s book, “Goodnight Racetrack,” created with his wife Ashley.
The books introduce children to racing and combine Newgarden’s experience as a professional driver with stories designed for young readers.
Conclusion
Josef Newgarden has built an impressive career in American open-wheel racing. From winning the 2011 Indy Lights championship to becoming a two-time IndyCar Series champion, he has continued to establish himself as a leading Team Penske driver. His consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories in 2023 and 2024 became some of the defining moments of his career. At 35, Newgarden remains active in the IndyCar Series, driving the No. 2 Chevrolet and competing at the highest level. Away from racing, his family, charitable work and children’s books have added another dimension to his career beyond the racetrack.
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FAQs
Who is Josef Newgarden’s wife?
Josef Newgarden is married to Ashley Newgarden. The couple has two young sons and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
What races has Josef Newgarden won?
Newgarden has won 34 IndyCar Series races, including the 2023 and 2024 Indianapolis 500. He also won the overall 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024.
Who is NASCAR’s Golden Boy?
Fred Lorenzen was known as NASCAR’s “Golden Boy.” The NASCAR Hall of Famer earned the nickname because of his movie-star looks and was one of NASCAR’s early stars.
Does Josef Newgarden have any kids?
Yes. Josef Newgarden and Ashley Newgarden have two young sons. Their son Kota is mentioned by INDYCAR in Newgarden’s official profile.
What is Josef Newgarden’s net worth?
Josef Newgarden’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. His IndyCar salary, sponsorship income and other private earnings are not fully public, so online net-worth figures should be treated as estimates.
