Josef Newgarden Explores NASCAR Opportunities

Josef Newgarden, IndyCar driver and Indianapolis 500 champion, has expressed his interest in competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. During a recent visit to the Nashville Superspeedway, Newgarden shared his desire to expand his career to other disciplines in motorsport.

Connection to Nashville and Aspirations in NASCAR

Newgarden, a native of Hendersonville, Tennessee, attended the NASCAR Cup race in Nashville as a guest and reiterated his intention to one day drive in NASCAR. "I'm a Nashville guy. I was born and raised here, and I used to attend events here as a kid," he commented. He also mentioned his excitement for the final event of the IndyCar season in Nashville in September.

Interest in the "Double" and Coordination Challenges

The driver also expressed interest in attempting the "Double," competing in both the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500 on the same day. However, he acknowledged the difficulties in coordinating such a feat due to his commitments with his IndyCar team, Penske. "It's very difficult to get a 'yes' for extracurricular activities. I was able to branch out a little this year by racing in Daytona 24, which was a great experience," Newgarden stated.

Newgarden mentioned that winning more titles in IndyCar could facilitate his entry into NASCAR. "I'm thinking that if we win enough Indy 500s, maybe they'll eventually say 'yes.' I have two now, how many more do I need for an automatic 'yes'?" he joked.

IndyCar Drivers in NASCAR

Newgarden follows in the footsteps of legendary drivers who have competed in both series, such as A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Tony Stewart. These drivers have proven that success is possible in different disciplines of motorsport.