Newgarden's Track Expertise...

Josef Newgarden has become dominant on oval tracks in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, winning 13 of the last 30 oval races since 2021, a 43 percent strike rate. All of his last 10 series victories have been on ovals. This is notable as oval racing requires a distinct skill set, involving high-speed maneuvers, tire management, and strategic decisions. Newgarden has mastered these, winning at Phoenix Raceway and World Wide Technology Raceway this season, and is a favorite for the upcoming Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix.

Pato O'Ward has become Josef Newgarden's main rival on oval tracks, thrilling fans with their intense competition. They frequently finish in the top two, notably achieving first and second places in seven oval races. This rivalry underscores their skills and the competitive nature of IndyCar. Newgarden excels on short ovals, winning 12 of 26 races since 2019 on tracks 1.5 miles or less, due to his speed, strategy, and technical skill. Experience is vital in oval racing, as shown by Scott Dixon, who leads active drivers with 25 career oval victories. O'Ward's rising talent and Newgarden's expertise create a compelling narrative, with each race potentially shifting their rivalry's balance of power. Fans eagerly anticipate their future showdowns.

Josef Newgarden has 20 career oval victories, second overall, and Will Power is third with 10. Scott McLaughlin excels in short-oval races, with two wins and 15 top-five finishes in 20 starts. Alexander Rossi, Graham Rahal, and Alex Palou each have two oval victories, while Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, and Christian Rasmussen each have one. David Malukas leads the 2026 oval standings with 116 points, despite no career series victories.

Newgarden trails by nine points. Team Penske excels on ovals, with a record 130 victories, showcasing their dominance and consistent high-level performance. They currently have three of the top four drivers in oval points standings, highlighting their talent and strategy. Marcus Armstrong, ranked sixth, has achieved consistent top-ten finishes, proving his competitive edge on ovals. As the season progresses, the competition for points is expected to intensify, with drivers aiming to maximize their performance.