Josef Newgarden crashed while leading at Iowa Speedway
This weekend, Iowa Speedway hosted a double-header race weekend. The Indycar Series ran a race on Saturday while which followed by another race today.
Watch the Josef Newgarden crash video below.
Newgarden drove to victory on Saturday. He dominated the event. However, one more race remained and he started in the front row.
On Sunday, Newgarden started from 2nd. The race stood at 300 laps in distance, 50 more laps than Saturday’s race.
On lap 83, Newgarden had a run on Will Power into turn one. He dove to the inside and took over the race lead. Newgarden looked to be heading to another Iowa victory.
However, on lap 236, Newgarden mysteriously spun in turn four while leading the event. He backed his car hard into the fence, handing the lead to Pato O’Ward.
Newgarden was sent to the infield car center. He was quickly checked and released.
Josef Newgarden comments on the crash
After the impact, Newgarden wasn’t sure how he crashed.
“It definitely was a bit of a shot,” Josef Newgarden stated after his initial exit of the care center.
“I want to cry for my team. I don’t know what happened. It was a good run. But, I feel terrible for us.”
He concluded, “I don’t know, something went wrong there.”
Newgarden airlifted to hospital
After exiting the care center, Newgarden returned to his motorhome. However, he wasn’t out of the water yet.
He reportedly fainted and returned to the care center.
Due to traffic, the safety team made the decision to airlift Newgarden to a local hospital. He has been further evaluated.
Team Penske comments
Team Penske issued the following statement on Sunday night:
“Josef Newgarden was involved in an incident late in Sunday’s race at Iowa Speedway,” the statement opened.
“After which, he was evaluated and released from the infield care center. Following the conclusion of the race, Newgarden lost consciousness and fell, sustaining a cut on the back of his head.”
“Due to the 45-minute drive to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and the traffic outside the racetrack, the medical helicopter was determined to be the best mode of transportation. After being evaluated, all scans were negative.”
The team statement concluded, “Newgarden will be held overnight for observation. Following INDYCAR protocol, Newgarden will be evaluated by the INDYCAR medical staff on Thursday.”
Iowa Race Results: July 24, 2022 (Indycar Series)
Update: July 25, 2022
Newgarden has been released from the hospital. He’s returned to his home in Nashville, Tennessee.
This weekend, the Indycar Series will race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Santino Ferrucci will by on standby for Newgarden per a team release.
Indycar will further evaluate Newgarden on Thursday. If he’s not cleared to race Ferrucci will take the wheel of the No. 2.
Ferrucci has run 43 Indycar races. He has two top 10s at the Indy Road Course in four starts.
