Josef Newgarden's Luck The Last Two Races Has Been Absolutely Brutal
I am absolutely sick for Josef Newgarden.
Last week he totally dominated race 2 in Detroit. Led 67 of the 70 laps before Pato O'Ward took over the lead and never looked back. Then today Newgarden was on the pole, had the lead with two laps to go heading into the restart from caution before transmission issues made the car basically gave out after the green flag.
Palou was ready to pounce and he did. A week ago Newgarden was able to salvage a podium and at least snag second. Not today.
The #2 Penske car just absolutely fell out, free falling all the way to the back of the pack. He finished 21st. Just brutal.
Contrary to natural belief of racing over the last few weeks, leading in the final 10 laps seems like the last place you want to be. Will Power in race 1 in Detroit, Josef in race 2 last week, and now the same for him today in Wisconsin.
Crazy year so far in IndyCar, and one that hasn't been kind at all to Team Penske. This is the longest The Captain's crew has gone without a win in over 20 years. I can't imagine the frustration Newgarden had to feel as the last lap was happening and cars just continued to pass him like his car was being driven by an 82-year-old grandmother who could barely see over the steering wheel on the interstate.
Now Alex Palou takes over the championship lead heading into Mid-Ohio two weeks from now on 4th of July weekend.