Josef Newgarden and Team Penske Dominate the Pit Stop Challenge Once Again
In a thrilling display of precision and speed, Josef Newgarden and his Team Penske crew emerged victorious in the intense battle of the Pit Stop Challenge, walking away with the coveted Oscar Mayer $150,000 prize for the second year in a row. The adrenaline-pumping event took place at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Newgarden had already showcased his skills earlier in the day by setting the fastest lap during Carb Day practice.
The final showdown saw Newgarden go head-to-head against his teammate Will Power in a fierce competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After a neck-and-neck contest that spanned all three rounds, Newgarden’s crew ultimately outshined Power’s, executing a flawless pit stop that included changing four tires and a simulated fueling in a remarkable 10.263 seconds. In comparison, Power and his crew finished slightly behind at 10.503 seconds. The victory not only earned Newgarden’s crew a well-deserved $50,000 reward but also secured the No. 2 team’s dominance over the No. 12 crew, who received $25,000 for their efforts.
Team Penske’s triumph in the Pit Stop Challenge marked their 20th victory in the history of the event, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the world of motorsports. Additionally, Josef Newgarden etched his name in the record books by becoming just the fifth driver ever to clinch victory three or more times in this prestigious competition.
For Newgarden, this win could be a promising sign as he gears up for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. Last year, the talented driver made history by becoming the first to sweep both the pit stop contest and the 500 in the same year since Helio Castroneves achieved this feat in 2009, also under the Team Penske banner. As the anticipation builds for Sunday’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, Newgarden and Power are set to start in the 32nd and 33rd positions, respectively.
The Pit Stop Challenge victory not only showcases Newgarden and Team Penske’s exceptional teamwork and skill but also sets the stage for an electrifying showdown at the iconic Indianapolis 500. Fans can expect nothing short of high-octane action and fierce competition as these racing titans prepare to battle it out on the legendary track.
