Josef Newgarden's Record-Setting Performance at St. Petersburg Grand Prix
Team Penske's Josef Newgarden demonstrated exceptional speed at the 2025 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, setting the fastest lap of the race in the closing stages of the competition.
Record-Breaking Lap Details
The two-time series champion and current Indianapolis 500 winner achieved the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap with impressive statistics:
- Lap Number: 89 of 100
- Time: 61.6900 seconds
- Average Speed: 105.041 MPH
Race Context and Timing
The timing of Newgarden's fastest lap is particularly notable, occurring in the final phase of the race when:
- Track conditions were fully developed
- Only 11 laps remained
- The No. 2 car was operating at peak performance
Technical Achievement
The achievement of setting the fastest lap so late in the race demonstrates both driver skill and the Team Penske car's superior setup for the St. Petersburg street circuit.
INDYCAR Championship Context
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES continues to showcase international talent across diverse racing venues:
Current Notable Champions
| Driver | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Alex Palou | Three-time and reigning series champion |
| Josef Newgarden | Two-time series champion, current Indy 500 winner |
| Scott Dixon | Six-time series champion |
| Will Power | Two-time series champion |
Track Diversity
The series tests drivers' versatility across:
- Superspeedways
- Short ovals
- Street circuits
- Permanent road courses
Broadcasting Development
A significant change for the series comes with FOX Sports becoming the exclusive U.S. television partner starting in 2025. Key broadcasting features include:
- Live coverage of all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races on FOX
- Featured coverage of the 109th Indianapolis 500
- Complete season broadcast package
The 2025 season marks a new era for INDYCAR with expanded television coverage, showcasing performances like Newgarden's record lap to an even broader audience.
