Audio: Josef Newgarden Visited Jake Query In Turn 3 Following...
Audio: Josef Newgarden Visited Jake Query In Turn 3 Following His Qualifying Violation
Audio: Josef Newgarden Visited Jake Query In Turn 3 Following His Qualifying Violation
Day 2 qualifying for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 took a dramatic turn as Team Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power faced penalties for a rules violation.
INDYCAR officials discovered that the Nos. 2 and 12 entries featured modified attenuators, a violation of Rule 14.7.8.16.
After an extensive review process that continued into the early morning on Monday, INDYCAR announced that both cars would be relocated to the back of the starting grid, occupying the 32nd and 33rd spots for this year’s race.
The decision stunned fans and reshaped expectations for the iconic event.
Newgarden, a two-time Indy 500 winner aiming for a historic third consecutive win, struck a defiant tone despite the setback.
He quickly shifted his mindset to race mode, confident in Team Penske’s ability to compete from the back of the field.
Rather than dwell on the disqualification, Newgarden opted for a run around the track’s expansive grounds to clear his mind and stay physically prepared.
During his jog, he made an impromptu stop at Jake Query’s turn three perch, where Query was calling the action for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.
Climbing up to his broadcast tower, Newgarden embraced the moment with a mix of humor and reflection.
He casually discussed the violation, admitting he wasn’t fully briefed on the details and instead chose to focus on being ready for Race Day.
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To cap off his visit, Newgarden stepped into the announcer’s shoes, putting on a headset to perform a “mock call” of a lap for Robert Schwartzman, one of the favorites for pole position.
Borrowing Query’s microphone, he vividly described Schwartzman’s simulated run through turns 2, 3, and 4, noting how the young driver was carrying tremendous speed with slight understeer near the wall.
“I believe it’s the pole run for him,” he announced.
The exchange was filled with lighthearted banter, with Query jokingly suggesting that Newgarden might soon replace him in the booth.
Newgarden’s prediction seemed to highlight his competitive spirit and ability to turn a tough situation into a moment of levity.
Although Josef Newgarden and Will Power will face an uphill battle starting from the last row of the grid, the two Team Penske stars are prepared to put their focus on Sunday’s race.
The farthest back anyone ever won the race was from 20th place in the modern era which was Al Unser in 1987.
With a week left until the green flag drops, the events of Day 2 qualifications have added an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to the 2025 Indy 500.
And for fans, Newgarden’s turn three cameo and Schwartzman prediction offered a brief dose of humor amidst all the controversy.
Full interview below:
