Josef Newgarden drives pace car at Bristol Night Race despite NASCAR ambitions

Josef Newgarden, a two-time IndyCar Series champion, is serving as the pace car driver for the Bristol Night Race in Tennessee on September 19, 2026. Despite his success in IndyCar and aspirations to compete in NASCAR, he acknowledges the challenges in pursuing those goals. Newgarden reflects on his satisfaction with his current career but maintains his interest in NASCAR events. The race serves as a key moment for him, highlighting both his current role and future ambitions in motorsports.

• 8:35 PMMotorsport.com — Josef Newgarden will always want to race Bristol but knows the chances are slim