Josef Newgarden has been more than dominant during oval events over the past couple years in IndyCar, and his tactics are likely the most studied in the paddock when an oval race is on the schedule.
The two-time champion has been proficient at oval racing since he joined the series over a decade ago, but he has taken his results to another level of late.
Newgarden has won five straight races held on the banking, including the most recent three held at World Wide Technology Raceway, and has the opportunity this weekend to become the first driver to sweep a season’s oval rounds.
Even Newgarden’s team-mates, who have the added advantage of using his same car setup if they want, study video from his previous races to try to understand what is setting him apart.
Small variations in driving style can lead to big advantages in tire life and track position on banked tracks, which makes all the difference.
“Oh yeah, yeah,” confirmed Scott McLaughlin when Motorsportweek.com asked if he’s spent time studying Newgarden’s tactics. “You’d be stupid not to. He’s been very good.
“At the same time, we’ve been fast ourselves. I’d have to say I was one of the closest to him in Iowa, and then I nearly beat him in Texas a couple years ago.
“He’s not unbeatable. We can definitely get him. I know what he’s doing that’s better. It’s just, experience is a big thing as well.
“These guys, you always see they come through to the top just from pure experience. I’m trying to learn as fast as I can, but there’s always a ceiling. I’m really comfortable, and I feel like I can take that next step this weekend.”
McLaughlin has quickly become a fan of oval racing since joining IndyCar three years ago. He has logged seven top 10 oval finishes in that time, and has stood beside his team-mate on the podium three times.
He still has yet to earn a win for himself on anything other than a road course, and is learning as much as he can from the best in the business.
The final oval round of the 2023 IndyCar season is scheduled to take place Sunday at 2:30 PM Central Time.
