Brief overview of Josef Newgarden’s career in motorsport

Josef Newgarden, like most racing drivers, started racing in karts at the young age of thirteen. He was very successful in karting and went on to win as many as four championships between 2005 and 2006.

He moved to open-wheel racing in 2006, where he competed in the Skip Barber Racing School Series. In his first year, he finished in second position in the regional championship. In 2007, he finished in sixth and in 2008, Newgarden finished the championship in second place once again. 

In the same year, 2008, Josef Newgarden had the honor of becoming the first American driver to win a Formula Ford Festival title. That victory, especially coming in a fiercely competitive European field, is still regarded as one of the biggest early markers of his potential.

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Josef Newgarden’s age, family and early life

Josef Newgarden was born on December 22, 1990, in Nashville Tennessee and grew up in a family that was enthusiastic about motor racing. His earliest memories, by his own accounts, often revolve around watching races with his family and dreaming of being behind the wheel.

Newgarden is the youngest of three siblings. He has two older sisters, and he was raised by his parents, Joey and Tina Newgarden.

He was named Josef in honor of his mother's Danish ancestry. Like many kids, he also played basketball, football, and baseball, before taking interest in karting at the age of 13.

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How did Josef Newgarden get to IndyCar?

Josef Newgarden's journey to becoming an IndyCar driver started out the same as most kids who have an interest in racing professionally. He started with karting, where he wowed everyone with his exceptional talent and speed.

He later made it into junior formula racing, where he competed in Formula Ford, after which he moved to Europe to brush up his skills in the very tough British Formula Ford and GP3 series.

His multiple wins in the Indy Lights [now known as Indy NXT] in 2011, paved the way for his IndyCar career after he won the Indy Lights championship and signed for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing for the 2012 season.

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Notable moments and races in Josef Newgarden’s career

One of the most notable moments in Newgarden's career is becoming a two-time NTT IndyCar champion in 2017 and 2019 respectively. He also became a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion with wins in 2023 and 2024. 

2025 marks his 14th season in the series and his ninth season with Team Penske. Few drivers remain with a top team for that long unless they continue to deliver year after year.

Newgarden has won well over 30 races so far, and that puts him right up there with the most successful American drivers the series has witnessed.

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Josef Newgarden height: How tall is Josef Newgarden?

Josef Newgarden is 6 feet tall, which gives him a formidable physical presence in and outside the IndyCar cockpit. 

Despite being taller than many drivers, he has adjusted his training and driving style to maintain comfort and agility in the cockpit.

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What is Josef Newgarden’s net worth?

While Newgarden's actual net worth isn't public knowledge, his years of winning have given him an estimated net worth of around $5 million.

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Josef Newgarden’s relationship status: Who is Josef Newgarden’s wife?

Josef Newgarden is married to Ashley Newgarden (formerly Ashley Welch). She's a former Disney World character performer, popularly known as “Disney Princess Aurora.” Together, the couple has one son named Kota, and they are expecting their second child in the early months of 2026. 

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