Josef Newgarden made IndyCar history at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, capturing his 33rd NTT IndyCar Series victory with Chevrolet power - the most of any driver in the manufacturer's racing history.
The Team Penske driver piloted his No. 2 XPEL Chevrolet to victory in a thrilling race that set a Phoenix Raceway record with 565 on-track passes. The 250-lap event also featured 18 lead changes among 11 different drivers, showcasing the competitive nature of the 2026 season opener.
Newgarden took command of the race with six laps remaining, after methodically working his way through the field to lead 69 total laps. The victory comes after a challenging season debut where he finished 23rd, but the rebound performance has positioned him to lead the championship standings early in the campaign.
"We had to get the guys to scramble all race and get everything done," Newgarden said following his victory.
The win represents multiple milestones for Chevrolet's IndyCar program. It marks the manufacturer's 128th victory since introducing their 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 engine in 2012, and their 237th all-time IndyCar triumph.
David Malukas rounded out the podium in third place, earning his first top-three finish of the season and his first podium appearance with Team Penske. The result continues what has been a strong start to his tenure with the Indianapolis-based organization.
When asked about his third-place result during the post-race press conference, Malukas addressed whether he felt disappointed with the position or satisfied with his first Penske podium.
The competitive nature of Sunday's race highlighted the parity in the current IndyCar field, with 11 different drivers taking turns at the front throughout the 250-lap distance. The record-setting number of passes demonstrated the racing quality that Phoenix Raceway continues to provide for the series.
Newgarden's victory reinforces his status as one of IndyCar's premier drivers and strengthens Chevrolet's position in both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships. The result also validates Team Penske's continued excellence on short ovals, a discipline where the organization has historically excelled.
The NTT IndyCar Series will continue its ambitious three-race, three-week season-opening stretch with a visit to Arlington, Texas. The series will make its debut at the Arlington Street Circuit, a 2.73-mile, 14-turn layout situated within the Arlington Entertainment District that encompasses AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium.
The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington represents another new venue for IndyCar as the series continues to expand its footprint into major metropolitan markets. Following the excitement generated at Phoenix, expectations are high for another competitive race weekend in Texas.