INDYCAR - Grand Prix of Portland
Grand Prix of Portland
Portland, OR – August 9, 2026
JOSEF NEWGARDEN No. 2 Astemo CHEVROLET
Start: 14th, Finish: 8th, Points: 7th (-175)
RACE RUNDOWN: Josef Newgarden and the No. 2 Astemo Chevrolet team were flawless in their execution in Sunday's Grand Prix of Portland on their way to an eighth-place finish. After a costly pit lane speeding violation in Saturday's qualifying session, Newgarden began Sunday's race from the 14th position. An early caution on Lap 8 allowed his Astemo team to bring the two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion down pit lane to remove the Firestone primary tire, apply the alternate tire and alter the strategy of the 110-lap event. While it meant Newgarden would need to make one extra pit stop on the day, it allowed him to cycle in and out of the lead in hopes of catching a beneficial yellow flag. Despite not catching that break, Newgarden was one of only four drivers to lead laps on the day and nearly came away with a top five finish before crossing the finish line in eighth.
NEWGARDEN'S THOUGHTS: “A great day of execution by the Astemo Chevy team today. Jonathan (Diuguid) and the team were really on top of the strategy today. It looked like we might be able to come away with a top five but some others kind took our strategy away on the last cycle. Those are the kind of days to build on for sure."
