INDYCAR - Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. – August 23, 2026
JOSEF NEWGARDEN No. 2 Astemo CHEVROLET
Start: 14th, Finish: 8th, Points: 6th (-177)
RACE RUNDOWN: Josef Newgarden and the No. 2 Astemo Chevrolet team battled forward throughout Sunday’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., turning a 14th-place starting position into an eighth-place finish. Following an early Full Course Yellow on Lap 2, Newgarden steadily worked his way through the field, climbing into the top 10 by Lap 24 while carefully managing tire wear on the demanding street circuit. Throughout the 250-mile event, Newgarden and the team focused on improving rear stability by adjusting during each pit stop to keep pace with changing track conditions. Strong pit work and a consistent race pace allowed the No. 2 Chevrolet to remain in contention, advancing as high as ninth by Lap 57. The team continued to fine-tune the car’s handling with wing adjustments during the race's closing stages. After a final stop on Lap 111 for alternate Firestone tires, fuel, and additional aerodynamic adjustments, Newgarden maintained his position inside the top 10 and brought the Astemo Chevrolet home eighth. The result capped off a determined effort by the No. 2 team and added another solid points finish.
NEWGARDEN'S THOUGHTS: “You've got to give a lot of credit to everybody. Fox has given us such great coverage. This entire year, you guys have done a great job. Penske Entertainment really did a phenomenal job getting this off the ground. This is not easy to do and it's the coolest backdrop, I think we've had in sports. Really. It really felt like the Indianapolis 500 here today, which is so unique. We don't have that anywhere else in the United States. I know we all really enjoyed it and maybe we'll come back. I would love to have another shot. Today in the Astemo Chevy, you know, I've not been in the best shape this year. But, if we come back, that would be amazing. But if not, we'll treasure this. This moment that we had was really cool."
