After securing his first victory in America’s biggest open-wheel oval race, Josef Newgarden is now gearing up for a new challenge as he aims for overall victory at the upcoming Daytona race. This marks his first bid for overall class honors, a significant step for the talented driver who made his sportscar debut in the LMP2 class just last year. With high hopes and an impressive support team, Newgarden is ready to make his mark on the endurance racing scene.
In his pursuit of success at Daytona, Newgarden will join forces with the renowned Porsche Penske Motorsport team. Newgarden, Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr, and Frederic Makowiecki will form a formidable lineup in the #7 963 car. As Newgarden enters this new chapter of his racing career, he reflects on the team’s determination to build on their previous achievements and secure further victories. Winning Daytona would undoubtedly be a milestone for everyone involved, as it presents a unique challenge of endurance over 24 grueling hours.
While Newgarden is no stranger to endurance racing, having competed in the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans, the overall victory at Daytona holds a special allure. As he prepares himself mentally and physically for this demanding race, Newgarden acknowledges the vast opportunities that lie ahead. Success at Daytona would not only solidify his place in the sportscar racing world but also open doors to other prestigious events such as Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). With the potential shown by the team throughout the year, Newgarden is excited to contribute his skills and play his part in achieving their shared goals.
Reflecting on his recent performance at Petit Le Mans, Newgarden admits to feelings of disappointment. Despite demonstrating great potential, the team fell short of their desired outcome. Losing the #6 car early in the race due to a collision between backmarkers hindered their options and ultimately impacted their overall result. However, Newgarden’s disappointment only fuels his determination to learn from past mistakes and push even harder for success in future races.
In preparation for the upcoming race at Daytona, Newgarden and his teammates focused on endurance running during their recent test sessions. The team clocked in a substantial number of laps with the 963 car, allowing Newgarden to gain valuable seat time and familiarize himself with the track. The test sessions also provided an opportunity to run alongside GTD (GT Daytona) cars, further enhancing Newgarden’s adaptability and racecraft.
With Daytona on the horizon, Newgarden’s ambitions are set high. His goal is to conquer the challenges posed by the grueling 24-hour race and secure victory for the team. While the prospect of success at Daytona may be unfamiliar territory for Newgarden, he views it as an exciting opportunity for growth and personal achievement. As he continues his journey in the endurance racing realm, Newgarden feels honored and privileged to be part of a team that consistently demonstrates immense potential.
Josef Newgarden is embarking on a new chapter in his racing career as he sets his sights on victory at Daytona. Confidently navigating the transition from open-wheel racing to sportscar endurance events, Newgarden is eager to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. With the support of the prestigious Porsche Penske Motorsport team, he is well-equipped to face the challenges of the Daytona race and make his mark in the endurance racing world. As he continues to push himself to new heights, Newgarden’s determination and drive will undoubtedly propel him towards future success in the sport.
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