Imagine a scenario where the crystal clear barriers between sportive activities start to shimmer and fade. Very unlikely partnerships can change the game forever. In a shocking turn of events that might send massive waves into the sea of the sports universe. One major player associated with a $120-million powerhouse has suddenly gone ahead and tossed the gauntlet across motorsport’s path.

In a shocking move that will send ripples through the sports universe, Rich Paul, has just pulled off a surprising move. With a reputation for pushing boundaries, Paul’s latest venture involves a racing star once associated with the legendary Roger Penske. 

Josef Newgarden heading into the unknown

Rich Paul, the mastermind behind Klutch Sports Group, is known for his bold moves. With the backing of United Talent Agency (UTA), which made a significant investment in Klutch in 2019, he’s not just dominating basketball, soccer, and baseball—he’s now making a daring leap into motorsports.

“.@KlutchSports Group, the agency run by LeBron James’ agent @RichPaul4, has signed IndyCar Series champion driver @JosefNewgarden as its first motorsports athlete that it will represent.” The Sports Business Journal, motorsports reporter Adam Stern shared over X. Getting Josef Newgarden on board, a champion IndyCar driver, once associated with the legendary Roger Penske. So, what makes Newgarden so crucial for Paul’s expansion into racing? And how did Klutch manage to snag him? 

Josef Newgarden is a great signing for Klutch Sports Group, making their entry into motorsports even bigger. He is a two-time IndyCar champion and has a lot of experience and success that he brings with him. Klutch Sports Group secured a contract extension with Team Penske, highlighting Newgarden’s peak performance and suitability for their motorsports ambitions. By signing Newgarden, Klutch is not only adding its portfolio but is clearly signaling that it means serious business in becoming a force to be reckoned with in American motorsports. However, it might seem puzzling that Newgarden is joining Klutch even though he still works for Team Penske. 

This is where the crux is: Klutch will take care of Newgarden’s future contract talks and negotiations rather than his racing team affiliation. In other words, he will keep on driving for Team Penske well past the end of 2026, while Klutch will manage all off-track opportunities and any future racing contracts. The historic deal with Newgarden marks a pivotal moment in Klutch’s growth, as it continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of sports representation. As they aligned to shake up the sports world in ways you never saw coming.

The Klutch team enthusiastically began this exciting journey with their first motorsports athlete, announcing on Instagram, “Welcome to our first professional racing client, 2x IndyCar racing champion Josef Newgarden!”

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Did FOX play a role in Newgarden’s leap of faith?

“They’ve never worked with a motor sport, individual, driver, team, and I’ve certainly never worked with a commercial agent. I think the timing right now with what, everything that’s going on in the series, the new (broadcast) partnership with Fox, what we’re all doing collectively as a group, it’s just, a good moment in time for them to get involved.” Newgraden said this about his linkup with Klutch Sports.

Josef Newgarden’s career has been greatly influenced by Team Penske, wherein he has achieved his greatest successes. After joining Team Penske in 2017, he went on to become a two-time IndyCar Series champion (2017 and 2019) and a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 (2023 and 2024). Team Penske has given Newgarden the resources and support to compete consistently at the highest level; therefore, it is the team that had the most influence in shaping his career.

The 2025 year certainly looks promising for the Team Penske star. He is one of the most marketable drivers in IndyCar, this was evident from FOX’s blockbuster promo. So, this move doesn’t come as a surprise, rather it’s another step for the Tennesse native to expand his footprint beyond just racing. And this is why moving away from Roger Penske’s shadow makes sense for him, at least from an athlete marketability standpoint.