Kyle Larson’s remarkable Indy double feat has significantly boosted the popularity of the Indy 500 among the NASCAR community. This growing interest is mirrored by drivers like Brad Keselowski, who have shown a newfound appreciation for the event.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming race at Sonoma, Keselowski’s admiration for the Indy 500 reached new heights during Saturday’s Firestone Fast Six qualifications at Road America. But amidst the excitement, a spine-chilling incident involving Josef Newgarden left many, including Keselowski, in awe and concern.

Sonoma anticipation and Keselowski’s Road America inspiration

As the Sonoma race looms, Brad Keselowski has been keenly observing the competitive dynamics at Road America. During the Firestone Fast Six qualifications, Keselowski was among those who watched with bated breath as drivers battled for pole position. It was during this intense session that Josef Newgarden, a two-time reigning Indianapolis 500 winner, experienced one of the most dramatic crashes of his career. The crash saw Newgarden slam onto the safety barrier at full throttle after he hit a slick spot at Turn #2. He was reportedly at 180 miles per hour when he slammed into the barrier.

Keselowski was stunned to his bones and felt like everyone did. He exclaimed, “The sound of this hit… whoa Impressive that he walked away ok.”  Post the interview Newgarden told NBC,”I feel like an idiot. I got a little bit wide. You can’t do that in this position… It was slick but if you don’t drop a wheel on a damp part like I did you were OK on that last lap.”

The incident not only highlighted the dangers but also emphasized the potential for cross-disciplinary talent in motorsports. Could seasoned IndyCar drivers like Newgarden bring their expertise to NASCAR? Can an Indian tiger share its meat with an African lion? These questions set the stage for Newgarden’s potential to enter the world of NASCAR.

Newgarden’s NASCAR aspirations and the role of cross-engagement

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Josef Newgarden’s spectacular crash at Road America sparked not just awe but also curiosity about his future aspirations. In a candid interview last week with Bob Pockrass, Newgarden expressed his strong desire to participate in NASCAR events. “Bob, I want to. So bad. I want to terribly bad… I love NASCAR racing too. I want to go run the double,” Newgarden confessed.  He further added that this enthusiasm is not just limited to him He said, “You know, but that’s not just a me thing. I think if you ask a lot of the drivers in the field, they would all relish in the opportunity to beat the devil.”

Newgarden’s interest in NASCAR is shared by many of his peers, who see opportunities for cross-engagement as mutually beneficial. The idea of racing in both IndyCar and NASCAR is not just about personal ambition but also about enhancing the sport’s appeal and competitive edge. “I think we need some IndyCar representatives to show the other way around on it,” Newgarden added, emphasizing the potential for growth and excitement that such crossover events could generate.

NASCAR veterans like Brad Keselowski sharing their OG moments of a reportedly rival game sends out a strong message. A message that drivers are constantly looking to step out of their comfort zone and push their limits. As was the case with Shane Van Gisbergen who moved from the Supercars world into the Xfinity world of NASCAR. So, is the case with Newgarden who wants to try his luck at NASCAR. Whether Newgarden makes it to NASCAR or not is uncertain but it would not be a surprise to see Keselowski going for a Larson-style Double next year.