In the colosseum-like atmosphere of Bristol Motor Speedway, where thousands of screaming fans create a gladiatorial spectacle unlike anywhere else in motorsports, even the most accomplished racers from other disciplines find themselves in awe. The half-mile concrete oval known as “The Last Great Colosseum” has that effect—mesmerizing drivers who’ve conquered the most challenging tracks across the globe. For Josef Newgarden, Roger Penske’s two-time IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, Bristol represents something that even his open-wheel accomplishments can’t match: pure NASCAR spectacle that left an indelible impression on him as a young Tennessee racing fan.

Despite standing as one of Roger Penske’s most decorated IndyCar drivers with 31 career wins and championships in 2017 and 2019, Newgarden’s recent comments reveal a surprising admiration for NASCAR’s high-banked short-track racing. While many open-wheel purists might consider IndyCar’s technical precision superior to stock car racing, Newgarden’s candid admission suggests otherwise, at least regarding Bristol’s unique appeal.

Bristol over every track for Newgarden

“If I could choose, I would drive a Cup car at Bristol at night. Hell yeah! On pavement, just to be clear,” Newgarden enthusiastically declared during an appearance on Corey Lajoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast. His excitement was palpable, highlighting a genuine respect for NASCAR’s most intense venue that transcends any racing discipline rivalry.

Since 1978, Bristol has run a night race that captivated fans across the country. In 1997, Rusty Wallace had led 240 laps, hopeful to close in on another victory at Bristol. However, that was until a young Jeff Gordon closed in on the fellow NASCAR Cup Series champion. Gordon made numerous attempts to pass Wallace and eventually did it by bumping him on the final lap. An incident Wallace later described as a “love tap.” This is just one of many iconic finishes that Newgarden would have watched as a kid, growing up near the track! However, there is a reason Newgarden stressed ‘pavement’, while commenting on his return.

From 2021 to 2023, the track was converted into a dirt track as NASCAR wanted to introduce dirt racing back into the sport and see how it does in Bristol. After three races with mixed responses, NASCAR decided to pave it once again as they concluded their dirt racing experiment. And now, Newgarden sees himself racing at Bristol all over again!

The Nashville native elaborated on his connection to the track, saying, “I’m from Tennessee. I’m a Nashville guy. And some of the few races that I actually went to as a kid in person were Bristol… And I’m like, this is awesome. If I’m in the stadium at Bristol, I’m like, these are gladiators! This is amazing.” This wasn’t mere politeness from an accomplished driver—it was genuine reverence for the track that sits just 300 miles from his hometown and helped inspire his racing career.

Bristol’s reputation as NASCAR’s most intense venue is well-established. Since its 1961 opening and particularly after its increased banking to 28 degrees, the track has become synonymous with heart-pounding action. Newgarden’s sentiment echoes what NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip, who won 12 times at Bristol, once said: “There is no place like Bristol. Literally no place on this earth, not another track like it and not another experience like it.”

Newgarden’s enthusiasm reached its peak when he concluded his Bristol thoughts with an unambiguous endorsement: “When I think NASCAR, I’m like, this is the stuff.” This statement begs the question: Could we see the IndyCar superstar attempt a NASCAR crossover in the future?

Trending

1

“Time to Face Reality” – Calls Mount Against Richard Childress & Co After Kyle Busch Falls in RCR’s Failure Pit

2

Jeff Gordon Issues Stern 6-Word Warning to Chase Elliott as He Measures Him Against Kyle Larson

3

Joey Logano & Wife Brittany Announce New Chapter in Life as They Commit to a Generous Cause

4

Kyle Larson Makes Bold Claim Challenging Tony Stewart’s Entire NASCAR Legacy After Nearly Sweeping Miami

5

Jeff Gordon Lets Slip Kyle Larson’s Biggest Prowess as He Admits Leaving Him in the Blue After Heartbreak

Roger Penske’s star is reaching new heights

Newgarden’s stock has never been higher in the racing world. After securing consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories in 2023 and 2024—becoming the first driver since Helio Castroneves to accomplish this feat. He solidified his position at Team Penske with a multi-year contract. His second Indy 500 win was particularly significant as it marked Team Penske’s 20th victory in the prestigious event, further cementing Roger Penske’s unparalleled legacy in American motorsports.

Team Penske has a storied history of cross-series success and driver movement. Owner Roger Penske has never hesitated to place his drivers in different racing disciplines, from Juan Pablo Montoya’s transitions between Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar to Joey Logano’s 2022 NASCAR championship and Austin Cindric’s quick ascension from sports cars to NASCAR Cup Series winner. With Newgarden already adding a 2024 Daytona 24 Hours victory to his resume, his Bristol comments might be more than just nostalgic appreciation.

With Castroneves taking part in the Daytona 500 this year and IndyCar veteran Katherine Legge also taking up the Cup Series challenge at Phoenix, is it only time before we get to see Josef Newgarden in a Next-Gen car? Well, we hope it happens soon, as Roger Penske’s star could really light up the Bristol race, going by his enthusiasm for competing at the historic track. Would you like to see Newgarden race in the Cup Series? Let us know in the comments!