IndyCar star Josef Newgarden confirms interest in racing in the NASCAR Cup Series

With NASCAR visiting his hometown of Nashville this weekend, IndyCar star Josef Newgarden appeared at the track to speak to the media. Once again, the topic of Newgarden getting into a Cup car was brought up.

During Kyle Larson’s attempt to do the double, Josef Newgarden was asked about NASCAR. At the time, he said he wanted to try it. Penske has enough resources to make it happen if they want to.

When asked today in Nashville, Newgarden confirmed his interest. He would like to compete in Nashville or perhaps Bristol, since he is from Tennessee. The two-time Indy 500 winner should be more than comfortable in a Cup car.

“I would love to drive a Cup car,” Newgarden said of Chris Knight of Safety fence.

Josef Newgarden is one of the most talented drivers in North America, if not the world. What he has accomplished as an IndyCar driver is no mean feat. Newgarden has the full package. Not only does he win races and championships, but he also has the look and attitude of a superstar athlete.

30 wins, 17 pole positions, two championships and two Indy 500s – there’s not much more to say. He did all that in 206 races. But could Newgarden quickly adapt to a NASCAR Cup Series race car?

Josef Newgarden could be successful in NASCAR

It’s hard to have a great run in a one-off race, especially in a completely new car, new series and new environment. However, Josef Newgarden is talented enough to do it. He might not win on his debut like Shane van Gisbergen, but he could hold his own in the Cup Series, similar to Kyle Larson at the Indy 500.

Of course, this SVG victory came under very special circumstances. Rainy weather, the first ever road race, etc. – all of this allowed him to make history and achieve one of the greatest victories of the modern era.

Let’s say you put Newgarden on the track in Bristol, Nashville, or even Charlotte. Oval racing is not easy for those who are not there all the time. IndyCar drivers who drive full time complain about the difficulty. Newgarden is different, he is the Oval King in IndyCar.

On oval tracks like Texas, Iowa and Gateway, Josef Newgarden can definitely compete with the talent in NASCAR. He knows the lines to run, the technique, everything. Even though the IndyCar and NASCAR platforms are different, I think his understanding of oval tracks would give him a great chance at a top-10 finish.