Newgarden Secures Phoenix Victory as O’Ward Faces Balance Struggles

Josef Newgarden of Team Penske claimed victory at Phoenix Raceway’s Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday, while Pato O’Ward encountered balance issues despite a strong start, ultimately finishing fourth. The race, part of a weekend doubleheader with NASCAR, featured a record number of on-track passes.

O’Ward’s Frustrating Finish

Pato O’Ward, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, showed early promise, briefly leading 10 laps. However, he struggled with the car’s balance in the latter stages of the race, hindering his pursuit of a tenth career victory. “It was a busy one in the cockpit today just with moving tools,” O’Ward said. “I couldn’t quite receive it to where I needed to be. The middle of the race we were pretty sporty, but then I really started struggling with the car. It wasn’t just one issue, so it was a little difficult.”

O’Ward restarted ninth after a caution on Lap 212, having pitted along with six other drivers. He steadily climbed through the field, reaching fifth by Lap 223 and fourth three laps later, but couldn’t close the gap to the leaders.

Despite not winning, O’Ward secured his 50th top-five finish in 108 career starts. He currently sits fourth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings, 15 points behind Newgarden.

Armstrong Impressed with Oval Performance

Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian achieved a fifth-place finish in his 14th oval start. Having transitioned to full-time racing in 2024 after competing only on road and street circuits in 2023, Armstrong credited fellow Recent Zealander Scott Dixon for guidance on oval racing techniques.

“I have the Meister Scott Dixon to learn from,” Armstrong said. “That’s kind of cool. I’m just doing what feels right and following my intuition. That’s what I like about ovals, you have to trust your instincts.” Armstrong passed Dixon for fourth place on Lap 218, with Dixon allowing him space.

Dixon Reflects on Improved Racing at Phoenix

Scott Dixon, with the most Phoenix Raceway experience in the field, finished seventh. He noted the improved racing conditions compared to previous events at the track, attributing it to the ability to utilize the second lane, particularly on new tires. “It was actually really good because you could apply the second lane, especially on new tires,” Dixon said. “The crossovers were exciting. The different tire strategies were good.”

The race saw a record 565 on-track passes, including 323 for position, 145 in the top 10, and 60 in the top five.

Drivers Attend NASCAR Cup Race

Several INDYCAR drivers, including Dennis Hauger of Dale Coyne Racing and Team Penske drivers Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas, planned to attend the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday as part of the “Desert Double.” Hauger, a 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion, grew up watching NASCAR and admired Jeff Gordon.

Additional Notes

• Josef Newgarden’s victory marked his 30th career win with Team Penske, tying him with Helio Castroneves for second-most in INDYCAR SERIES history with the team.
• Four drivers have finished in the top-10 of both races this season: Newgarden, O’Ward, McLaughlin, and Kyle Kirkwood.
• Kyle Kirkwood trails series leader Newgarden by five points, with McLaughlin 12 points behind in third.