Josef Newgarden has been airlifted from Iowa Speedway after losing consciousness following the conclusion of Sunday’s (June 24) Hy-Vee Salute to Farmers 300.
Associated Press reporter Jenna Fryer tweeted fans reported seeing Newgarden faint after the NTT IndyCar Series race, allegedly hitting his head after collapsing.
According to Dr. Geoffrrey Billows, Newgarden suffered an “abrasion” to his forehead and is being taken to Des Moines for “more advanced imaging.”
Newgarden is alert and talking pic.twitter.com/iIHlEeBEhp
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) July 24, 2022
Newgarden was flown from the track in Newton via ambulance to Des Moines rather than driven due to distance and post-race traffic.
NBC reporter Nate Ryan shared a similar account from Dr. Billows.
Update on @josefnewgardenfr Dr. Geoffrey Billows: Newgarden is awake and alert but being airlifted to downtown Des Moines after falling outside his hauler and suffering a head abrasion. Dr. Billows says Newgarden was awake and alert and communicating. He checked out fine earlier. pic.twitter.com/RrZzyGURdo
— Nate Ryan (@nateryan) July 24, 2022
IndyCar later released a statement confirming that Newgarden is awake and alert, noting that the driver was taken to Des Moines for further evaluation.
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) July 24, 2022
After winning the first race of the weekend doubleheader at Iowa, while leading Sunday’s race, Newgarden crashed out late in the race.
Newgarden appeared aware and alert following the crash, exiting his car under his own power and speaking with NBC’s Dave Burns after leaving the infield care center. Newgarden’s car was substantially damaged after backing into Iowa’s turn 4 barrier at around 130 mph.
Team Penske posted an update on Twitter late Sunday night:
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) July 25, 2022
This is an ongoing development and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Alex is the IndyCar Content Director at Frontstretch, having initially joined as an entry-level contributor in 2021. He also serves as Managing Director of The Asia Cable, a publication focused on the international affairs and politics of the Asia-Pacific region which he co-founded in 2023. With previous experience in China, Japan and Poland, Alex is particularly passionate about the international realm of motorsport and the politics that make the wheels turn - literally - behind the scenes.