Two time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden kicked off the 2024 NTT IndyCar series in dominant fashion by securing the win at Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. Newgarden held a commanding lead as the checkered flag waved holding a 7.912 second victory over the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of runner-up Pato O’Ward. This years running of St. Petersburg was a stark contrast to last years race that was full on on track drama.
“I had a lot of fun today,” Newgarden said. “I think it’s so deserving for the work they (Team Penske) put in. We’ve worked really hard to close the gap. We didn’t have the speed we needed on road and street courses last year, at least on a consistency basis, and today we brought that speed. We had the execution, as always.”
4 Retirements In the Season Opener
Four cars retired form the race today. Romain Grosjean and Marcus Ericcson both suffered mechanicals. Ericcson’s race ended on lap 52 with Grosjean retiring 30 laps later. Sting Ray Robb’s race ended premature after an off and Marcus Armstrong’s race ended as a result of incidental contact on lap 26 of the race.
Results from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding