Josef Newgarden did not have to wait long for his first win of the 2026 INDYCAR season.

After needing 17 races to find victory lane last year, the two time series champion wasted little time this season. Newgarden charged past Kyle Kirkwood late in the race to win the Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway, giving Team Penske another major victory during its 60th anniversary season.

The win marked the 33rd of Newgarden’s INDYCAR career and showed that the veteran driver remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the series.

The race itself was a strategic battle that came down to tire decisions and timing.

Throughout the event, drivers constantly moved through the field on the one mile desert oval. In fact, the race featured a record 565 on track passes, highlighting just how competitive the field was during INDYCAR’s return to Phoenix for the first time since 2018.

For much of the race, it looked like another driver might take the victory.

Christian Rasmussen was one of the strongest competitors throughout the afternoon, leading 69 laps and aggressively battling for the lead in the closing stages. However, contact with Will Power damaged Rasmussen’s car and triggered the final caution of the race, completely changing the strategy for the leaders.

That moment created the opportunity Newgarden needed.

While several drivers chose to stay on track for position, Newgarden and his team made the decision to pit for fresh Firestone tires. On a track where grip had become critical, the extra traction proved to be the deciding factor.

When the race restarted, Rasmussen attempted to hold the lead but quickly faded due to damage and worn tires. Kyle Kirkwood took over the top position, but his advantage was short lived.

Newgarden’s fresh tires gave him a clear speed advantage.

Within a few laps, he closed the gap and made his move. With seven laps remaining, Newgarden drove underneath Kirkwood in Turn 4 to take the lead. From there, he quickly pulled away and secured the victory by nearly two seconds.

It was a perfect example of strategy and execution coming together at the right time.

Behind Newgarden and Kirkwood, David Malukas completed the podium for Team Penske, giving the organization two drivers in the top three. Pato O’Ward finished fourth, while Marcus Armstrong rounded out the top five.

The win also gave Newgarden the early championship lead after two races, moving him ahead of Kirkwood in the standings.

While the season is still young, momentum can be a powerful force in motorsports. Newgarden understands that as well as anyone. After a frustrating 2025 season that featured only one victory, starting the new year with a win could set the tone for the rest of the championship battle.

Meanwhile, four time series champion Alex Palou experienced a rare setback after early contact ended his race. It was his worst finish in nearly two years and a reminder of how unpredictable racing can be.

Still, the spotlight belonged to Newgarden.

The INDYCAR series returned to Phoenix with exciting racing and constant action, and Newgarden delivered the final highlight of the afternoon. With fresh tires, perfect timing, and a bold late pass, he reminded the field exactly why he is a two time champion.

If the start of the season is any indication, Josef Newgarden may be ready for another title run.