“I’m not easy to be around when my heart’s broken”: When Josef Newgarden spoke about his wife Ashley’s ‘burden’ when he didn't win the Indy 500

Josef Newgarden became the first repeat winner of the Indy 500 in 22 years after winning the race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023 and 2024. Before the 2023 race, Newgarden participated in 11 Indy 500 races and came out empty-handed. He came close on a few occasions but didn't win.

Newgarden said these close encounters broke his heart and his wife had to endure the pain alongside him. The American driver spoke about the impact that the Indy 500 failures had on him and how his partner helped him process the pain and suffering.

AUTO: MAY 26 NTT IndyCar Series 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 - Source: Getty

Newgarden said (via NBC Sports):

“In a lot of ways, it’s terribly difficult for someone like Ashley. She carries the burden more than anybody, and people don’t know that and see that. I’m not easy to be around when my heart’s broken.”

“And when this place breaks your heart, it’s tough to leave here every year. I’m going to cry thinking about it. It’s really, really hard. And she just … endures it is probably the one way to put it. She has endured the pain. And I think it’s almost a harder pain than the pain I feel because she’s not asking for it, but she’s having to live it," he added.

The first opportunity for an Indy 500 win came in 2016 with Ed Carpenter Racing. Josef Newgarden started P2 and had the leader in front of him. However, he just fell short and finished P3.

On the other two occasions with Team Penske in 2019 and 2020, he finished P4 and P5 respectively. After disappointing finishes outside the Top 10 in 2021 and 2022, Newgarden made the next two years count.

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Josef Newgarden celebrates the holiday season with his wife Ashley and son Kota

With the holiday season underway and IndyCar moving into the off-season, the drivers are enjoying their off-time. While some are globe-trotting, like Marcus Ericsson and David Malukas in Las Vegas, and Lindsay Brewer in Spain, Josef Newgarden is staying at home with his family and celebrating the holidays.

The American posted pictures from Thanksgiving on Instagram with the caption:

“Forever thankful to my little crew. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!”

Most recently, his wife Ashley uploaded pictures from the Christmas preparations on Instagram. The caption read:

“So much love I completely forgot to post. Isn't that what life is about?”

Newgarden also took a trip to Detroit to meet the Team Penske partners, General Motors and Ilmor.