P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden delivered a masterclass in race management from pole position at St Petersburg in the 2024 IndyCar season opener
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden dominated the 2024 IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, securing his third win at the circuit from pole position, leading an all-Chevrolet top four. The early stages of the race were characterized by heavy fuel-saving, with very little positional changes until the first caution was triggered by a crash involving Marcus Armstrong on lap 27. Newgarden eventually regained the lead after a series of caution periods and managed to hold onto it despite intense pressure from his competitors. Romain Grosjean, despite qualifying well, fell back during the race and eventually retired following a penalty, while Newgarden’s Penske teammates McLaughlin and Power fought hard but couldn’t catch up to Newgarden’s pace. The race concluded with Newgarden claiming victory, marking a perfect start to the season for the double champion after recent team changes.
