Pato O’Ward Takes IndyCar Victory Over Josef Newgarden in Iowa
Pato O’Ward delivered a thrilling performance to take his first IndyCar victory of the 2025 season, outdueling Josef Newgarden in a dramatic finish at Iowa Speedway. This win not only marked O’Ward’s eighth career victory but also made him the first Chevrolet driver to win in 2025, breaking Honda’s early-season dominance.
A Battle to the Finish
The Synk 275 at Iowa Speedway showcased a classic rivalry between O’Ward and Newgarden. Newgarden, a six-time Iowa winner and the race’s polesitter, led a commanding 232 of the 275 laps. However, a crucial pit stop late in the race changed everything. A slight delay by Newgarden’s Team Penske crew allowed O’Ward, driving for Arrow McLaren, to leapfrog into the lead with a perfectly executed in-lap and out-lap sequence.
“We’ve been waiting for this one all year. My 50th race was a win here in Iowa. It’s a cool story. I’m the first one to give Chevy a win this year. I had to be so precise on my in and out laps to beat [Newgarden]. Great racing out there.”
— Pato O’Ward
Key Race Moments
- Newgarden’s Dominance: Josef Newgarden appeared set for a record-extending seventh Iowa victory, leading the majority of the race and controlling the pace from pole position.
- Pit Stop Drama: The pivotal moment came during the final round of green flag pit stops, where O’Ward’s Arrow McLaren team executed flawlessly, while Newgarden’s crew suffered a slight bobble, costing him the lead.
- Late Restarts: After a red flag to repair the Turn 4 wall, O’Ward held off Newgarden on two intense restarts in the final 14 laps, ultimately winning by just 0.235 seconds—the closest Iowa finish since 2007.
- Chevrolet’s Breakthrough: O’Ward’s win was not only his first of the season but also Chevrolet’s first IndyCar victory in 2025, making it a 1-2-3-4 finish for Chevy-powered teams
Final Results: Top 5
| Position | Driver | Team | Engine | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren | Chevrolet | 100th career start, 8th win |
| 2 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | Chevrolet | Led 232 laps, broke Iowa laps-led record |
| 3 | Will Power | Team Penske | Chevrolet | Completed Chevy podium |
| 4 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | Chevrolet | Started 27th, finished 4th |
| 5 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi | Honda | Maintains series points lead |
Rivalry Renewed
The O’Ward–Newgarden rivalry continues to deliver memorable moments. Last year, Newgarden snatched victory from O’Ward on the final lap of the Indianapolis 500. This time, O’Ward turned the tables, executing under pressure to deny Newgarden another Iowa crown.
“He’s one of the guys that when you’re behind, he tries to outsmart you. He’s also very strong here, so I knew we had to be perfect. We capitalized on that in lap.”
— Pato O’Ward
What’s Next?
With this victory, O’Ward jumps to second in the championship standings, narrowing the gap to leader Alex Palou. The Iowa doubleheader continues with another race, offering Newgarden and others a chance for redemption.
Why This Win Matters
- Milestone: O’Ward’s 100th IndyCar start and second career win at Iowa Speedway.
- Chevrolet’s Comeback: Ends a streak of Honda victories in 2025.
- Tight Points Race: O’Ward now trails Palou by 106 points with six races remaining