MONTEREY, Calif. – Josef Newgarden is a two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion.

By virtue of a series-high four wins, seven podium finishes and two poles, including a eighth-place finish in Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Newgarden drove the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet to his second championship in three years.

Newgarden’s first title came in 2017, his first season driving for Team Penske. Newgarden’s title is the 16th NTT IndyCar Series championship for team owner Roger Penske.

The 28-year-old native of Hendersonville, Tenn., started his run to the championship with a decisive victory in the season-opening race on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. Newgarden went on to score victories in race one of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, Texas Motor Speedway and Iowa Speedway.

He led the point standings the entire 17-race season except for leaving Indianapolis after the Indianapolis 500 was won by teammate Simon Pagenaud. Newgarden quickly regained the top spot following his victory in race one in the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and never looked back.

“My team did such a great job today and all year long.  Tim (Cindric) called a great race,” said an elated Newgarden. “I tried to be as smart as I could today. Team Chevy has done a great job. Won the Indy 500 with Simon (Pagenaud) and now this championship. It’s about all you can ask for in one season. I’m just so thankful to everyone who has helped me. It’s been a heck of a year.”

Colton Herta earned his second NTT IndyCar Series victory of his rookie season in Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. A complete report will be available soon.