Tennessee has proclaimed Monday 31st July as Josef Newgarden Day, ahead of the Hendersonville native’s home race, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, on the streets of Nashville. in honor of the Team Penske driver’s Indianapolis 500 victory in May.
The proclamation was read from the Bridge Building on the banks of the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, just off the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (BMMCGP) circuit, by Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Stuart C. McWhorter and Mark Ezell, Tennessee Tourist Development Commissioner.
Newgarden heads into his home race in second place in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES points standings 80 behind leader Alex Palou after dominating the double-header weekend in Iowa, where he won both races.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee commented saying:
“As we welcome people from across the globe to Nashville for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, it’s fitting that we honor Tennessee native and the first-ever Indy 500 champion from the Volunteer State, Josef Newgarden. “There’s no better stage for racing than Music City, and this week, we’re excited to show fans all that Tennessee has to offer.”
Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and defending Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden who drives the No.2 Chevrolet for Team Penske, commented saying:
“It is one of the highest honors of my career, being recognized by my home state for winning the Indianapolis 500. “I’m a proud Tennessean and had to move away for a time to chase my motorsports dreams, but I always knew I would return. Racing has gone from nearly extinct in Nashville to now being one of our bedrock forms of entertainment. I will continue to do my part to ensure racing remains part of our growing sports scene.”
For further information on the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, click here.