Photo Credit: Chris Owens/IndyCar
Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 21 Direct Supply Chevrolet, was cleared to drive in Friday’s practice sessions for the upcoming Kohler Grand Prix at Road America. Once the last practice is over, Newgarden will be re-evaluated to figure out whether he will be able to continue to drive the car for the rest of the race weekend. If it is determined the American driver cannot continue to drive the car in the Kohler Grand Prix, then Ed Carpenter Racing will have JR Hildebrand on standby to fill in.
Newgarden was involved in a crash with fellow competitor Conor Daly during the postponed Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway where he suffered a fractured right clavicle, as well as a small fracture in his right hand during the accident.
The Tennessee native has had a pretty decent season thus far, recording five top-10s in the eight races so far, notably including two podium finishes – both coming on road courses. His first podium finish was in the Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park, with his second at the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He also finished fourth in the second Dual at Detroit at Belle Isle Park. If Newgarden is allowed to race this weekend, he looks to carry the momentum from Detroit into Road America to get a good finish.
Practice for the Kohler Grand Prix will begin at Noon ET Friday and will be broadcast live on NBCSN. The second practice is scheduled for 4 p.m ET. You can follow that practice live on racecontrol.indycar.com. Qualifying will be held on Saturday where the 50 lap race will be held on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on NBCSN.
