Josef Newgarden has been held overnight in hospital but scans have returned negative for the two-time IndyCar champion after his heavy Iowa crash.
Newgarden had dominated the first race of the weekend and looked set to do the same again when something appeared to break on the rear of his car and he crashed from the lead inside the final 100 laps, hitting the Turn 4 wall hard.
He was released from the infield care centre and gave interviews to the media, but shortly after he had a fall where he banged and cut his head, and he was taken to hospital.
He was transferred to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center via helicopter – because of the length of the drive from the track and due to traffic from the end of the race and an ongoing Blake Shelton concert – where he was assessed.
A Team Penske statement issued at 9.56pm local time read: “Josef Newgarden was involved in an incident late in Sunday’s race at Iowa Speedway, after which he was evaluated and released from the infield care center.
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) July 25, 2022
“Following the conclusion of the race Newgarden lost consciousness and fell, sustaining a cut on the back of his head.
“Due to the 45-minute drive to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and the traffic outside the racetrack, the medical helicopter was determined to be the best mode of transportation.
“After being evaluated, all scans were negative.
“Newgarden will be held overnight for observation.
“Following IndyCar protocol, Newgarden will be evaluated by the IndyCar medical staff on Thursday [ahead of next weekend’s Indianapolis race].
