"Yeah, 2025, I think for me the highlight is the Foundation," Newgarden remarked about the official launch of his Newgarden Family Foundation with its first official event called "Karting for a Cause with Josef Newgarden & Friends" that was being held for a select group of fans, friends and V.I.P. ticket holders at K1 Speed. "Tonight's the highlight so far. Being able to get this off the ground is much tougher than it looks. To start a foundation, I didn't realize how difficult it was and it's taking a ton of effort from my team. So, just to get it off the ground and get an event going is already a big deal, a big first step. Now, we can grow it from there. So, that's for me the highlight so far."

And, by all accounts the heavily attended celebratory occasion was an incredible success.

The debut of “Karting for a Cause with Josef Newgarden & Friends,” presented by Shell, proved to be a winning night both on and off the track, raising more than $112,000 to benefit the Nashville chapter of Speedway Children's Charities and the Newgarden Family Foundation. The event, held at K1 Speed in downtown Nashville, kicked off the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix presented by WillScot INDYCAR championship weekend in high gear. Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion and Nashville native Josef Newgarden headlined the evening, competing alongside INDYCAR drivers Conor Daly and Colton Herta, and community supporters in an evening of karting, entertainment and giving back.

Attendees enjoyed a night of racing that was broken down into heats resulting in one final race that would crown the inaugural champion. The final contest was compelling and competitive with the host leading in the last laps until his friend and rival Conor Daly made one sneaky pass to claim the title. Really, it was no wonder that all three IndyCar drivers made it to the podium leaving room for the more pedestrian drivers to work on their skills at K1 Speed until the chance to battle against race royalty comes around again.

"Raising more than $112,000 in our very first year for this event speaks volumes about the generosity of this community and the passion people have for helping others," said Matt Greci, general manager of Nashville Superspeedway. "Josef's commitment to giving back is inspiring, and teaming up with him to launch this event was a natural fit. With the success of this debut, we're excited to see Karting for a Cause become a fixture on the Music City Grand Prix weekend and a tradition that continues to grow its impact year after year."

Newgarden leads the pack as Scott Borchetta looks on; IndyCar racers dominate the podium at K1 Speed.

With backing from partners including Shell, Team Penske, Firestone Racing, Mecum Auctions, Astemo, Borchetta Bourbon, OMP Racing, Bell Helmets, INDYCAR and Nashville Superspeedway, guests enjoyed not only action-packed on-track duels, but also live music from country artist Chase Wright, and silent and live auctions, which featured exclusive memorabilia and experiences.

Race owner Scott Borchetta was on site, too, greeting fans and holding court with the driver who have helped elevate his race into one of the most anticipated events on the annual Nashville calendar. But, Borchetta wasn't done, yet. On Friday he was celebrating 20 years of his Big Machine Label Group with a free concert featuring BMLG artists past and present, including Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, Riley Green, Carly Pearce, Danielle Bradbury, Aaron Lewis, Brett Young and The Band Perry.

Team MCN Co-Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch returned to the track at K1 Speed for the second time in a year after facing off against Daytona 500 Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. back in May. Lynch summed up his experience by saying:

"It was exhilarating to return to K1 Speed to race against another legend in the sport," Lynch enthused about the competition against Newgarden and other members of the media. "I felt much more confident and controlled this time around and managed to stay on the lead lap, and, I didn't crash!"

EDITOR'S NOTE: Call it good karting karma! On Sunday, August 31, 2025 Josef Newgarden won the race at the Nashville Super Speedway giving him another undisputed highlight as the IndyCar season came to a close in Lebanon. In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Josef Newgarden dominated the 2025 Music City Grand Prix by leading 47 laps en route to a dramatic victory on home turf. He first surged to the front on Lap 147, overtaking Alexander Rossi with precision and confidence. The race saw intense battles among top contenders, including Scott McLaughlin and Alex Palou. But, Newgarden held his ground through the chaos.

After briefly relinquishing the lead, Newgarden reclaimed it on Lap 205 following McLaughlin's late-race mishap. From there, he fended off a hard-charging Palou to seal the win, electrifying the Nashville crowd and capping off the season with a triumphant finish. It was a defining moment for the Tennessee native, who turned local pride into podium glory while coming away with a four-day stretch in Nashville that he won't soon forget.

More scenes from "Karting for a Cause with Josef Newgarden & Friends" in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on JOSEF NEWGARDEN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Josef Newgarden | Newgarden Family Foundation | Speedway Children's Charities | Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix | Nashville Superspeedway | Musician Rockin' Rich Lynch Races Against Daytona 500 Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at K1 Speed in Nashville | K1 Speed Nashville