Born on December 22, 1990, in Nashville, Tennessee, Josef Newgarden’s journey in motorsports began at a young age. His passion for racing ignited when he started karting at the age of 13, quickly advancing through various junior racing categories. By 2012, he made his debut in the IndyCar Series with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. His transition to one of the most prestigious racing platforms in the world was marked by hard work, determination, and exceptional skill.
Over the next several years, Newgarden developed a reputation as one of the brightest stars in IndyCar. He achieved a major career milestone in 2017 when he won his first IndyCar Championship. The following years proved his consistency and talent, as he claimed another championship in 2019. His career continued to reach new heights, and in 2024, Newgarden achieved an extraordinary feat—winning the Indianapolis 500 in consecutive years, claiming the victory in both 2023 and 2024.
As of 2024, Newgarden has participated in 215 races, securing 31 wins and 58 podiums. His exceptional driving skills have also earned him a notable record for the most laps led by a race-winning driver in the history of IndyCar. His victory in the 2024 Indy 500 solidified his place in the sport’s history, and he continues to be a key figure for Team Penske in the 2025 season, racing the No. 2 car powered by Chevrolet.
Personal Life: A Loving Husband and Father
While Josef’s racing achievements are well-documented, his personal life is an equally important part of his story. Central to his personal journey is his wife, Ashley Newgarden, who has been a steady and supportive presence throughout his career. The couple’s relationship is one of the most heartwarming aspects of Josef’s life.
Ashley Newgarden, née Welch, is an actress and former Disney princess, having worked at Disneyland from 2013 to 2014. During this period, she portrayed iconic Disney characters such as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Her role as a Disney Princess is a testament to her charisma and warmth, qualities that have also contributed to the strength of her marriage to Josef.
Josef and Ashley’s love story began in 2012, when they met through mutual friends. They quickly developed a strong bond, with Josef visiting Ashley during her time working as a Disney princess in 2014. Their relationship flourished, and in 2018, Josef proposed to Ashley while the couple was vacationing in Kyoto, Japan. The engagement was a reflection of their deep connection, and it was there that they solidified their commitment to each other.
The couple married in October 2019 in a private ceremony, and their love continued to grow stronger over time. In April 2022, they announced the birth of their first child, a son named Kota Nicolai Newgarden. Kota’s name holds special significance for the couple, as it was chosen due to its Japanese origin, meaning “happiness” and “good fortune.” The couple shared their joy on social media, keeping most details private but expressing their immense happiness at the arrival of their son.
Despite their public visibility, Josef and Ashley are known for keeping their family life private, with only occasional glimpses into their world shared on social media. Ashley has been a key support system for Josef throughout his racing career, offering emotional stability and strength. Her presence at his races, including during his victory at the 2024 Indy 500, has been a source of motivation for him. She has often expressed her pride in his achievements, sharing heartfelt messages on social media, such as her emotional post after his Indy 500 win in 2023.
Ashley Newgarden: A Multifaceted Career and Family Life
Ashley Newgarden’s career as an actress and her experience working with Disney have helped her develop a strong sense of creativity and performance. These qualities, combined with her genuine and supportive nature, have made her an integral part of Josef’s journey in motorsports. Despite her relatively low profile compared to her husband, Ashley plays an essential role behind the scenes, offering him the emotional support and stability necessary to thrive in a high-pressure environment like IndyCar racing.
Her Instagram account, where she shares glimpses of her family life, has garnered a following of over 10,500 people, many of whom are fans of her husband’s racing career. Her posts often feature the couple’s family moments, including milestones like their son Kota’s birth and Josef’s career achievements.
Ashley’s background in performance, particularly her work at Disney, allowed her to embrace the spotlight and support Josef in front of crowds and cameras. But despite their public status, they have prioritized keeping their family life grounded, with a focus on providing a private and nurturing environment for their son.
Josef Newgarden’s Net Worth and Family Legacy
As of 2024, Josef Newgarden’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his racing career, including his earnings from his contract with Team Penske, endorsements, and his many race winnings. His wife, Ashley, also contributes to the family’s financial success through her work in acting and her social media presence. Together, they create a strong family dynamic that balances the pressures of racing with a rich personal life.
Conclusion
Josef Newgarden’s journey through life is a perfect blend of racing triumphs, family love, and personal growth. His achievements on the track are mirrored by the strong support system he has built with his wife, Ashley. Their love story is an inspiring reminder of the importance of having a solid emotional foundation, especially in the fast-paced and high-stakes world of motorsports. Fans continue to cheer for Josef, not only for his remarkable racing abilities but also for the incredible partnership he shares with Ashley, which continues to play a vital role in his success.
As he prepares for the 2025 IndyCar season, Josef’s legacy is set to grow even further, with the love of his family propelling him to new heights on and off the track.
