Newgarden upholds in Iowa oval winning streak

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Josef Newgarden has been nothing short of invincible on IndyCar's ovals this season, the Penske charger upholding on Saturday in Iowa his unblemished track record on the layout.

Newgarden, who has triumphed in five of IndyCar's last six ovals, stretching back to last season, won the series' first weekend round in Iowa with relative ease, bidding his time during the first 121 laps of the 250-lap event before taking command, never to be caught.

"It’s a great day," Newgarden said. "My team, they are unbelievable.

"They always give me a great car. I show up every weekend, and I feel like I’ve got the best of the best behind me. I love Iowa."

Team Penske finished 1-2 in Iowa's first race, as Scott McLaughlin tied his career-best oval finish of second, clocking in, 3.375 seconds behind Newgarden. Pato O’Ward placed third in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.