UPDATE 1 – Posted Sunday, July 24 at 10:02 p.m. CT – IndyCar has released a statement saying Josef Newgarden would be held overnight at the Des Moines Hospital for observational purposes.
IndyCar Statement: Josef Newgarden was involved in an accident late in Sunday’s race at Iowa Speedway, after which he was evaluated and released from the infield care center. 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 race track, 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.
Josef Newgarden was airlifted to the Des Moines MercyOne Hospital Sunday afternoon after collapsing and hitting his head outside of his motorhome.
The IndyCar star had been evaluated and released from the infield care center, and also did a TV interview before returning to his hauler.
IndyCar is transferring Newgarden for further evaluation, using a helicopter because of the distance and post-race traffic around Iowa Speedway.
Josef Newgarden being transported to a hospital in downtown Des Moines for further evaluation.
Dr. Billows told us a helicopter is being used strictly because of distance and the post-race traffic.
Story to come. pic.twitter.com/cUAB2xlQJA
— Nathan Brown (@By_NathanBrown) July 24, 2022
Dr. Geoffrey Billows, IndyCar Medical Director, stated that Newgarden was awake and alert.
Billows also said that they think the injury was caused by his hit to the head and not by the accident that took the driver out of the race after leading 148 laps in Sunday’s Hy-Vee Salute To Farmers 300.
Billows’ full statement can be seen below:
