Josef Newgarden's life: Disney princess wife, Indy 500 controversy, mega fortune

Back-to-back winner of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Josef Newgarden has become an icon in American motorsport. Known for his thrilling last-lap manoeuvers and relentless drive, he's cemented a well-earned legendary status. Now 34, the Tennessee-born star has joined an exclusive club by winning the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Indy 500 - something not seen since Helio Castroneves did it over 20 years ago.

With 30 career wins and IndyCar championships in 2017 and 2019, Newgarden is a titan of the sport, representing Team Penske, the most successful team in Indy 500 history with 20 victories. As he prepares for the 109th Indy 500 this weekend, the American sets his sights on an unprecedented third consecutive win. Here, Express Sport examines the man behind the visor: his life with a 'Disney princess' wife, a controversy that's rattling Team Penske, and his financial standing.

Disney princess wife

Josef's wife, Ashley Newgarden, keeps a quiet profile despite being married to one of racing's biggest stars. They got engaged during a trip to Japan in 2018 and were married in Nashville the following year. In 2022, they became parents to a son, Kota.

Ashley worked at Walt Disney World as a character actress, where she portrayed Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. This led fans to refer to her as a "Disney princess". She typically avoids the spotlight, choosing instead to prioritise family and philanthropy.

The couple are united in their support for charitable causes close to their hearts. Josef acts as an ambassador for the SeriousFun Children's Network, and Ashley lends her quiet support behind the scenes. Supporters credit Ashley with being a grounding presence in Josef's intense professional life. She's been applauded for providing stability and calm as he chases racing greatness.

Penske cheating scandal

This year's Indy 500 buildup has been . Team Penske was hit with penalties after it was discovered that cars driven by Newgarden and team-mate Will Power featured illegal modifications to their rear safety structures.

The tweaks were designed to streamline airflow, violating IndyCar's rules on standardised components. This resulted in both drivers being dropped to the last two positions on the starting grid and a hefty fine of $100,000 (£74,000) issued to the team.

Further scrutiny came when observers noticed similar modifications on Newgarden's 2024 winning car, displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Outcry from competitors like Chip Ganassi sparked a deeper investigation by league officials.

It comes after a 2024 scandal involving illegal horsepower boosts, which led to the suspension of multiple Team Penske members and the stripping of Newgarden's race victory. In a dramatic move, Roger Penske terminated Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski, and Kyle Moyer, calling the failure in leadership "devastating."

Newgarden has attempted to stay focused on racing, but the controversy has drawn criticism from rivals like Pato O'Ward and fans who now question his legacy. The growing unease has even led to calls for IndyCar to introduce independent oversight, given Penske's dominant role in the sport.

Wealth

Years of victories have helped Newgarden amass a reported net worth of $5million (£3.7m). While racing is his primary income source, endorsements with Chevrolet, PPG, and Hitachi add to his revenue.

His Indy 500 victories were particularly lucrative, especially in 2023 when he took home an extra $440,000 (£326,000) bonus. Off the track, Newgarden engages fans through a YouTube channel and previously co-hosted Bus Bros with Scott McLaughlin.

He lives in Nashville with Ashley and their child, living a relatively private life despite his wealth. The family's ongoing charitable work indicates a commitment to using their platform for good rather than extravagance.

With another Indy 500 looming, Newgarden's pursuit of a third consecutive title could either elevate his status or be overshadowed by controversy. Only time will tell whether his skill can outpace the setbacks.