Hitachi extends its Penske/Newgarden partnership

The relationship between Team Penske and Hitachi, forged in 2012, will continue into its eighth season as the technology brand will sponsor Josef Newgarden’s No. 2 Chevy for eight 2019 rounds.

As one of the most enduring sponsors in the NTT IndyCar Series paddock, the continuation of the Hitachi partnership will see its familiar colors adorn the 2017 champion’s entry for almost half the season, starting at St. Petersburg, then moving onto Long Beach, Detroit, Toronto, Iowa, Pocono, and Portland.

“Hitachi has been a terrific partner with Team Penske, and we appreciate how the company has grown with our program and continued to take us in new directions,” said Roger Penske. “We are all excited for the start of the 2019 IndyCar season, and we are in position to have a great year with Josef racing the No. 2 Hitachi Chevy, beginning with the opening race on the streets of St. Petersburg.”

Newgarden: "I can't wait for the 2019 season to start." Image by Levitt/LAT

Displeased by placing only fifth in last year’s championship, Newgarden expects to find himself in the hunt for a second IndyCar title.

“I can’t wait for the 2019 season to start,” he said. “We learned a lot at the Circuit of The Americas test in February, and we’ll apply all that to the No. 2 Hitachi Chevrolet.

"I’m confident in the data we collected as a team and I’m sure we’ll start the year strong.”