Elite Moxie
Texas Motor Speedway provided the backdrop for a crash between IndyCar drivers Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden. The 25-year-old Newgarden, driving for Ed Carpenter Racing was airlifted for care of his right-side collarbone and hand. This incident was June 12, 2016.
Surgery was needed to insert screws to repair the fractured collarbone, and the right hand was braced for a fracture. Josef was scheduled to pilot his car in 13 days at the 14 turn course of Road America.
Splint developed by the staff of the Indiana Hand Center (Indianapolis) with technical assist from Ralph Reiff, ATC
My career with global athletes and performers has provided me with a front row seat to the mindset, resilience, inquisitiveness, and moxie of the elite. Josef was determined and motivated to drive the road course in 13 days from the original accident. His motivation was to maintain his presence in the IndyCar series championship points race and to demonstrate his grit.
In IndyCar, not unlike the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, each outing is an interview that is being evaluated by decision makers. The owner of the current car (ECR) and the eyes of others in the series looking to add to their roster of drivers. Josef knew this.
This how it played out for Josef. He was in body management sessions to keep active. He adjusted his routines to advantage the healing process, and we worked with the steering wheel and various wraps for his hand to find the least painful combination.
Friday June 24 Josef tested the car on the 14 turn course and athletic trainer Scott Hudson was alongside to make adjustments to the support system. Josef had a spin in qualifications and started in 28th position but drove to an 8th place finish.
As the season progressed Josef continued to manage healing and support for his fractures eventually placing the ECR car in 4th position in the 2016 final season standings.
This story does not end until September 29th, 2016 when Josef is hired by Penske Racing.
Josef, an elite athlete, demonstrated resilience, grit, and moxie in a very tough physical and mental environment providing a career pathway to an IndyCar Series Championship and back-to-back Indianapolis 500 wins.
I love a great story!
