
It was a methodical climb through the field for Josef Newgarden’s run to seventh in the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
The result was a strong rebound in what had otherwise been a tough weekend for the Tennessee native. In opening practice, he found the tire barrier in Turn 13 on the complex 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit. Then, in the opening round of qualifying, a mishap during his flying lap in the final minute cost him a shot at advancing, relegating him to a 23rd-place start for Sunday’s 100-lap race.