IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden has signed with the Rich Paul-owned Klutch Sports Group agency.
Confirmed:
- Newgarden is the first racing driver to sign with Klutch Sports Group
- The American is looking for new commercial opportunities outside of team-affiliated brands
Context:
Newgarden, a two-time IndyCar champion, is one of the faces of the series and has been heavily involved in promotional material for the 2025 season. With IndyCar’s switch to Fox, the broadcaster has leaned heavily on the Indianapolis 500 winner, utilising him in an advert alongside National Football League (NFL) legend Tom Brady.
Newgarden is looking to become the first driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500 three consecutive times. Last year, the 34-year-old released a children’s book called ‘Josef’s Big Dream’ and started a clothing line, but the American has never had official agency representation before.
Klutch Sports Group is known for representing various stars of the National Basketball Association (NBA), including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Darius Garland and Draymond Green.
Comment:
“I think it’s an interesting time for both of us, the intersection of us coming together. [Klutch] has never worked with a motorsport individual, driver, team, what have you,” Newgarden told IndyStar.
“I think the timing right now, everything that’s going on in [IndyCar], the new partnership with Fox, what we’re all collectively [doing] as a group, whether it’s everybody in this room or the drivers, the teams, what we’re all trying to do, it’s a good moment in time for them to get involved.
“I got introduced to them over the offseason. We put something together. Seemed like a very good start as far as when we had a conversation, seemed pretty obvious we should be doing something together. I think we’re going to introduce them to the world of motorsport and they’re going to help us grow.”
Coming next:
Newgarden returns to racing action with the second event of the IndyCar season at The Thermal Club, California, on 23rd March. This will be a points-paying race after last year’s non-championship US$1 million challenge event at the circuit.
Go deeper:
- IndyCar’s TV deal with Fox: Why has the series left NBC and what does the move mean for its future?
- IndyCar 2024 season review: Stuttering viewership and off-track politics overshadow an exciting year
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