If Josef Newgarden fails to claim victory at the Nashville race, he will be heading towards his first winless season since 2014.

As the IndyCar series prepares for the season finale at the Nashville Superspeedway, the race is shrouded in anticipation and intrigue.

Pato O'Ward, who recently clinched the pole position for Sunday's race, is aiming to win his first race from the pole. His teammate, Pato O'Ward, is looking to end the season on a high note after a strong qualifying performance.

However, the spotlight is also on Josef Newgarden, the two-time IndyCar champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. Newgarden is currently 16th in the IndyCar standings, the lowest of the Team Penske trio of drivers. Newgarden has had a challenging season, with exactly one podium since the season-opening race and only three total top-five finishes. His struggles continued at the Indianapolis 500, where he had to start from the back due to his car being found illegally altered, resulting in a 22nd-place finish.

The struggles of Newgarden have not gone unnoticed, as he is on track for his lowest finish in the championship race since his 2012 rookie season. This could potentially mark his first winless season since 2014 if he fails to win Sunday's race.

Meanwhile, the future of another Team Penske driver, Will Power, remains uncertain. Power, the only Penske driver with a win this season, is in a contract year with the organization. The possible successor at Team Penske is not explicitly named, and Power has not disclosed his plans for next season. He has had no discussions with the organization and was contractually prohibited from talking to other teams until Monday.

IndyCar's free agency period will officially begin after Sunday's race, and the future of several drivers is up in the air. Colton Herta, for instance, declined to discuss his future in IndyCar or a potential move to Formula 2.

Off the track, the Nashville race is being used as an opportunity to engage with Gen Z and millennial fans. IndyCar is hoping to attract a younger audience with the help of Love Island's "Nic Vans," who will be DJ'ing driver introductions for the race. The All American Rejects will also perform a concert and sponsor Conor Daly's car with a special livery.

In addition to the human drama, the race also holds historical significance. McLaren Racing has a chance to sweep a race day for the first time in 49 years. If they achieve this feat, it would be a fitting end to a season that has been filled with twists and turns.

As the IndyCar series prepares for the season finale, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable race. With the future of several drivers up in the air, the race could potentially reshape the landscape of IndyCar. Moreover, the historical significance of the race adds an extra layer of excitement, making it a must-watch event for IndyCar fans.

In the background, Honda is also evaluating whether to remain in IndyCar after 2026 or enter NASCAR's top Cup Series. This decision could have significant implications for the future of IndyCar, adding another layer of intrigue to the season finale.

In the end, only time will tell how the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway will play out. One thing is certain, though: the race promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

If Josef Newgarden fails to claim victory at the Nashville race, he will be heading towards his first winless season since 2014.