Why Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden had a 'death grip' on a railing atop Empire State Building

Driving 240 mph, then making a hard left. Passing cars driving at similar speeds. It's all no problem for Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden.

Standing still to pose for a photo? Well ...

OK, that particular photo was on a balcony near the top of the Empire State Building, which towers 1,250 feet above New York City.

And heights aren't Newgarden's favorite thing.

Doyel:Newgarden 'was here to win' Indy 500 despite chaos on track and in stands

Newgarden made the rounds in New York in the wake of Sunday's race victory. He made television appearances and hit the NASDAQ exchange.

The last few days have been a whirlwind for Newgarden. He passed Marcus Ericsson in a one-lap shootout to win the Indy 500 on Sunday, earning a record $3.6 million on Monday. He will be busy as the IndyCar Series resumes racing this weekend in Detroit.