Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

LOOK BACK: Pagenaud’s Indy Sweep

Written by 
Published in Racing
Sunday, 21 July 2019 09:00

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s been said that winning the Indianapolis 500 is a life-changing experience.

In Simon Pagenaud’s case, his victory in the 103rd Indianapolis 500 certainly saved his career with Team Penske.

The popular driver from France entered the Month of May as an afterthought, and left the Indianapolis Motor Speedway three weeks later as the most accomplished driver in racing.

He became only the second driver in history to win the IndyCar Grand Prix, the pole for the Indianapolis 500 and The Greatest Spectacle in Racing in the same year.

Pagenaud fended off a fiercely determined Alexander Rossi over the final 13 laps to win the 500. The two drivers traded passes, bringing the crowd of nearly 300,000 to its feet.

On lap 198, Rossi had his opportunity to make what he thought would be the race-winning pass when he went around Pagenaud in turn one.

Two turns later, Pagenaud regained the lead.

Simon Pagenaud (22) passes Alexander Rossi for the win during the 103rd Indianapolis 500. (Ginny Heithaus photo)

Pagenaud drove his Chevrolet/Dallara in “Conga-like” fashion, trying to break the draft that could keep Rossi’s Honda/Dallara close enough to pass. The strategy ultimately worked, as Pagenaud finished .209 seconds ahead of Rossi.

His first Indy 500 victory gave him the “May Sweep,” joining teammate Will Power, who accomplished the feat in 2018.

Pagenaud entered the month in the midst of a winless streak that had hit 22 races, stretching back to the final race of the 2017 season.

It’s an important year for Pagenaud because it’s the final year of his contract with Team Penske. According to Kyle Moyer, the team’s IndyCar general manager, drivers are expected to win at Team Penske.

“Any year is important here, especially if it’s a year where you didn’t win any races,” Moyer said. “Roger Penske expects drivers to win and the team expects drivers to win, or you are going to be replaced.

“He needs to get winning, contract or not. That’s what we are paid to do. That is what we are expected to do,” Moyer added. “Does he need to win? Yes.”

After completing his sweep at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, team owner Roger Penske was asked if Pagenaud would be back with the team next year.

“What do you think?” Penske responded. “Do you want to answer that question for me? Absolutely.

“I don’t think that I said anything to the media about Simon. He’s on our team. He’s one of our drivers. You’ve seen that,” Penske said. “That was scuttlebutt. I think that’s a good word for it. But what he did this month, certainly he achieved records in his own personal life and certainly what he had expected to, and the run today, it’s a history-book run for me when we think about some of the races — an opportunity to be in the winner’s circle, so he did a great job.”

It was the 18th Indianapolis 500 victory for Team Penske and came on the 50th anniversary of the team’s first Indianapolis 500 start.

To continue reading, advance to the next page.

Read 16379 times

Soccer

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSen. Ron Wyden of Oregon has asked top Trump administration officia...

Amorim: Man Utd can still get top transfer targets

Amorim: Man Utd can still get top transfer targets

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRuben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can la...

Evra eyes Suárez MMA fight: 'He can even bite me'

Evra eyes Suárez MMA fight: 'He can even bite me'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will make his debut...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Herro goes on offensive: Garland doesn't play D

Herro goes on offensive: Garland doesn't play D

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAll-Stars Darius Garland and Tyler Herro have entered into a battle...

Draymond finishes first for NBA's Hustle Award

Draymond finishes first for NBA's Hustle Award

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green wanted to be named the...

Baseball

Brewers CF Mitchell exits with oblique tightness

Brewers CF Mitchell exits with oblique tightness

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell left...

Scherzer throws off mound as rehab progresses

Scherzer throws off mound as rehab progresses

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Max Scherzer threw 27 pitches off the mound Friday and...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated