Photo Credit: IndyCar/IMS
In qualifying for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis Simon Pagenaud, driver of the No. 22 Menards Team Penske Chevrolet, took the pole position, his second of the season.
“I was confident going in we would be competitive enough to get to the Fast Six,” he said. “This morning the car was really strong on the black Firestone tires. I got my balance where I wanted it to be, to be in good shape for the red Firestone tires. I knew we would be up there.”
The Frenchman was the only Team Penske driver to make the Fast Six, which is strange given the team’s dominance thus far this season. Part of that dominance could’ve been to the fact that it seemed during the first four races, Chevrolet seemed to have an advantage over the Honda. Notably this weekend, though, the final qualifying session was equal with three of each making it in to the session.
“The thing is, quite honestly, the Honda have improved massively after Long Beach,” he said. “Barber and here, they’re really strong. It looks like they’re got a lot of power. It’s obviously harder now to get into the Fast Six than it was at the beginning of the year. “Congratulations to them. It’s great to see them fighting so well against Chevrolet.”
Pagenaud’s season is off to an fantastic start. In four races, he has podium in each, including coming into the month of May with back-to-back win at Long Beach and Barber Motorsports Park.
“It’s really hard to explain, quite frankly,” he said. “ I think every athlete tries to explain when things go right.
“I have been very focused on the task, more so than the results. It started last year. It was difficult because I had no results to back it up. But this year I’m just focused on the task. Since the results come quickly this year, I could reinforce that.
“Obviously every year I’m trying to improve myself as a driver. You’re always trying to push the limit. Finding that zone is key. Sometimes you make it, sometimes you don’t. It’s a bit like opening the door and finding the key. “It’s a lot about concentration and just having everything go right for you in your head.”
The Poitiers, France native comes in as the point standings leader to the month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where later this month he will compete in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.
“That’s a long way,” he said. “I’m going to focus on the Grand Prix. For the championship, it’s big tomorrow. If we can do well, it’s going to be big. “I just want to keep in that direction. Yeah, I’m focusing on points really. But then the Indy 500 is a one-off for me. That’s a championship in itself. We’ll see when we get there. “Certainly using Lady Luck in a good way. It’s not coming by luck, but you certainly need luck to succeed so much. I’m using a lot of that. There will be bad days, I know that. I hope it’s not May 29th. But there’s nothing you can do about it. Just get the points when you can.”
