LONG BEACH, Calif. – Simon Pagenaud jumped at the chance to drive for Team Penske, where the best ride of his IndyCar career could lead to wins and racing for championships.
But his first season was a bust, as Pagenaud went winless and finished a career-worst 11th in the IndyCar standings. The Frenchman had not finished lower than fifth in his three seasons driving for Sam Schmidt, and two of those years included multiple victories for the small team.
So it was a surprise to many to see Pagenaud slump driving for Roger Penske as his teammates, Juan Pablo Montoya, Will Power and Helio Castroneves won races and battled for the title. Montoya also won the Indianapolis 500.
Determined to produce the results he expected to get at Penske, Pagenaud has opened his second season much stronger and currently sits atop the IndyCar standings.
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