Simon Pagenaud
FILE - In this June 28, 2020, file photo, Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, in Long Pond, Pa. Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick flipped their 1-2 finish in Pocono’s doubleheader weekend last year but they each come back for this weekend’s races winless and trying to chase Kyle Larson. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
AUTO RACING: Larson closing on Hamlin; F1 has a title race

By The Associated Press Jun. 30, 2021 02:41 PM EDT

FILE - In this June 12, 2021, file photo, Josef Newgarden drives during the first race of the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix auto racing doubleheader on Belle Isle in Detroit. Newgarden won the pole position Saturday, June 19, for Sunday’s IndyCar race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Newgarden earns pole for IndyCar race at Road America

By Steve Megargee Jun. 19, 2021 04:34 PM EDT

Alexander Rossi, left, looks down pit lane during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Friday, May 21, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Rossi seeks end to 2-year losing streak at Road America

By Jenna Fryer Jun. 18, 2021 04:41 PM EDT

Kyle Larson stands atop his car after winning a NASCAR Cup Series race, Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
AUTO RACING: NASCAR Texas-bound; IndyCar heads to Detroit

By The Associated Press Jun. 09, 2021 04:36 PM EDT

Helio Castroneves of Brazil, winner of the 2021 Indianapolis 500 auto race, poses during the traditional winners photo session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Column: Age is a meaningless number for Indy's 4-time winner

By Jenna Fryer May. 31, 2021 05:10 PM EDT

Alex Palou, of Spain, drives into Turn 1 during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Wait 'til next year: Palou, O'Ward fall to Castroneves

By Dan Gelston May. 30, 2021 05:01 PM EDT

Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, is congratulated by Takuma Sato, of Japan, after Castroneves, won the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Dixon, other big-name drivers struggle through Indy 500

By Michael Marot May. 30, 2021 04:48 PM EDT

Graham Rahal hits the wall in Turn 2 after losing a tire during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Rob Baker)
INDY 500 NOTEBOOK: Loose wheel ends Rahal's race

By Michael Marot May. 30, 2021 04:17 PM EDT

Helio Castroneves of Brazil celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Good company: Helio Castroneves wins Indy 500 for 4th time

By Jenna Fryer May. 30, 2021 01:50 PM EDT

Fans watch during the final practice session for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Friday, May 28, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Dixon paces Carb Day as Team Penske finally shows speed

By Jenna Fryer May. 28, 2021 05:46 PM EDT

Ryan Hunter-Reay prepare to drives in the final practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Buzzing again: Indy 500 is biggest sports event of pandemic

By Jenna Fryer May. 28, 2021 03:14 PM EDT

Simon Pagenaud of France climbs into his car during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penske's problems continue even after Indy qualifying ends

By Michael Marot May. 23, 2021 08:04 PM EDT

Marco Andretti pulls off his balaclava during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Saturday, May 22, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Penske struggles with speed, Power outside of Indy 500 field

By Jenna Fryer May. 22, 2021 06:46 PM EDT

Simon Pagenaud of France rides a scooter through the pit area during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chilton hopes good day at Indy helps Carlin turn corner

By Michael Marot May. 19, 2021 07:40 PM EDT

Simon Pagenaud of France climbs into his car during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Trio of Indy winners silences youth movement on opening day

By Jenna Fryer May. 18, 2021 07:29 PM EDT

Romain Grosjean, of Switzerland, celebrates after finishing second in an IndyCar auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Rinus VeeKay becomes IndyCar's latest first-time winner

May. 15, 2021 05:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this July 17, 2020, file photo, driver Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, stands next to his car during qualifying for an IndyCar Series auto race at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. Kanaan’s supposed farewell tour last year fizzled amid nearly empty tracks. Then he was given another chance to extend his IndyCar career, this time before fans. His first two races come this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Palou on pole for IndyCar at Texas after qualifying canceled

May. 01, 2021 03:54 PM EDT

Second place Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden, left, first place Andretti Autosport driver Colton Herta, middle, and third place Team Penske driver Simon Pagenaud celebrate after completing the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Sunday, April 25, 2021 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Herta takes St. Pete, ties father on IndyCar win list with 4

By Jenna Fryer Apr. 25, 2021 03:17 PM EDT

Colton Herta prepares for testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Thursday, April 8, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Colton Herta matches dad, grabs pole in tight IndyCar field

By Jenna Fryer Apr. 24, 2021 03:57 PM EDT

Alexander Rossi watches from his pit box during testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Thursday, April 8, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
IndyCar opens season with stacked rookie class chasing Dixon

By Jenna Fryer Apr. 14, 2021 05:08 PM EDT