Simon Pagenaud
FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2011, file photo, Jimmie Johnson signs autographs for fans prior to the Grand Am Rolex 24 hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Johnson will race the Rolex 24 at Daytona for the first time since 2011 in January. The seven-time NASCAR champion will be paired with Simon Pagenaud, Kamui Kobayashi, and Mike Rockenfeller in the IMSA sports car race that is considered the unofficial opener of the racing season. (AP Photo/David Graham, File)
Johnson part of all-star Action Express lineup for Rolex 24

By Jenna Fryer Dec. 04, 2020 05:23 PM EST

Kurt Busch celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
AUTO RACING: Auto Racing Glance

By The Associated Press Oct. 01, 2020 11:42 AM EDT

Fans socially distance in the stands due to COVID-19 as they watch the IndyCar auto race at World Wide Technology Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Madison, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Dixon beats Sato at Gateway in reverse finish of Indy 500

By Ken Roberts Aug. 29, 2020 07:52 PM EDT

Graham Rahal makes his final pit stop during the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Sato, Rahal give Rahal Letterman Lanigan banner Indy 500

By Dave Skretta Aug. 23, 2020 07:12 PM EDT

Takuma Sato, of Japan, leads Marco Andretti into turn one during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Latest: Sato wins 2nd Indy 500 as race ends under yellow

By The Associated Press Aug. 23, 2020 02:09 PM EDT

Rinus VeeKay, of the Netherlands, takes off his helmet during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indy 500 rookies bring cosmopolitan flair to the Brickyard

By Dave Skretta Aug. 22, 2020 02:47 AM EDT

Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, left, talks with Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, before the final practice session for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indy 500 does its best to shine as show goes on in pandemic

By Jenna Fryer Aug. 21, 2020 03:10 PM EDT

Ryan Hunter-Reay leads a group of cars off pit lane during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Roger Penske to Indianapolis 500 fans: 'I wanted you here'

By Jenna Fryer Aug. 20, 2020 06:38 PM EDT

AUTO RACING: Auto Racing Glance

By The Associated Press Aug. 19, 2020 05:52 PM EDT
All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Drydene 311 Site: Dover, Delaware ...

Rinus VeeKay, of the Netherlands, takes off his helmet during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Chevy drivers hoping Honda's edge closes during Indy 500

By Michael Marot Aug. 16, 2020 05:05 PM EDT

Marco Andretti reacts after winning the pole for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
An Andretti wins 1st Indy 500 pole for family in 33 years

By Jenna Fryer Aug. 16, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, watches during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Chevy's struggles keep Penske out of Indy 500 pole shootout

By Michael Marot Aug. 15, 2020 05:48 PM EDT

Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, looks down the pit lane during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penske cars struggle with speed as Andretti tops 233 mph

By Jenna Fryer Aug. 14, 2020 04:38 PM EDT

Simon Pagenaud, of France, drives through the third turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Hanley, crew work overtime after slow start in Indy practice

By Michael Marot Aug. 13, 2020 07:04 PM EDT

The car driven by Fernando Alonso, of Spain, hits the wall in the fourth turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirk Stierwalt)
Alonso first driver to crash in Indianapolis 500 practice

By Jenna Fryer Aug. 13, 2020 06:31 PM EDT

Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, makes his way to his car during practice for an IndyCar Series auto race Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
IndyCar's next wave proving kids are more than all right

By Dave Skretta Jul. 19, 2020 02:13 PM EDT

Josef Newgarden leads Will Power, of Australia, right, during the IndyCar Series auto race, Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Newgarden gives Penske sweep of Iowa doubleheader

By Dave Skretta Jul. 18, 2020 10:44 PM EDT

Simon Pagenaud, of France, drives during an IndyCar Series auto race Friday, July 17, 2020, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Pagenaud snaps Ganassi streak with IndyCar win at Iowa

By Dave Skretta Jul. 17, 2020 11:10 PM EDT

Tony Kanaan, left, and Graham Rahal laugh as they talk on pit road during qualifying for an IndyCar auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, June 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Kanaan back in IndyCar to resume swansong season at Iowa

By Dave Skretta Jul. 17, 2020 03:53 PM EDT

IndyCar driver Felix Rosenqvist (10) corners on Turn 3 during the REV Group Grand Prix auto race Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. (Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press via AP)
Rosenqvist surges at Road America for 1st IndyCar victory

By Steve Megargee Jul. 12, 2020 11:23 AM EDT