Winning a race by virtue of fuel strategy is generally not the way a driver likes to do it, but that is just how Simon Pagenaud scored his big win at the inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix. The talented Frenchman nursed his fuel supply and still held off Ryan Hunter-Reay and Helio Castroneves to claim victory before an estimated crowd of 40,000 people who saw a day of racing that was both spirited and bizarre.
“This feels really good,” stated the elated Pagenaud.
After claiming his third career Indy Car Series win, he was quick to offer praise to the Sam Schmidt Motorsports team that gave him his strong mount.
“I could not of done this alone, and I must thank my team for giving me a really, really good package today.”
The race was marred with a violent collision at the start when pole sitter Sebastain Saavedra’s car stalled as the standing start unfolded on the grid. After first being clipped by Carlos Munoz, he sustained a violent impact from Mikhail Aleshin, ending his day before it could even begin. The crash spread debris all over the front straight and took seven laps under caution to clean up. Rookie Jack Hawksworth sat a torrid pace after the debacle of a start was cleared up and led 31 laps on the day before falling back due to position changes as a result of caution flags.
The closing laps saw both Hunter-Reay and Castroneves charging, only to come up short.
“The rythm was off at times due to cautions,” added Hunter-Reay. “You did not know who you were racing and where the strategy was going.”
Notes: Sebastien Bourdais and Charlie Kimball rounded out the top five finishers on a day in which 15 drivers were on the lead lap when the checkered flag dropped.
James Hinchcliffe was taken to Methodist Hospital after being struck in the head by debris. He sustained a concussion and will be evaluated further before being cleared to drive in the Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard was the honorary starter for the event and was struck by debris that stemmed from the crash at the start of the race. Ballard was treated for what were described as minor wounds that did not need stitches.
Graham Rahal was punted from behind on a lap 50 restart by Juan Pablo Montoya and was not bashful about his feelings when interviewed live by ABC. “We cannot see what is ahead of us on these types of restarts,” stated the affable Rahal, adding that the leader needs to be allowed to proceed earlier under green.
While there were various estimates regarding attendance, IMS has to be pleased with the turnout. The walk up gate numbers where no doubt aided by the chamber-of-commerce-type weather. Look for this event to be back and more than likely draw more fans next year. While I was originally opposed to an additional race in May, I must admit I am now looking forward to year two. Something tells me a lot of other people are as well.
There were three preliminary races on the day and they too were entertaining. Adrian Starrantino won the USF 2000 event, while Scott Hargrove captured the Pro Mazda race. Luis Razia finished first in the Indy Lights contest.
Sam Schmidt was the winning owner in both the Grand Prix and the Indy Lights race. His racing organization continues to distinguish itself both on and off the track and with Pagenaud behind the wheel, they are a legitimate threat to win the Indy Car Series title. Congrats to one of the nicest guys in the sport.
Danny Bridges, who now officially concedes to all at IMS that the Grand Prix was a great idea, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
