Basketball and Indiana, May and the Indianapolis 500, Team Penske and winning. Some words just go together.
Roger Penske’s team started off Indianapolis 500 practice with a bang – posting the two fastest times (Simon Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves) on the first day of practice Tuesday.
“Obviously it’s really good quality. The engineers are top of the top, the best of the best. We have so much confidence in the data we collect,” said Pagenaud.
The Captain has one of the most successful Indy drivers ever in his stable in Castroneves. The three-time 500 winner plans to lean on his teammates, especially with a new aero-kit.
“It’s extremely important to have teammates with the caliber we have. Trying to change things. What would take three days to do things in one car, you can figure out in one session,” said Castroneves.
“It’s very helpful. As you check things and check boxes. we’re all going different directions so it’s a little confusing right now. But I feel we’re in a good spot,” said Will Power.
No doubt Team Penske has access to top quality everything in racing, especially on the technical side. But what about the man in charge? Roger Penske’s drivers want to win for him just as bad as they want to win for themselves.
“It’s an honor to drive for Roger and be a part of this team. It’s a dream come true. Every driver wants to drive for Roger Penske. I’m just one of those lucky guys,” said Pagenaud.
“We’re not just coming here this week. There’s been a lot of preparation on what’s the fastest strategy possible, the approach to pole day, and hopefully we’ll have all four cars right up front,” said Castroneves.
Four cars up front from Penske on race day? Not a far-fetched reality.