107th Indianapolis 500 Pole Qualifying Preview. Team Penske’s Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, defending winner Marcus Ericsson, former winners Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud and many others, including GMR winner Alex Palou

Speakers: Bruce Martin, Alex Palou, Pato O’Ward, Marcus Ericsson, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud, Romain Grosjean, Christian Lundgaard, & Katherine Legge

Josef Newgarden:

Hey everybody, this is IndyCar driver, Josef Newgarden, and you're listening to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

[Music Playing]

Bruce Martin:

IndyCar fans, it's time to start your engines. Welcome to Pit Pass Indy, a production of Evergreen Podcasts. I'm your host, Bruce Martin, a journalist who regularly covers the NTT IndyCar Series.

Our goal at Pit Pass Indy to give racing fans an insider's view of the exciting world of the NTT IndyCar Series in a fast-paced podcast featuring interviews with the biggest names in the sport.

I bring nearly 40 years of experience covering IndyCar and NASCAR, working for such media brands as nbcsports.com, si.com, ESPN Sports Ticker, Sports Illustrated, Autoweek, and Speed Sport.

So, let's drop the green flag on this episode of Pit Pass Indy.

Welcome to this week's edition of Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

We are proud and honored to bring Penske Truck Rental to the show as the presenting sponsor of Pit Pass Indy. We will continue to cover the entire NTT IndyCar Series community and our partners at Penske Truck Rental will help us tell those stories.

Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rentals was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the month of May.

We have a jam packed episode on this week's show as the 34 cars attempting to make the 33 car starting lineup for the Indianapolis 500 are on track preparing for this weekend's Indy 500 pole qualifying.

Because of the number of big name guests we have on this week's show, we'll keep the introduction as fast as a lap around the 2.5 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 230 miles an hour.

We'll hear from all three Team Penske drivers including 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, Will Power; two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion, Josef Newgarden; and sensational star from New Zealand, Scott McLaughlin.

Before we talk about the Indianapolis 500, however, let's catch up with GMR Grand Prix winner, Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing. Palou's choice of tire selection to start Saturday's GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, left his competitors seeing red. Make that Firestone Reds.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver started Saturday's race on the 14 turn 2.439 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road course on the softer alternate tire and it paid off in a big way.

He passed pole winner, Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in turn 14 at the opening lap and had the lead. Palou led the first 17 laps what was able to build up a big enough lead that he was basically in charge of the outcome of the race once the event played out.

He led four times for 52 laps in the 85-lap road course contest, including the last 21 laps to easily score his fifth career NTT IndyCar Series win, his first at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

He defeated Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward by 16.8006 seconds and takes over the NTT IndyCar Series points lead heading into the 107^th Indianapolis 500 on May 28^th.

Palou leads O’Ward by six points and teammate Marcus Ericsson by 19, heading into the biggest race of the year on the 2.5 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. Starting on the new reds left his competitors seeing red with envy.

Let's spend some time with Palou as he joins me in this exclusive interview for a Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is the winner of the GMR Grand Prix. It's Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.

Alex, a dominating victory. You won by 13 Seconds over Pato O’Ward. You started on the Firestone Reds, the other driver started on the blacks.

Why was that choice in tire so important with you being able to pass polesitter, Christian Lundgaard for the lead and go on and build a pretty big lead in the early portion of the race?

Alex Palou:

Yeah. I mean, I think it was a key to this race, honestly. We knew after the warmup that we were going to struggle to keep the reds alive, so we wanted to get them on early, try and be aggressive at the start, try and get cleaner, open a gap if we could, and then worry about the blacks afterwards.

So, it worked. Not every day works because I could have got stuck behind them and just lose a lot of lap time. But yeah, we went aggressive and I think it was the right call.

Bruce Martin:

You won the last race of last season by dominating the race out at Laguna Seca. You won by over 30 seconds. Today, you win by over 13. It seems like when you win a race, it's dominating. What is it about that strategy, why once you're out front, nobody can really get close to you?

Alex Palou:

Yeah, honestly, I think it's the clean air. When we have clean air, we know we have a lot of speed and we can just focus on our race, and lap by lap, and we're really fast.

So, it's not that we're half a second faster each lap. It's that we are 1/10th and a half each lap consistently a little bit faster and we can open big gaps.

So, it's been amazing. Honestly, as I said before, a win is a win. It doesn't matter if it's by 30 seconds or by 1/10th, but honestly I prefer if it's by big margins.

Bruce Martin:

It seems that everything is going very well with you at Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 after the speed bump you guys had midway through last season over the contract dispute. How would you say things are amongst you and your team? Is it as good as it's ever been?

Alex Palou:

Yeah, absolutely. Everything is great. I would say since the start of the year and also, like during the preseason, it's been great, honestly. So, yeah, super proud, super happy that I can give them back a win now.

Last year, I think we missed on some occasions. So, I'm happy that we're not missing on occasions this year. We're maximizing and they can get the first win of the year.

Bruce Martin:

Also, Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing scored his first career pole. He had a pretty good start to the race, was a contender. But in a lot of ways, experience came to the forefront. Do you think that was a key with today's podium?

Alex Palou:

He did an amazing job being qualifying all week and honestly, in practice as well and in the race. I think the strategy that they went for, it didn't work for us, so that's why we didn't go. I don’t know if it was the best for them, but honestly, I don't think he's missing a lot of experience now.

He's been really, really strong. He's been a threat in a lot of weekends and yeah, it's great to fight against him.

Bruce Martin:

Why did you start the race on reds while the others started on blacks?

Alex Palou:

It was a good opportunity to try and get the lead. It was a good opportunity to try and avoid the risk of not getting enough laps on the reds and getting high decks. So, we just wanted to get the lead, get the clean air, and as soon as the reds were giving up, put blacks and focus on the blacks.

Bruce Martin:

It's a win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but it's on the road course, it's not the Indianapolis 500. We all know why we're here this month. But how special is it to win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, even if it is on the road course.

Alex Palou:

Oh, really special. I mean, this place is amazing. You can see on the guard just since day one, the amazing people that we had, and also today, I think it was the biggest crowd that I saw in the road course.

So, it's not the same. Obviously, you cannot compare to the Indy 500 to any race. But the Indy 500 haven't started yet. We've done everything we could for the month of May and we won today. So, yeah, looking forward to the big one.

Bruce Martin:

And wrapping up here with Alex Palou, driver of the No. 10 American Legion Honda for Chip Ganassi racing. The reason we're all here begins on Tuesday, practice for the 107^th Indianapolis 500.

Just how excited are you to get that underway and how busy are the next two weeks going to be for you leading into the biggest race of the year?

Alex Palou:

Super, super excited. I think I've never been so excited just because of the confidence I have now, at the Speedway, the speed that I know that we're going to have. And I'll be very busy. It's crazy busy for us, the month of May with sponsor staff, with just trying and promote even more the race.

And it's fun. I love the month of May. I wish that we had the month of May during all year, but yeah, we'll try and have a great one.

Bruce Martin:

Alex Palou, congratulations on your victory in the GMR Grand Prix. Good luck in the 107^th Indianapolis 500. Thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Alex Palou:

Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

Pato O’Ward of Monterey, Mexico scored his third, second place finish of the season in Saturday's race. The 23 year old Arrow McLaren star, also, finished second, the last year's Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson in the 2022 Memorial Day weekend speed classic.

Here's my exclusive interview with O’Ward heading into this week's Indy 500 practice and this weekend's qualifications.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy is Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren. Pato’s second place finisher in the Indianapolis 500. Obviously, the big goal this year is to win the race. How determined are you entering the month of May to be able to do that this year?

Pato O’Ward:

Determined to continue on our good championship start and it's a long month, got to take it step by step. There's a lot of things that are happening before the race that will either make your life easier or harder. So, all we try and do is maximize that and then be there on race day.

Bruce Martin:

Rick Mears of Team Penske has always described the Indianapolis 500 as two races. There's the race for the pole that comes up first, and then the actual Indianapolis 500 itself.

Do you have that mindset as you enter this first week of practice going into Indy 500 Pole Day of what you're trying to do? Or how much do you try to delineate between that and race runs?

Pato O’Ward:

If you want to win the race, you need a good race car. Doesn't matter where you qualify.

Bruce Martin:

So, do you look at pole day as just get the best start you can and not really necessarily hang it out on the ragged edge to get the pole, or as a competitive as you are, you’re trying to get that too?

Pato O’Ward:

Nah, I mean, you want to be on pole, but I think you need to be realistic. And when you know that you're already ringing the thing's neck, is it really worth it to risk arguably the best car that you're going to have all month because it takes months to prep the cars?

And is it really worth going two or three positions better, to really take that risk and ultimately, being on the back foot on race day? I don't think so.

So, it really depends on where you're at and you make decisions from there.

Bruce Martin:

The experience that you come into this year’s Indianapolis 500 after nearly winning the race last year, how valuable is that?

Pato O’Ward:

Very valuable. I mean, we've had a sixth, we've had a fourth, we've had a second. There's only one more spot to go and we know how to put ourselves into contention positions throughout the race. So, we're just going to try and repeat that and try and go a little bit better.

Bruce Martin:

And the confidence level of knowing that Arrow McLaren is off to a pretty good start this season. You've got a fast race car, you've got Gavin Ward running the show, you've got Brian Barnhart there, two new guys bringing in new thinking.

How much better do you believe the team is prepared for the Indianapolis 500 in 2023 over the previous attempts that you've been here?

Pato O’Ward:

I mean, there's been a lot of off-season work but that definitely doesn't take away from how hard it is just to participate in Indy 500. You can be winning one year and the next year, you can be having yourself a bit more of a headache.

So, it's all about taking it with patience and really just focusing on the little things that you can do well because those add up to a lot at the end.

Bruce Martin:

As a professional athlete, do you get the same excitement that a lot of the fans do or even some of the media get of realizing it's the month of May, we're here, it's time for the Indianapolis 500, let's get on track.

Pato O’Ward:

Ah, more, man. I have the best seat in the house.

Bruce Martin:

And as far as the best seat in the house, you've also, had a lot of exposure on a 100 Days to Indy. How much has that really kind of helped … have you noticed more people recognize Pato O’Ward? Is your social media following increased?

You were a big part of the storyline in the second episode, probably maybe a big part of the storyline here in the next couple episodes.

But what has it been like for you? What has that show done for you in terms of helping people know, “Hey, keep an eye on Pato O’Ward because he is fast.”

Pato O’Ward:

No, it's been amazing working with the VICE Crew. I mean, they've been really a fly on the wall. Doesn't matter what crew you get to work with. And I think they've done a phenomenal job with the editing and how they're showing a very raw cut of what IndyCar is.

And I haven't really noticed much of a change to be fairly honest, with my following. But I think these things take time and as more people jump on the boat and start watching it, they're going to get hooked on it. I don't know how you don't.

And hopefully, it later on get picked up by an even larger platform than what it already is right now, and just give IndyCar more exposure. Because I think the entertainment is there, it's just all about getting into more and more people's eyes.

Bruce Martin:

Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren Racing, is the face of IndyCar. Good luck in this year's Indianapolis 500 and thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Pato O’Ward:

Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

Marcus Ericsson of Chip Ganassi Racing defends his victory in the 106^th Indianapolis 500 in this year's 107^th running of the world's greatest race.

He is back in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda as he attempts to become the first driver since Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 to win the Indianapolis 500 in back-to-back years.

A second straight Indy 500 victory by Ericsson would be worth an additional $420,000 in the Borg-Warner rollover jackpot. The longtime part of the prize fund can only be claimed by a driver who wins the Indianapolis 500 in back to back years.

Each year, the jackpot increases by another 20,000 and continues until the next driver wins the world's greatest race in consecutive seasons.

The bonus was established by Borg-Warner in 1995 and has been claimed just one time by Helio Castroneves of Brazil in 2002 after he won the Indianapolis 500 for the second straight year.

Since the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911, the only other drivers who have had the honor of winning the Indy 500 back to back include Wilbur Shaw in 1939 and 1940, Mauri Rose in 1947 and 1948, Bill Vukovich in 1953 and 1954, and Al Unser in 1970 and 1971, all before the jackpots inception.

Here is my exclusive interview with Marcus Ericsson for Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is the defending winner of the Indianapolis 500. It's Marcus Ericsson of Chip Ganassi Racing.

Marcus, we're back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's leading into Indy 500 pole qualifying, which will be this weekend. How excited are you to get out there, get another great starting position and defend your championship in the Indianapolis 500?

Marcus Ericsson:

It's hard to put into words how excited I am. It's highlight of the year, no doubt. And to be here in the month of May and drive out on the Speedway, it's always magical I think. And to do it as a defending winner and defending champion, it's just something else.

So, yeah, it's very fun. It is very cool. I'm going to try and enjoy every moment of it and of course, try and do it again.

Bruce Martin:

You can't miss seeing Marcus Ericsson's face in and around Indianapolis, especially in and around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when you pull up on 16^th Street at the main entrance, there's the giant banner of you in victory lane from last year.

What was that like the first time you saw that, seeing that greeting all the spectators that come into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Marcus Ericsson:

The first thing I thought was, “Man, I didn't shave that day.” But no, joking aside, yeah, it's so cool. It is another one of those things being the champion here. You're seeing that every day, you drive into the track, knowing everyone else will see that banner.

It's just another thing that's so cool about it and it's another one of those sort of pinch yourself moments. So, yeah, it's very cool.

Bruce Martin:

Another moment that you brought up before we started recording was all 300,000 tickets have your face on it.

And that's got to be pretty cool in itself to know that every fan that comes into the Indianapolis 500 on Race Day has Marcus Ericsson either in the lanyard around their neck or in their back pocket. That's what they got to scan in order to get to their seat, but how cool is that?

Marcus Ericsson:

Yeah, it's another thing I think they make really well here at the track, at the Speedway, to make that that tradition and make sure that happens. It's just so cool. And like you say, just knowing the fact that everyone held that in their pocket or around their neck, it's just super special.

Bruce Martin:

What is a year has the Indianapolis 500 winner been like for Marcus Ericsson?

Marcus Ericsson:

It's been busy, but it's what I say, it's been good busy. I've got to experience and do so many incredible things. Got to celebrate to win all over the world, really. Brought the Borg-Warner to Sweden, which was amazing. Was very, very thankful I got the chance to do that.

And also, just getting that appreciation of being the 500 champion, it's been incredible.

Bruce Martin:

A lot of big things have happened for you in the last year. You got married to your longtime girlfriend, Iris. You got married in Santa Barbara after the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

You also, got another family. You got to know the people at Borg-Warner that were with you around the world, helping take the trophy over to Sweden, celebrate with your fans over there in December. A lot of other cool things you got to do with them.

What was all that like for you, all the off track personal experiences you were able to get?

Marcus Ericsson:

It was amazing. Yeah, I think Borg-Warner, what they do and how much this means for me, what they do it's something I'm very, very thankful for. And the fact that they let me take the Borg-Warner to Sweden, to my home country and my hometown is something I'm going to be forever thankful of.

So, it's been cool to get to know the people there. They're such a good bunch of people. And yeah, it's friend for life, no doubt.

Bruce Martin:

Now, as far as on the personal side, being able to get married, I know you were able to keep that a pretty good secret in the paddock, but what's it been like so far? It's obvious that the two of you were a great couple and you were able to celebrate the victory with her last year.

To be able to now, be a married man in the Indianapolis 500, that's a little bit of a different spin than what you've had before.

Marcus Ericsson:

Yeah, I know. It feels amazing. Iris is my biggest supporter, and my rock, and we can always talk about things, and she always are there by my side. So, it feels amazing and she's really helped me take another step as a person and as a driver. So, I'm a very, very lucky man, no doubt about that.

Bruce Martin:

And looking ahead to the 107^th Indianapolis 500, you're going to have an entire field of stacked competitors that are going to try to race the championship away from you, and a lot of those are on your own team. Do you look at your teammates as being some of the biggest threats of all to win that race?

Marcus Ericsson:

No doubt. We have a dream team at Chip Ganassi Racing this year. And that lineup is going to be tough to beat. But that gives you the drive to take the best out of yourself.

And I think that is amazing and I think definitely the Ganassi car is going to be up there fighting for the win.

But there is also, so many other good teams and drivers there in the field, so it's going to be very, very tough. But I know we have the team and the cars to do it.

So, I'm very excited about the month ahead and yeah, we want to win.

Bruce Martin:

Marcus Ericsson, driver of the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, congratulations on winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2022. Good luck in the 107^th Indianapolis coming up here on May 28^th. And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Marcus Ericsson:

Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

We'll be right back to Pit Pass Indy after this short break.

Will Power:

This is Will Power of Team Penske and you are listening to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Bruce Martin:

Welcome back to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental. Let's devote the next segment to Team Penske and the three drivers that will attempt to give team owner Roger Penske, a record extending 19^th Indianapolis 500 victory on May 28^th.

Penske is also, the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. Two-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion, Will Power knows what it takes to win the Indy 500. He was the winner in 2018.

Last year, he won his second NTT IndyCar Series Championship and will continue his quest for a second Indy 500 win this year.

Power joins me for this exclusive interview for Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is the winner of the 2018 Indianapolis 500, and he's a two-time IndyCar Series champion. It's Will Power at Team Penske.

Will, it's go time. We're at the Indianapolis 500. Pole qualifying is coming up this weekend. I know you're always a major threat for the pole.

Do you see that the team has made up some ground over the last couple of seasons where they've been, I guess you would call them unPenske-like results at the Indianapolis 500?

Will Power:

Yeah, definitely have worked hard over the last three years and we're hoping to reap the rewards of those of that development here, this weekend coming up. So, we'll see.

Yeah, you just don't know in this game. I mean, there's so many good teams and drivers, it's really hard to say, but I feel like I'm hoping we're in the game.

Bruce Martin:

Does it surprise you that over the last couple of years across the entire team, the performance level here has not been what we would normally expect out of Team Penske at the Indy 500?

Will Power:

Yes. Surprise, yeah. It has surprised me considering we've worked really hard on it, but obviously, everyone else has as well. And competition just ramped up the development. Ganassi is now, setting pretty fierce pace and everyone's trying to close that gap. So, yeah, like I said, I hope we're in the game this year.

Bruce Martin:

You won your second NTT IndyCar Series Championship in 2022. How important would a second Indianapolis 500 victory be for Will Power in terms of putting you at a higher level of all-time greats?

Will Power:

Oh, it would be amazing to win a second Indy 500, really would. And that is the goal as it is for 32 other people. And we'll see what we got. Hopefully, it's a good running this week, and the weather stays good, and we can start working on the race car.

Bruce Martin:

One of the great things you have at Team Penske is, you have Rick Mears here for the month, IndyCar legend four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, holds the record for most poles in the Indy 500 with six.

How much does it help to be able to get, even at your stage of your career, advice from Rick about what it takes to succeed here?

Will Power:

Yeah. I mean, his advice is still very relevant. A lot of the stuff that he's taught me over the years just still holds true today. So, it is very good to lean on Rick during the month and yeah, he's always around. He's always very open to helping us out.

Bruce Martin:

One of the things Rick Mears always says is, the Indianapolis 500 is two races. One is the run for the Indy 500 Pole is one race, and then there's race, the race itself. How do you approach Indy 500 pole qualifications?

Will Power:

Yeah. Ah, it's so hard to predict I guess the temperature, the track condition. When you draw to go, you're hoping to get an early draw because of the temperature is cooler, it's simply a better track.

But it is very difficult to pick your down force level. That's what I've found over the last few years. It's very difficult to pick that level where you're not too stuck, but the worst thing you can do is just go too low.

Bruce Martin:

It's been said that winning the Indianapolis 500 will change a driver's life forever. How did winning the Indianapolis 500 here in 2018 change Will Power?

Will Power:

For me, winning, it just took a huge load off my shoulders, just made me more content and happy with my career. It's just a big relief, really.

Bruce Martin:

And as far as the start of the season, where would you say you are right now? I know you've had a few incidents throughout the year that probably you didn't have to go through back in 2022. How would you gauge the start of the season so far for Will Power?

Will Power:

I mean, we're still right there in the game and in the points, but yeah, not the performance we're looking for. It seems definitely more difficult for us this year. The competition is really tough and I think Honda has taken a step forward. They've made a slight improvement and it's been a little more difficult for us.

So, yeah, it's just a ridiculously competitive series, basically. It's just unbelievably competitive.

Bruce Martin:

And in our final question here with Will Power of Team Penske, the winner of the 2018 Indianapolis 500, your two teammates, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin, neither one of them have won the Indianapolis 500.

How much fire do you see in their eyes? How much motivation do you see in either one of them to add their name to the Borg-Warner Trophy this year?

Will Power:

Yeah, they're both well capable. I think Newgarden is kind of in my position where he hasn't won it after being in the series for quite some time. So, yeah, he's obviously, massively determined.

Scott, I think extremely good on a super speedway. So, both capable of winning it.

Bruce Martin:

You're also, capable of winning the Indianapolis 500. I'm sure you'll be up there in the fight come Race Day. But two-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winning driver, Will Power at Team Penske, good luck and thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Will Power:

Thanks, Bruce. Appreciate it.

Bruce Martin:

Josef Newgarden is one of the biggest stars in the NTT IndyCar Series. He is a two-time IndyCar champion, and the driver from Nashville, Tennessee has won 26 IndyCar races in his career, but he has never won the Indianapolis 500.

He attempts to change that this year as he joins me in this exclusive interview for Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is two-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion Josef Newgarden of Team Penske.

Josef, we're back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You're a two-time IndyCar Series champion, but you haven't won the Indianapolis 500 yet. How big of a goal is that for you to accomplish that this year?

Josef Newgarden:

Yeah, it's definitely obviously a big goal. Excited to be back here. Just love every opportunity we've had at this place, so I can't wait to get going. Maybe this year will work out.

Bruce Martin:

In the past, you've said that you're at peace with the fact of whether you win the Indianapolis 500 or not. I don't know whether that you've convinced the rest of us of that, but I know that that's what you had said maybe as early as three years ago.

But when you look at your history here, you've had a pretty good record here, but what do you see is what's been missing to get you into that last lap battle for the win?

Josef Newgarden:

I mean, I think we've tried to identify the last couple years specifically where we've maybe been short and prove upon that. But other than that, I've had some good opportunities. 2019 was a great chance and so was 2016.

So, I think we just keep working on what we've always worked on. Putting ourselves in position at the end, trying to be in that lead group, on that final pit stop, and then see if we can make it happen.

That's really how this race works. You got to give yourself a shot and if you have the speed and the execution, then it just might work out.

Bruce Martin:

What has the team done to prepare for this year's race to maybe correct some of the issues that they've experienced the last couple of years here?

Josef Newgarden:

Well, which specifically, Bruce?

Bruce Martin:

I think that a couple of years ago you guys probably weren't happy with the qualifying.

Josef Newgarden:

Yeah. Okay, yeah.

Bruce Martin:

That you've always said in the past, we can solve some of those problems by qualifying higher.

Josef Newgarden:

Yeah, sorry. No, I thought you were talking about the actual race itself. I was like, “What are you talking about?” No, on the-

Bruce Martin:

Well, I have listeners that say that every episode. But that was to my point, that where you finish can be solved a lot by where you start.

Josef Newgarden:

Yeah, no, for sure. No, there's no doubt, probably the biggest missing piece has been speed. We just need more inherent speed in the cars, and there's a lot of ways you can build speed in these cars at Indianapolis.

And everyone has a different approach. It's fascinating actually, to see how many different ways you can go about trying to build speed in the car.

So, we've I think gone down a development path that maybe wasn't right for us over the last couple years, and we've tried to reverse that and try a different way.

And I'll tell you what, we've found a lot of really good stuff. I think that the commitment's been there from the team. There's no doubt, anything that we need, Roger make sure that we're fully supported.

And I feel like we're in a good spot. The confidence level is definitely high to maybe come out here and execute.

Bruce Martin:

This weekend is all about speed, because you're running for the starting lineup, you're running for the pole, which in itself, as Rick Mears has always said, is one of two races at Indianapolis. The first is running for the pole, the second is the actual race itself.

How do you prepare for pole qualifying? How thrilling is it for a race driver for those four laps around the two and a half mile oval at the edge of your seat?

Josef Newgarden:

It's challenging. I's very difficult to put the car on pole here, but also, just to qualify at Indy is no easy fit. But we're going to be out pretty early working on qualifying, I think this week.

And hopefully, we can find what we've been missing and what we need specifically for the day. The conditions are always moving around, so that's a big part of it.

And let's see. It's early, we're not going to know until it's actual qualifying weekend, but maybe we'll have enough this time.

Bruce Martin:

You already draw a paycheck from Roger Penske, but he also, owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. How big a deal would it be to collect that $3 million paycheck from him for winning the Indy 500?

Josef Newgarden:

Wow. It would just be special to be here and to drive for Roger as he owns the Speedway and win the race. I mean, genuinely, I couldn't imagine what it would be like. I'm sure it would be surreal. So, yeah, just working towards it.

Bruce Martin:

He brought you ice cream after your win at Texas. What could he bring you at the Indy 500? There's already somebody to hand you the bottle of milk.

Josef Newgarden:

I can only imagine what Roger would bring if we won the 500. I'm sure he'd be pretty happy. He's as competitive as anybody. But I think just to see his smile would be pretty special.

Bruce Martin:

Well, he brought you ice cream in Texas. The Indiana Dairy Association brings you a bottle of milk. Maybe Roger will just bring you the whole cow.

Josef Newgarden:

Maybe so. Yeah, just walk her in.

Bruce Martin:

But getting back to the race itself, you know you've got the best pit crew on pit lane, you're going to have some of the best race cars in the race. How much confidence does that give a driver that drives for Team Penske to know he's got the best there is.

Josef Newgarden:

Immense. You can't replace it. I feel like I've got the best of the best, like you said, and it gives you comfort that we're going to be able to overcome adversity and we're going to be able to execute when we really need to. And you need both of those things at this track. So, yeah, you can't replace it.

Bruce Martin:

And also, can you ever dream about what it would be like for you to win the Indianapolis 500? I'm sure that's a dream you've had when you were a kid.

Josef Newgarden:

Oh, I've definitely dreamt it. I'm sure most people that come here have. But yeah, I have no idea what it would be like. I've not had the privilege of doing that, or at least won in the race. So, I can't imagine. I'm sure it would be absolutely beyond my dream.

Bruce Martin:

And also, wrapping up here with two-time IndyCar Series champion, Josef Newgarden at Team Penske, you were a big star the first episode of the 100 Days to Indy, the docuseries that airs on The CW. How often have you been reminded about working out with your shirt on by the fans and the media?

Josef Newgarden:

Yeah, a lot, a lot. I guess people like that. So, that's my gig. That's just a little bit of me at home that everybody got to see. So, take it for what it is.

Bruce Martin:

Well, we can certainly take Josef Newgarden for what he is. He's a two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion. Good luck in your battle to win your first Indianapolis 500. And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Josef Newgarden:

Thanks, Bruce.

Bruce Martin:

Here is the first of my two interviews with Scott McLaughlin, driver of the No. 3 Pennzoil Chevrolet for Team Penske on today's Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is Team Penske, Scott McLaughlin.

Scott, we're here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's the time for the month of May. Earlier today, you shot an 80 at Brickyard Crossing, so we know how good a golfer you are.

But what does the month of May mean to you now that you're back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the big race coming up on May 28^th, the 107^th Indianapolis 500.

Scott McLaughlin:

It's nice to have experienced it for two years. But now, the third year, I'm fully understand what I've got ahead of me.

And I think it's cool to enjoy it, but you've got to remember it's just another race and you've just got to try and conserve your energy and make sure that you are ready to go for the last race on the end of the month in May.

Bruce Martin:

Rick Mears has said that Indianapolis is two races. One is the race for the pole, which is coming up this weekend, and the other will be at the end of the month, the actual Indianapolis 500. How do you prepare yourself for the race for the pole, and then after that's over, for the race?

Scott McLaughlin:

Yeah. Look, ultimately, we haven't been that good in qualifying, so we need to be better. And hopefully, after practice and stuff, we've got ourselves in a good spot for this weekend. We can really push on from a qualifying perspective. But yeah, I really want to get in that fast 12 and be a part of Sunday.

Bruce Martin:

And how much has this race sunk into you in terms of just how important it is?

Scott McLaughlin:

Oh, it's an incredible race, but like I said, I think I've got caught up a little bit with the emotion of the whole race. I've got to just conserve my energy and really just enjoy it, but just be chilled about it as well.

Bruce Martin:

And speaking of getting caught up, now, you got to run off to an engineering meeting, but we want to thank you for joining us. Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske, good luck in Indianapolis 500 pole qualifying and thank you for joining us on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Scott McLaughlin:

Thank you, Bruce. Appreciate it.

Bruce Martin:

We'll be right back to Pit Pass Indy after this short break.

Scott McLaughlin:

Hi, I'm Scott McLaughlin, driver of the No. 3 Team Penske Chevy, and you're listening to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Bruce Martin:

And now, here's the second part of my exclusive interview with Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental, Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske.

We had you earlier in the show before the GMR Grand Prix. You were playing a little bit of golf that day. We're at opening day for the Indianapolis 500 for practice. I don't think the rain today would be very conducive to a game of golf.

Scott McLaughlin:

No, but you know what, there's a bit of time there. I probably should have just gone hit the range or something. But no, I was actually playing golf inside my motor home with my PlayStation, so you can't get me away from golf at all, Bruce, ever.

Bruce Martin:

Of the three drivers at Team Penske, we have the proven veteran, who is Will Power. We have the two-time champion, they're both two time champions, actually. Josef Newgarden and Will Power both two time champions. Josef's a little younger.

You're the new guy. You've had a lot of success in Supercars in Australia with all the championships you won there, but the Indianapolis 500 is known worldwide. What would winning the Indy 500 mean to Scott McLaughlin?

Scott McLaughlin:

Oh, it's the biggest race of year life. It's a huge moment in your career and definitely be the biggest race in my career if I won it.

But at the same time, I'm trying to be very chilled with it this week and this month. It's another race for me.

It's a big deal, but I think over the last few years, I've burnt myself out just thinking about watching highlights, staying up late watching YouTube, like getting excited, getting jacked up to the point where I get to the end of the month and I'm just finished. So, it's just another race for me.

Bruce Martin:

Back on the team for this race is fourth time Indianapolis 500 winning driver, Rick Mears. He's here to help consult, help talk to the drivers, give his advice where needed. He's the all-time pole winner here with six poles. How valuable is he to talk to entering this weekend's pole qualifications?

Scott McLaughlin:

Ever since I started in IndyCar, Rick's been my right hand man. And so awesome with his experience to talk about. He talks about patterns on the racetrack and making patterns, and thinking about where you enter the corners, how you exit. Like just simplifies things a lot.

And having that experience, the experience of the many poles that he's won and the races that he's won, it's invaluable. So, yeah, every word he says, I hang onto it by everything.

Bruce Martin:

How thrilling are those four laps as fast as the car will go and maybe even faster than it's capable of going to a driver when he has to do his qualification attempt at Indy, knowing that if it just steps out just a little bit, it could be the end of the run and maybe the end of your car.

Scott McLaughlin:

Yeah, look, it's a nerve-wracking, exhilarating, such an exciting experience. There's nothing like it ever in the world. Like the doing four laps around here is just completely different. And each lap is different each time you go around.

But yeah, exhilarating, something so cool. And I can't wait to get back out there. I really can't. It's going to be awesome.

Bruce Martin:

And then what's it like to start the Indianapolis 500 where you're in the middle of a hurricane, it's been described, because all the turbulence, all the wind, all the joking for position.

How do you describe that to somebody that's never experienced it and how big of a shock was it to you when you experienced it for the first time?

Scott McLaughlin:

Yeah. Look, the last two years I qualified bad. So, I've got a huge draft gun into turn one, and you almost don't even have to throttle up into the turn because you just get dragged along by the turbulent air. So, it's incredible.

But hopefully this year, Bruce, we're in the top 12 and we're able to control our car a little bit better than in the middle of the pack.

Bruce Martin:

You're also, carrying the Pennzoil colors in this year's Indianapolis 500, one of the most iconic sponsors of our team at Indy. When you're out there in that beautiful yellow submarine, do you sense the history that that car represents?

Scott McLaughlin:

Yeah, I think it's my favorite car delivery by a mile, it’s car scheme. It's an incredible piece of history and I try and get around it with having the same helmet as what Rick used to run it with and whatnot.

It's pretty special and it's definitely a favorite in my family. And yeah, if I could win with that car, it would just be the most incredible thing ever.

Bruce Martin:

Other than yourself as a kid in New Zealand, maybe all the way up to now, who was your favorite Indy 500 driver?

Scott McLaughlin:

When I was growing up, it was Scott Dixon. He was my guy, but now, all I want to do is beat him. So, that's the difference now.

Bruce Martin:

Also, your team owner, Roger Penske, who also, owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500, all-time winningest car owner in Indy 500 history and IndyCar history as far as that goes, but he's been stuck at 18 Indy wins since Simon Pagenaud won in 2019.

How special would it be for you to be the guy who got him win number 19 here?

Scott McLaughlin:

I would love that. Obviously, it would be such a special moment for any of us, but to win it be cool. But we know at the end of the day once 19 happens, the first thing he's going to say, “Alright, let's go get 20.”

So, we know that very well. So, we're just going to have to knuckle down the next few years. Hopefully, we get one for him.

Bruce Martin:

Well, if you go back to back in ‘23 and ‘24, you could be the guy to get him 19 and 20.

Scott McLaughlin:

Ah, that works.

Bruce Martin:

But Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske, driver of the Pennzoil Chevrolet, good luck in this weekend's Indianapolis 500 pole qualifications and good luck in the 107^th Indianapolis 500. And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Scott McLaughlin:

No worries, Bruce. Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

Helio Castroneves is one of just four drivers who have won the Indy 500 four times. He drove the No. 06 Meyer Shank Honda to victory in 2021.

This season, however, the team has been struggling, but Castroneves remains confident he can help turn around the team and will fight for a record breaking fifth Indy 500 win on May 28^th.

Here's my exclusive interview with Castroneves for Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is four-time Indianapolis 500 winning driver, Helio Castroneves.

Helio's a one year older as of May 10^th, but he's probably going to try to be 10 miles an hour faster come pole day, which would probably be a new track record if you accomplished that.

But Helio, we're back at the Indianapolis 500. This is the place that made Helio Castroneves who he is today. How excited are you to always show up here for another Indy 500?

Helio Castroneves:

I know, Bruce. You just mentioned about my age, but I still feeling like young. And I tell you, it is actually incredible to come back to this place and I can't believe we're already month of May and ready to go. So, looking forward to it.

Unfortunately, mother nature is the only one that is being active right now. And but you're right. It's great to be in a position that nobody ever done or active now, which is trying to win the number five. So, looking forward to this amazing opportunity.

Bruce Martin:

You're back with Meyer Shank Racing. You run the full season for that team ever since 2022. But in 2021, you showed up at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is basically an Indy 500 runoff that year. You ran a few more races the rest of the season, but it wasn't a full season. You captured magic that day.

That goes down as one of the most dramatic Indianapolis 500 victories, one of the most emotional ever. And when you look back at that now, does it seem like you're watching a movie?

Helio Castroneves:

I always thought my life was a movie, to be honest. But no question, that's what is this place is all about, Bruce. We're talking about over so many people being here, so many people’s history and memories that they carry on through their own families.

And that day, particularly as you mentioned, is another one to the books. So, so happy to be able to provide that to so many fans and including myself.

Bruce Martin:

You're perfect example of the term, when a race driver wins the Indianapolis 500, his life has changed forever. Because with Helio Castroneves, it really did change your life. You have become a synonymous at this place as A. J. Foyt, as Rick Mears, as Al Unser.

You've won more Indie 500s than legends like Mario Andretti, who only won it once. How would you describe how dramatically your life changed because of the Indianapolis 500?

Helio Castroneves:

Well, huge. Not because of the wins, obviously, but the way you understand that people looking at you and special now, that I'm, as you mentioned, older. The youngest one asking opinion, asking for guidance, which is great because I was one of those.

So, for me, that's the way it changed. People to sort of like you earned this respect. And that's cool about it because so far I only saw them, and I remember this with Roger Penske, everybody who want to say hello to him. Because the respect that he has it's undeniable and it's something like in the movie, as you mentioned.

So, for me, I feel sort of like not on the same scale, but sometimes when it come to this place, that's the way I feel. And I'm always going to respect this place.

Bruce Martin:

It's about history, it's about accomplishment, it's about competition. But from a business standpoint, how much did that really help you in terms of endorsement opportunities, things of that nature to where Helio Castroneves, not only in the United States, but definitely in Brazil, was able to cash in on what an Indy 500 victory meant?

Helio Castroneves:

That is a great, great question, Bruce, because up to the point a lot of people already knew about Indy 500 in Brazil, but after that win, it was historical. And people now, really tune in, people ready to see it. And get ready because it's going to be a lot of fun again.

Bruce Martin:

I know that so many of your great years were with Team Penske. Do you still talk to a lot of the guys on the team and do you still call Rick Mears and never get advice from him or just to talk to him as a friend?

Helio Castroneves:

Well, not Rick. I wish. I don't know, Rick has not been showing up lately, I have to say. He used to be more active at Team Penske because I mean, like I said, he is my mentor. But you know what, Roger is still talk about with some of the mechanics.

Unfortunately, some of the drivers became too big their head, like Josef and Will. Will’s always being awkward. But it's Scott McLaughlin. He's always been nice, I guess. But Josef is … yeah, it's just joking. Joseph is right beside me. That's why I mentioned this right now.

But I actually, since we work together with this organization for so many years, I tell you, it's like a family and you've seen them all over again.

Bruce Martin:

For lack of a better term, it's been a fairly dismal season at Meyer Shank Racing.

Helio Castroneves:

Really?

Bruce Martin:

How much would you think winning-

Helio Castroneves:

You think so, you think so?

Bruce Martin:

How much would winning another Indianapolis 500 wipe that dismal off the slate?

Helio Castroneves:

Ah, yeah, it would be great. We know we can do it. We will do it. We got to put ourselves in that position again and that's why we're working on it.

Bruce Martin:

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winning driver, Helio Castroneves of Meyer Shank Racing, good luck in this year's Indianapolis 500. Who knows, maybe we'll have a five-time winner this year. And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Helio Castroneves:

Thank you, Bruce.

Bruce Martin:

Simon Pagenaud also, drives for Meyer Shank Racing in the No. 60 Honda. He drove the Team Penske entry to victory in the 2019 Indianapolis 500.

Here's my exclusive interview with Pagenaud, heading into this week's Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifications.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing. He's also, the last driver for Team Penske to win the Indianapolis 500. Simon won the big race in 2019.

Simon, when you think about that, Roger Penske's been stuck on 18. You were the guy who got him his 18^th Indy 500 victory. Are you surprised he hasn't gotten a 19^th yet?

Simon Pagenaud:

I'm just very proud to be to be that driver and very proud of the job I did with him and with the entire team. I mean, I wasn't alone. But yeah, I mean, they'll get another one very soon, I'm sure. They're a fantastic team. Yeah, hopefully, not this year because I'm planning on doing it.

Bruce Martin:

They've said that winning the Indianapolis 500 changes the driver's life forever. How did winning the 2019 Indianapolis 500 changed Simon Pagenaud’s life?

Simon Pagenaud:

I mean, it's basically a kid's dream come true. As a kid you grew up, you want to be a race car driver and Indianapolis’s fastest race in the world and all of a sudden new other drivers.

So, it was a very special moment and obviously, with that comes the recognition. And isn't that what we are looking for? Recognition, and definitely fed that way.

Bruce Martin:

What it takes to win here. You also, know what it takes to qualify well here and this weekend is Indianapolis 500 qualifications. As Rick Mears always says, Indy is two races. One is the race for the pole, the other is the actual race itself.

How important is the race for the pole and how do you prepare for those four laps where you're just hanging it out as fast as the car will go?

Simon Pagenaud:

Well, it's absolutely right, two races. Pole position day is phenomenal. It's great to be part of it. It's so much fun because you are putting it all out there for that one position, the first one. It doesn't matter it'll be second or third.

But it's a great exercise and it's a lot of fun to get your car ready for that day. I hope we are fast enough so we can get there and fight for it. And obviously, it's a completely different mindset for the race and the race car and I love having to switch back and forth.

Bruce Martin:

It's been a fairly dismal season at Meyer Shank Racing. Talking to Helio Castroneves and talking to yourself earlier, these aren't the results you expected or want. How do you turn it around? And how much could a win or a very good finish here in the Indy 500 really turn that around?

Simon Pagenaud:

Well, for me personally, it's about being a leader in your team, and making sure that everybody stays motivated, believe in the potential of the team, and keep pushing.

At this point we have great people. We have everything, all the ingredients, we have five Indianapolis 500 win on the team. We can do it, we can get it done. It's just a matter of putting everything together.

We've been struck by a lot of bad luck, a lot of issues. We just got to go past that, keep pushing forward.

Bruce Martin:

When you won the Indianapolis 500 in 2019, you weren't a father yet. Now, you are. So, how special would that be to be able to have your kids with you in victory lane?

Simon Pagenaud:

Yeah, for sure. It's a great point. It'll be very special. I'm looking forward to having them at the race and it's certainly, something I desire the most, is have a picture of the whole family together on victory lane. Would make for amazing memories in the future.

And it would be great for my son to think that I was the best race car driver ever.

Bruce Martin:

Well, there have been times in your career where we could have probably made that case because you had some very good years with Team Penske. Now, you're trying to help Meyer Shank Racing build into a winning team. Has it gone a little bit slower than you expected?

Simon Pagenaud:

Well, it's all about process quite frankly. You can be as impatient as you want to be, that's not going to change anything. Sometimes things take time and you got to keep working at it.

Certainly, a bit painful right now. We don't have the result we want and not the performance we want either. So, we just got to regroup and make sure that we understand what is going wrong when it does without pointing fingers because that doesn't help anything.

But we just got to, as a team understand and keep pushing. That's what champions do.

Bruce Martin:

The field is very deep, as deep as it's probably ever been. So, you really can't even have one little miscue and expect to succeed. So, just how stressful is that? How much does that amp up the competition level for you?

Simon Pagenaud:

Yeah, I mean, that's exactly how it is. You have one miscue, you're done. So, you have to be Sunday perfect every Sunday. It is very difficult to do.

And as I can tell you, the days of winning four races in a championship are completely gone. You just got to be consistent, be a bit like Dixon or Palou these days. Be consistently at the front.

Bruce Martin:

Well, there are the keys to victory from Simon Pagenaud, a man who experienced some in 2019 in the Indianapolis 500. Simon, congratulations on that win. Congratulations on your NTT IndyCar Series Championship earlier in your career.

Good luck in the 107^th Indianapolis 500 and thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Simon Pagenaud:

Thank you, Bruce.

Bruce Martin:

There are many other drivers in this year's Indianapolis 500 who are attempting to win the world's biggest race on May 28^th. One of them is our next guest, former Formula One driver, Romain Grosjean, driver of the No. 28 DHL Honda at Andretti Autosport.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy is Romain Grosjean of Andretti Autosport.

Romain, we're back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's time for the Indianapolis 500. It'll be coming up pole qualifying this weekend, since the GMR Grand Prix has already been held.

How excited are you to get back onto the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and prepare for what is considered to be the biggest race in the world?

Romain Grosjean:

Yeah, I'm actually looking forward to get back on track at Indy 500. After last year, I didn't really know what to expect in ‘22, so I think I'm better prepared in ‘23.

I think we've also made a lot of progress as a team on oval car. I feel much more comfortable in it. Open test was decent.

So, I'm actually very much looking forward to the quali, which is always a very exciting moment. But then race day as well, which is we all say it's the same race as everyone else, but it's not, it’s just a very unique race.

Bruce Martin:

This is your third season as an NTT IndyCar Series driver, but only your second Indianapolis 500 because the first year, you only drove one oval that was at Gateway.

Are you glad you took that progression the way you did by easing into a different form of racing before turning it loose at the Indianapolis 500?

Romain Grosjean:

Yeah, I think for me, it was stood the right step, especially after what happened at the end of my career Formula One. For my kids, for my wife, for my family, I think it was important that we ease back into it.

And ovals are great, but ovals also, have a certain danger in them. And knowing that my family was still in Europe back in ‘21, it was a bit too much to do the ovals.

But now, that we all here and know that I've really enjoyed IndyCar and I have the chance to race for an incredible team, Andretti Autosport, it is normal that we do all race season there and that we try to win the 500.

Bruce Martin:

Andretti Autosport’s off to a pretty good start this season. You have Colton, yourself, and Kyle Kirkwood, have all shown great speed. Devlin is still learning the ropes a little bit, but in a lot of ways, Kyle's won a race already. You probably should have won one or two races already.

From when you look over at the entire team development, how excited are you about the prospects of what Andretti Autosport can do in the Indianapolis 500?

Romain Grosjean:

I think we can do well, I think Andretti can do well everywhere. That's what we've proven so far this year. We've got teams that want us as much as we do. But I know what we've done. I know how much progress we've made. I know how the car feels compared to last year.

So, that's all I can tell you. I don't know what the others are, but I can tell you that we are in a much better spot than we were a year ago.

Bruce Martin:

For a driver who spent 10 years in Formula One, but is now, an Indianapolis 500 driver, what does the Indianapolis 500 mean to Romain Grosjean?

Romain Grosjean:

It means like Le Mans 24, it means like Monaco Grand Prix. It's one of those race. It's a very unique one in its own aspect just because of the track layout, because of the grand stance, because of where the fans are.

But I think I put a question like if you told me when I was 10 years old that I would compete Monaco Grand Prix, Formula One, that I would compete 24 Hours of Le Mans. And going back at it in the number one category in 24 and competing the Indy 500 with Andretti Autosport, I would've told you that no way it would happen.

And here we are, and it's happening, and I've got much more good at it.

Bruce Martin:

Do you feel as if you are an IndyCar driver and not a former Formula One driver?

Romain Grosjean:

I'm a race car driver. Give me a race car, I’ll try to win the race.

Bruce Martin:

There's no better way to end it than that. Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport driver, the No. 28 DHL Honda, good luck in Indianapolis 500 pole qualifications and thank you for joining us on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Romain Grosjean:

Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

Another driver hoping to drive to victory for the first time is Christian Lundgaard, the 21 year old star from Denmark with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Let's hear from the Great Dane in this exclusive interview for Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is a very fast, very young, very exciting driver for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. It's Christian Lundgaard, driver of the No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda.

Won the pole and finished fourth in the previous race, the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the road course.

But now, we're getting ready for the big one, the 107^th Indianapolis 500. It'll be your second. How excited are you about getting another chance to take on the Indianapolis 500?

Christian Lundgaard:

Overall, I think it's just a great pleasure to be a part of this race. Being the first Dane to do it, is also, a great pleasure. But as a performance driver, as a competitor, you want to compete for wins no matter what race it is.

But this is for sure one of the races that you want to win throughout your career. And just having the opportunity to even be able to compete in it means a lot as a driver.

But leaving the GP with such a performance, we kind of build up to it in Barber. I think the performance that we had there was way better than it was last year at Barber. So, going into the GP, we knew that we had a good car here at Indy. So, we just needed to execute.

And we sort of did. I mean, I wasn't quite sure that we were even going to get pole. I never really thought that was going to happen going into the weekend.

And we've had a lot of conversations after the race weekend how disappointed we are of not at least getting a podium starting from pole. But at the same time, the past two races we've had two fast sixes, two top six results and a pole on the 45 cars.

So, that's something that we also need to be slightly pleased with. And it's a great motivation boost going into the 500.

Bruce Martin:

I spoke with you on pit lane immediately after the race and you had the balance of being happy with the way the race weekend went, but being disappointed you finished fourth. Now, that you've had a few days to look back on it, what are your thoughts? How do you feel?

Christian Lundgaard:

Honestly, they're very similar. Like I just said, there is for sure a balance of being disappointed not being on the podium.

But looking at it from the positive and bright side, we've had two great results on the past two road courses we've done, the past two races, two fast six. Which just proved the car’s fast, so we need to execute.

And I think we've struggled with doing that in the past year and a half at least. So, going into the rest of the season, it's in the back of our head that we know that we have a package that will be able to compete. So, we just need to execute while we have it.

Bruce Martin:

Two completely different types of races. One was on the road course going in that direction. The other's on the oval going 245 and to turn one going the other direction. But how much can you carry momentum from one race to the next?

Christian Lundgaard:

You can carry a lot of momentum going from race to race. We saw it last year from the 30 car, (my car last year) that once we started performing around Toronto, the momentum kept us going in the right direction for the rest of the season.

And we qualified third at Barber at Portland. We didn't qualify very well at Laguna Seca, but we raced very well and won the rookie title.

So, we know how much momentum can do for us. So, we are going to try to make that help us for this season as well.

Bruce Martin:

You're not the veteran of the team, but in a lot of ways, on the track, you've become the leader of the team. And how important is that for you at this stage of your career?

Christian Lundgaard:

I think personally, obviously, I'm very satisfied with being one of the more … I mean, I'm not going to talk down on the two of the other guys, we are in the same material. And the past two races I've been able to get more out of it than they have.

I think we know that Graham is not as strong on the one lap pace, but for sure is extremely strong, if not one of the strongest drivers on the whole grid in race trim. So, it's been a steep learning curve for me as well to match him on just pure race pace.

So, we are trying to learn as much as we can from each other and that gives us a strong package. But I feel like we've been missing a lot in the cars performance overall to be able to mix the two different driving styles. But we are moving in the right direction.

Bruce Martin:

Do you allow yourself to dream of what your life will be like if you win the Indianapolis 500 or when you win the Indianapolis 500?

Christian Lundgaard:

I’d like to win. But no, I mean, I'm going to take it as it comes. I'm a very chilled and humble guy. I don't really think too much about the future. I live every day as it goes and then I'll see what every opportunity I get brings. I'm the kind of guy that lives in the moment.

Bruce Martin:

Keep your eye on the No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda because it's fast and this guy's even faster. Christian Lundgaard, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, congratulations on your pole and your fourth place finish in the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

And good luck in the 107^th Indianapolis 500 And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Christian Lundgaard:

Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

And now, let's wrap up today's show with Katherine Legge who will drive a fourth entry for Rahal Letterman Lanigan in this year's 107^th Indianapolis 500.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is the driver of the No. 44 Hendrickson Honda at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing a fourth entry for the team, an extra entry for the 107^th Indianapolis 500, it's Katherine Legge.

Katherine, it's been a few years since you've attempted to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. So, what is your plan this week, building back up to speed and going into the weekend to try to make the 33 cars starting lineup?

Katherine Legge:

I was supposed to have a plan? I didn't know I was supposed to have a plan here. I think honestly, we've come in relatively well prepared considering like the last two years that I did this, we had no preparation at all. I had no testing and I literally put it in the field on bump day.

So, having the week of testing leading up is going to be key. We test in Texas, we were here for the open test. I feel relatively comfortable in the car now.

We have a bunch of test items for the engineers for the car and I need to get more comfortable in laps, out laps, pit stops and that kind of thing, just kind of generally being at one with a car.

So, I feel comfortable that I'm surrounded by really good people. I have three great teammates. I have a great team behind me. Very, very clever engineers and very talented people on the team. So, I'm lucky in a way to be able to be babied, getting up to speed.

Bruce Martin:

You've spent a lot of time with the team at some of the NTT IndyCar Series races this season. How well have you gotten to know a lot of the people on the team and how many of them did you already know?

Katherine Legge:

I mean, I've been around for a while now, and I know a lot of faces, but I don't know that you know them really personally until you spend a bunch of time with them.

And I've been really fortunate that with the Texas test, and the open test, and going to the shop a bunch as well, I've got to know those guys and I think that we've gelled already as a team.

When you put together a fourth car effort, it's not like those guys have been running all year either. So, they're in the same boat as I am and they need to gel together, and be able to do great pit stops, and be able to do all the things that the other teams can do. And it's just testament to how professional the organization is that they're able to do it, really.

Bruce Martin:

You're a successful sports car driver, how much does that help you on the four cornered oval in Indianapolis? Because it's really not a true oval as much as it is a rectangle.

Katherine Legge:

Right. It's completely separate corners that you can't replicate anywhere else in the world. And not driving the IndyCar, driving the sports car really isn't similar in any way, shape, or form, although it's still driving a race car.

So, you're still working with engineers, you're still going through the motions on the radio, working through strategies, doing pit stops and all the things. Obviously, everything's slightly different, everything's different on the wheel, but it's still a race car at the end of the day.

Bruce Martin:

How do you describe the four lap run? It's a 2.5 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway where you have to take the car as fast as it can go and maybe even faster than it can go. How hairy of a ride is that for a race driver?

Katherine Legge:

Ask me on Monday how hairy that's going to be. I think actually, if it's less hairy then I think you're probably in better shape with the car and you'll probably end up further up the grid. Like if it is the ones that are hanging on for dear life.

I always say that the people at the back are working much harder than the people at the front because the people at the front have a good car and it's easy for them. If you're fighting the car, it's a long day.

But basically, you just have to be mentally strong and realize that you've done mock quality runs all week. It's a warmup lap and then you set four laps flat, and hope that it's good enough to put you as far up the grid as possible.

Bruce Martin:

And in some ways, I would say this year's Indianapolis 500 run has been several years in the making for you. How long of a wait has it been and how difficult was it waiting for that opportunity to run here?

Katherine Legge:

It's been a while coming and I think it hasn't happened because of a number of reasons up until this point. When you're doing a one-off, everything has to be in the right place at the right time to get a competitive program together, otherwise you're just running Indy for the sake of running Indy.

And so, I think that it just took all the ingredients being mixed in the right way for this year's Indy to come together and to have the right opportunity to do it again and have a legit shot at the 500.

Bruce Martin:

And basically, just to get into the field, the key is to qualify as high up the ladder as possible or as high up the grid, I should say, as possible. But how important will that be for you?

Katherine Legge:

I think it depends. We're really not sure at the moment how different qualifying and race running's going to be. In previous years, some people who didn't qualify that well had really good race cars and they did really well in the race.

So, we're not sure how much of a correlation there's going to be. But for me, personally, it's really important to be as far up as possible. I think top 12 would be ideal, because then you get to do the shootout on the Sunday.

But as long as long as you put it in the field, I think the race day 500 miles is a long time.

Bruce Martin:

Well, just getting in the race we've seen some drivers who have used that strategy to finish high in the race. So, I guess in your situation, the number one goal is get a good starting spot and then you can work the race. You got 200 laps to work the race.

So, how much of this are you playing in your head or working with Bobby Rahal's team and his engineers to try to come up with that right strategy?

Katherine Legge:

We're trying to work on both the race car and the qualifying car at the moment.

Having said that, we don't really know where we stack up against everybody else at the moment, so we don't really know what the strategy's likely to be. Whether we have to switch to just working on the race car and if we don't have a legitimate shot at the pole.

Bruce Martin:

Well, Katherine Legge, driver of the No. 44 Hendrickson Honda at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, good luck in this weekend's pole qualifications and good luck in the 107^th Indianapolis 500 on May 28^th.

Katherine Legge:

Thank you very much.

[Music Playing]

Bruce Martin:

And that puts a checkered flag on this edition of Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

We want to thank our guests, GMR Grand Prix winner, Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren Racing, and defending Indianapolis 500 winner, Marcus Ericsson of Chip Ganassi Racing.

Also, we want to thank the three drivers from Team Penske, including Will Power, Josef Newgarden, and Scott McLaughlin.

Finally, we want to thank four time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, and 2019 Indy 500 winner, Simon Pagenaud of Meyer Shank Racing, Romain Grosjean of Andretti Autosport.

And two of the four drivers at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Christian Lundgaard and Katherine Legge for joining us on today's podcast.

Along with loyal listeners like you, our guests help make Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental, your path to victory lane for all things IndyCar.

And because of our guest and listeners, Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is proud to be the winner of The Best Podcast by the National Motorsports Press Association.

For more IndyCar coverage, follow me at Twitter @BruceMartin (one word, uppercase B, uppercase M)_500.

This has been a production of Evergreen Podcasts. A special thanks to our production team. Executive producers are Brigid Coyne and Gerardo Orlando. Recordings and edits were done by me, Bruce Martin and final mixing was done by Dave Douglas. Learn more at evergreenpodcasts.com.

Until next time, be sure to keep it out of the wall.