American fans often compare Simon Pagenaud to Jean Girard, the French nemesis in Talladega Nights (the comedy hit starring Will Ferrell). But Pagenaud’s record across a slew of series both in the US and Europe proves his racing is for real with a sparkling future ahead of him. This Sunday, December 6 at 8:30pm ET, Dave interviews Pagenaud and remarks upon his growing success and great sense of humor. Pagenaud tells his story of coming from France to America, unable to secure a ride and falling into despair, but ultimately succeeding with two national championships, and now living his lifelong dream of racing for Roger Penske in IndyCar.
Pagenaud originally competed in Formula Renault from 2002-2005, and moved to the United States in 2006 to compete in the Champ Car Atlantic Series. He captured the Atlantic Championship title in his first year against Graham Rahal. Following the demise of Champ Car, Pagenaud was left without a team in 2008, and he thought about packing up and going home. Pagenaud recalls, “I called my dad and said, ‘That’s it… If it’s not going to work, I’ve got to come back.’ And he said ‘no, son, you’ve got to believe. Believe in it, do everything you can, call everybody, and make it happen.’ And we did.“
Pagenaud later went on to compete in the Le Mans Series, American Le Mans Series, and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Pagenaud remembers the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans race with excitement, having tremendous pressure that pushed him faster than ever before. He considers it the best fight he ever had but also a disappointment that his team finished 2nd.
After brief stints in rallying, endurance racing and supercars, Pagenaud made his debut in the IndyCar Series in 2011, and became the 2012 IndyCar Rookie of the Year. After two wins and placing in the top five for the third consecutive year, he became the hottest free agent in 2014. He signed with Team Penske, and began racing for them this year, driving the No. 22 car. He appreciates learning from his more veteran teammates and feels they have a lot to teach him.
A native of Montmorrilon, France, Pagenaud has been interested in racing since the age of 4. Now a resident of North Carolina, he still finds restaurants to eat escargot and other French delicacies. He hopes one day to go back and win the 24 Hours Le Mans but has other priorities first for an IndyCar championship. Pagenaud has also worked with the Humane Society, including fostering Hufflepuff, a chow dog in 2013.
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