,
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-B7vgvJc/0/XL/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281009%29-XL.jpg)
An elated Pagenaud leaps from his car, triumphant. He has now won 2 out of the 3 IndyCar GPs held at Indianapolis.
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-v9NVxpc/0/XL/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281010%29-XL.jpg)
Obviously, Simon was thankful for the effort his team has put in, preparing a perfect car once again.
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-MtPzJJ2/0/XL/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281041%29-XL.jpg)
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-49vRzwj/0/XL/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281053%29-XL.jpg)
There were high fives and hugs from both The Captain and John Menard, Pagenaud’s sponsor for the month of May. John competed in the 500 for many years with his own team with mixed success. Winning as a sponsor in his return to IndyCar was as much as he could ask for.
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-z5DjBsm/0/X2/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281162%29-X2.jpg)
The Indy road course is tough: very fast and flowing (it would make a GREAT Time Attack track) and winning here requires a quick car and a perfect drive. Pagenaud, Castroneves, and Hinchcliffe were fast all day long.
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-RDrXZGZ/0/X2/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281225%29-X2.jpg)
I am really glad I was far enough back to be out of the splash zone. It was way too cold for a champagne bath.
![](https://photos.motoiq.com/Event-Coverage/2016-Indy-Grand-Prix/i-vnrxbLB/0/X2/Indy%20GP%202016%20%281230%29-X2.jpg)
Drinks may be on the house today, but now the real work begins. Teams have been practicing all week and over the weekend we will be setting the field for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. MotoIQ will be there to see who can top the field of 33.
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