Simon Pagenaud, the 2019 Indianapolis 500 and 2016 INDYCAR SERIES champion will pay tribute to his friend and mentor, Gil de Ferran before the start of Sunday’s 108th running the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Pagenaud will complete one lap of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving Gil de Ferran’s 2003 Indianapolis 500 winning G Force for Team Penske.
Speaking about the news, Simon Pagenaud said:
Gil de Ferran has been my role model, not only as a racer but also as a father.
“I got to be very close to him, Angela, Anna and Luke through the years. Through this tribute I am so happy we will get to remember Gil winning Indianapolis in this iconic Team Penske livery. The colors, the helmet, the sound, the memories, and the fact that he taught me everything about this place. I remember late nights and countless hours with my Yoda talking about all the fine details to get to victory lane at the Speedway.
“When I got the call from Angela, Luke and Anna and they asked me to drive Gil’s car, I could not help the tears as I feel so thankful to have the chance to remind everyone on this amazing day of racing of the great racer, father and man he was.”
The parade lap will start from turn 1 of the Speedway road course on Sunday, May 26, at 10.40 a.m. ET as part of the IMS Museum “500” Historic Car Lap.