FLORENCE, Ky., June 11, 2019 – Mazak Corporation, a longtime technical sponsor for Team Penske, extends its congratulations to Simon Pagenaud and the entire team for their victory at the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. Pagenaud won his 13th-career IndyCar victory and brought the Borg Warner Trophy back to Team Penske for another year, marking the team’s 18th victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s premier event and its first back-to-back win since 2001-2002.
Racing in the No. 22 Menards Chevrolet, Pagenaud started the day at the pole position, the 18th for Team Penske. He led the pack for the first 32 laps and quickly regained the lead in lap 42, but fuel overconsumption required two front-wing adjustments that eventually resulted in giving up the lead at lap 99. Help from teammate Josef Newgarden, as well as a 20-minute red flag following a dramatic multi-car accident, gave Pagenaud the fuel efficiency necessary to position the No. 22 car for a thrilling contest with Alexander Rossi and a well-deserved win for the veteran driver. Several of Pagenaud’s teammates joined him in the top five, including Newgarden at fourth and the 2018 winner, Will Power, at fifth.
With his team’s 18th victory at its 50th appearance in the Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske’s organization has further secured its place as the winningest team in the race’s history, an achievement due in part to Mazak machine tool technology. Advanced manufacturing equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring engineered components can be designed and produced in time for race day, and Team Penske’s partnership with Mazak has resulted in an enduring competitive advantage.