Pagenaud begins his season at the 24 Hours of Daytona

simon pagenaud didn't take long to become known in America. After a sublime first season in IndyCar where he finished fifth and best rookie, the Poitevin is preparing to compete for the first time in the 24 Hours of Daytona at the wheel of the No. 42 Riley-BMW of Team Sahlen which he shares with Dane Cameron and Wayne Nonnamaker. But with an ALMS title won in 2010 and four appearances at Le Mans, the Frenchman will have the necessary experience to drive at a good pace. “The offseason is over!” I couldn't wait to get back behind the wheel and find myself back on the track for new challenges. Starting with my first participation in the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona. I will share this new adventure with the Sahlen team, for whom it will also be their first Daytona Prototype entry at Daytona. We will have much more experienced teams against us, some of whom have already won in this race. We will learn and do our best. Such a long race has its share of unforeseen events and surprises. The team and I would obviously be very happy to achieve a good debut result. »

After competing in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Simon Pagenaud will concentrate on his second season with the Schmidt team Hamilton Motorsports. The French driver will seek to improve on his fifth position in the Championship achieved last year. « The day after this first meeting, I will continue my preparation and my tests in the IZOD IndyCar Series,” explains Simon Pagenaud. “I am thrilled to be able to continue to grow with the Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports team. Our goal will be to do even better than last season (5th and best rookie). I can't wait to be in St. Petersburg (Florida) which will mark the start of the championship. » With perhaps a first victory at stake?