On most IndyCar groups, Simon Pagenaud would play the position of mentor. However when the 38-year-old French driver joined Meyer Shank Racing for the 2022 season, he paired with 47-year-old Helio Castroneves—contemporary off his record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500 victory—to type one of the skilled duos on the grid.

“I undoubtedly really feel just like the younger man, that is for certain!” Pagenaud instructed us.

Prematurely of this weekend’s 106th operating of the Indianapolis 500, we spoke with the Meyer Shank duo about drafting dynamics, sports activities automobile expertise, and the search to make historical past.

Ars: You two had instant success this yr within the Worldwide Motor Sports activities Affiliation, profitable the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Helio, what does Simon convey to the desk, and what’s your dynamic like as teammates?

Castroneves: They need to roll out the pink carpet each time Simon and I stroll within the room since we’re so skilled—we have earned the respect. [laughs]

Everybody has strengths, and Simon’s is all the small print. I knew he would assist me and your complete workforce attain the following stage. Plus, he’s a pleasant man to work with and a workforce participant. In IndyCar, in the future it’s going to be my day, one other day his. He understands how we have to work collectively to realize a bonus on the remainder of the sphere.

Pagenaud: As Helio typically says, age is only a quantity, and it is all in regards to the hearth you have got inside. And I’ve an enormous hearth nonetheless burning. I’ve now been in IndyCar for 12 years, Helio for greater than 20, so the important thing to our success is actually all of the expertise we have gathered via the years. Now we wish to assist Meyer Shank grow to be the workforce it desires to be, and if Helio can win his fifth right here, it might be a historic time for the collection, for all of Indianapolis. I’ve actually loved working with the workforce.

Ars: Helio, your first Indy 500 was means again in 2001. You’ve got seen firsthand how these automobiles have advanced over the previous twenty years. What has been probably the most important distinction from then to now?

Castroneves: Properly, initially, we used to have much less degradation on the tires. However most likely probably the most important change has been the draft and drag. You used to have the ability to run low downforce in case you wished. It could be a threat, however you could possibly be a lot sooner and draw back from the opposite guys. The way in which the automobiles at the moment are, it is unattainable to really draw back as a result of [of] the way in which the drag ratio is said. And the horsepower is now nearer and nearer between the 2 producers, so it has utterly modified the idea of establishing the automobile.

The tires will likely be a bit higher this yr since they put sealer on the monitor final yr that can assist the grip. However the idea of drafting and passing each lap goes to be very related.

Pagenaud: Yeah, it’s totally difficult proper now with the aero display screen as effectively as a result of you may’t get away—you must discover a solution to move the man proper in entrance of you on the final lap on the proper time. If you happen to move him too early, he’ll move you once more, so it is a completely different mindset.

Now, which fashion is best? It relies upon a bit on who you ask, a purist or an informal fan. I keep in mind some 500s the place I would watch Helio, or Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon, simply draw back from the sphere and lead your complete race with barely any passing. Most likely not very fascinating to observe for a fan, however as a driver, you’re so on the sting and know you actually gained it with your personal expertise. These days, it’s all so depending on drafting. That is why in apply we spend a lot time attempting to know the draft and the timing of all of it.

Castroneves: Yeah, it was enjoyable to have a state of affairs the place you could possibly draw back—there was no taking part in video games. Go full energy and keep on it as a lot as you may till the tip of the road to your tires. Now it is a bit trickier. It’s a must to suppose extra about it. And I feel when drivers suppose much less, it is all the time higher.