Pagenaud wins Long Beach for 1st victory driving for Penske

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Simon Pagenaud raced to his first victory for Team Penske by holding off Scott Dixon in the caution-free Grand Prix of Long Beach.

It was a controversial win, though, as Dixon and his Chip Ganassi Racing team believed Pagenaud should have been penalized for crossing a blend line as he returned to the track following a pit stop. The Dixon camp interpreted the rule as a clear violation, but IndyCar only gave Pagenaud a warning.

“They told us with the steward system this year there would be no warnings,” Ganassi team manager Mike Hull said during the race. “What we were told in the driver meeting that if anyone did that, there would be a penalty. They didn’t tell us what the penalty was, but he shouldn’t be leading the race.”

Dixon wanted to see a clearer replay of Pagenaud’s move, but also disagreed on him being issued a warning.

“There’s meant to be no warnings, so I don’t know what that’s all about,” said Dixon, winner of last year’s race. “From what I am told, he was definitely over with all four tires, which is a drive-through or some sort of penalty to give the spot back. Apparently (Pagenaud) got a warning for that opposed to getting a penalty.

Team owner Ganassi was a bit more pragmatic about the ruling, even though it prevented his team from winning its second consecutive race. Dixon won this month at Phoenix. Ganassi said he’d probably have a conversation with IndyCar, which this year is using three stewards in race control to officiate.

“It was obviously a close call, and it’s certainly a chance to look for an opportunity to see how we can improve questionable calls,” Ganassi said.