Simon Pagenaud wins Indianapolis 500 in thrilling finish
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Simon Pagenaud won the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, narrowly holding off 2016 winner Alexander Rossi in a thrilling finish.
The veteran French driver called it “a dream come true” to win the 103rd running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
He had indicated he could do it, saying on Thursday at Media Day: "I dream, and I believe my dream is possible."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pagenaud made an audacious pass of Rossi before taking the white flag and holding off the hard-charging driver from Andretti Autosport.
Simon Pagenaud, of France, celebrating after winning the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
INDYCAR DRIVERS TO BE PROTECTED BY AEROSCREENS NEXT SEASON
Pagenaud’s victory after an incredible duel with Rossi completed a sweep of the Month of May for him. He came into the season trying to hang onto his job with Team Penske, and a brazen move near the end of the Indianapolis Grand Prix gave him a win two weeks ago.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}His latest win gave team owner Roger Penske his 18th victory in his 50th year at the track.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
President Trump sent a tweet of congratulations: “Congratulations to the Great (and my friend) Roger Penske on winning his 18th (UNBELIEVABLE!) Indianapolis 500. I am in Japan, very early in the morning, but I got to watch Simon drive one of the greatest races in the history of the sport. I will see them both, & TEAM, at the WH!”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Takuma Sato was third, Josef Newgarden fourth and defending champion Will Power was fifth.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.