Simon says: 'We're on pole Captain!'

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By all measures it was a thrilling and heartbreaking Sunday in Indiana, with winners and losers at both ends of the Indy 500 33-car grid.

Minutes after the last row shootout drama had unfolded - and collapsed - for McLaren and Fernando Alonso, the top-nine runners went gunning for pole position glory.

That high stakes game saw Simon Pagenaud race around the Speedway at an average speed of 229.992 mph that delivered to Penske its record 18th pole in Indianapolis history

"Team Menards and Team Penske have been phenomenal about giving me the best equipment," said Pagenaud, who celebrated his 35th birthday on Saturday.

"I can’t thank them enough and my teammates for always pushing me to the limit. This is incredible. This is the biggest race in the world, so obviously I’m on Cloud Nine."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.