Pataskala, Ohio (26 June 2023) – The distance between Meyer Shank Racing’s Pataskala, Ohio headquarters and the next stop on the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar is about the same distance as a fuel stint around the 2.258-mile road course the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
This weekend, Simon Pagenaud (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) and Helio Castroneves (No. 06 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) lead Meyer Shank Racing to its home race where the team works to continue its recent momentum at Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (1:30pm ET, USA Network/Peacock, SiriusXM Ch. 160).
The potential for home cooking isn’t the only reason for optimism for the Meyer Shank Racing crew as the team’s and drivers’ histories are full of examples of past successes on the tight circuit.
Last year the team earned a dual top-10 result with Castroneves finishing eighth while Pagenaud came home in 10th for MSR. The team has earned four top-10 finishes at Mid-Ohio in its seven starts and has had equal success on qualifying day with three top-10 starting positions.
Both drivers have Mid-Ohio wins on their resumes with Castroneves winning from the outside of the front row in 2000 and 2001. The Brazilian has a pair of Mid-Ohio poles to go with three other podium runs and 147 laps led.
Pagenaud’s consistency at Mid-Ohio is unmatched over the last decade. The Frenchman has never failed to finish on the lead lap at the track over his 13 starts, and his 2016 victory from pole came in the middle of a streak of eight consecutive top tens in Lexington.
Sunday’s 80-lap race will air on the USA Network and Peacock on Sunday starting at 1:30pm ET. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, July 1, beginning at 2:45pm with live coverage on Peacock. SiriusXM will also host live race coverage on XM Ch. 160.
Driver Quotes:
Helio Castroneves:
“Mid-Ohio is a very, very fun place and for me its is dear to my heart. I won there in IndyCar a long time ago, I won there in sports cars and not only that, its right in MSR’s backyard. I’m looking forward to going there and having a good time.”
Simon Pagenaud:
“Mid-Ohio is our home event. We have been picking up steam lately and I can’t wait to be at the track and continue our progress. It’s a track that I usually do well at as I enjoy the layout. The grip evolves a lot laps after laps and makes it a challenge for that reason.”