President Donald Trump recognized driver Simon Pagenaud and Team Penske on Monday for their victory in the Indy 500.
Trump said that he watched the race because Roger Penske was a friend of his. Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, also attended the event.
“This is an incredible machine and the job that Simon did, if you saw that, that was talent and a lot of courage,” Trump said. “I wouldn’t do it, I’m not going to do it.”
He joked that he might actually race to win the enormous trophy that was set up in the White House driveway.
“I know how hard it is to win an Indianapolis 500 when I see countries, Japan and Germany and so many countries spending tremendous amounts of money to win that race, and you won it 18 times,” Trump said, gesturing to Penske.
The lime-green race car was wheeled out on the South driveway where reporters shouted questions at the president.
During the event Pagenaud offered Trump a commemorative helmet prompting him to joke, “I could use it, I could use this for them.”
Trump also praised the pit crew for their speedy work on the car during the race.
“Without that, it’s not going to work right?” he said, recalling the race.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.