--- title: "IndyCar’s Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden Involved in Legit Autograph War" description: "Team Penske's Newgarden and Pagenaud swap race cars for Sharpies and all hell breaks loose." date: "2018-03-31" modified: "2018-03-31" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19783/indycars-simon-pagenaud-and-josef-newgarden-involved-in-legit-autograph-war" categories: - "News" tags: - "Funny" - "Indy 500" - "indycar" - "Indycar Series" - "Josef Newgarden" - "racing" - "simon pagenaud" - "team penske" --- # IndyCar’s Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden Involved in Legit Autograph War ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* Much like the legendary (and non-existent) Ricky Bobby once signed a baby's forehead while surrounded by dozens of clamoring fans, IndyCar's reigning champion [Josef Newgarden]() and his teammate [Simon Pagenaud]() are running loose autographing everything they can get their hands on. But not to worry, because everything Pagenaud is singing only belongs to Newgarden, and everything Newgarden is branding only belongs to Pagenaud. Especially his house... It's safe to say that this autograph battle currently trending on social media as [#IndyCarAutographBattle]() doesn't come as a surprise. After all, we're talking about two guys who race for Team Penske, one of the most prestigious IndyCar organizations, and love doing nothing more than competing and winning. Of course, in this case, we're not sure what actually accounts for "winning," as the sport of Sharpie-ing doesn't quite have a governing body, rulebook, or really even exist yet. https://twitter.com/\_/status/978440511441833984 The autograph battle, which by now has seen the homes of both racing drivers autographed by their respective teammates began when Pagenaud had to transport Newgarden's racing suit and helmet so he could have it on time for a promo shoot at the Indianapolis airport. Following the drivers' return to their respective homes in Charlotte, North Carolina, Newgarden forgot to request the suit and helmet back from Pagenaud who, like any good teammate would, proceeded to sign the visor of Newgarden's helmet and share the video on [Twitter](). But don't think for a minute that Newgarden is the victim of Pagenaud's mischief, because Newgarden had already taunted Pagenaud and other [IndyCar drivers]() while going on an autographing spree at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway boutique at the airport, which saw the IndyCar show car and even an innocent bystander get autographed by the Tennessee native. https://twitter.com/\_/status/978448235349069824 How did this even happen; where will it end; who or what will get attacked by these outlaw Sharpie-maniacs? This is what Pagenaud told *The Drive*: "The #IndyCarAutographBattle totally happened out of nowhere, but we're having some fun with it that's for sure. Josef and I have really [serious jobs](), but at the end of the day we're big, competitive kids. After Josef signed my house last night we went ahead and instituted a few boundaries, but I absolutely plan to get really creative. Hopefully the fans are enjoying this too, and if any fans have ideas for things I should sign please don't hesitate to let me know." Who will strike next? ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()