Tom Blomqvist will make his IndyCar debut in Toronto this weekend as an alternative choice to Simon Pagenaud at Meyer Shank Racing.
Pagenaud will miss his second race in a row following the large crash he suffered throughout apply for the earlier spherical at Mid-Ohio two weeks in the past. His automobile was launched right into a collection of terrifying barrel rolls after he suffered a brake failure approaching the nook.
The motive force confirmed in an announcement he won’t be able to take part on this weekend’s Indy Toronto.
“After present process additional medical analysis this week underneath the care of the IndyCar medical staff, I’ve not been cleared to race,” stated Pagenaud. “Whereas I really feel good, I’m nonetheless recovering.”
The Toronto spherical is the primary of two occasions on consecutive weekends for IndyCar. The collection will head to the Iowa Speedway for 2 races the next weekend.
“With back-to-back races, there simply wasn’t sufficient time to permit my physique to completely get well in time to compete this weekend,” Pagenaud continued. “I’ll proceed to comply with the medical staff’s suggestions so I might be again racing quickly. Thanks everybody on your assist.”
Meyer Shank co-owner Mike Shank stated the staff is “clearly nonetheless working to get Simon as wholesome as potential; he’s feeling [fine] and is able to get again within the automobile as soon as he’s cleared”.
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“The choice to place Tom within the automobile was a simple one,” stated Shank. “He’s coming off of an IMSA win at [Mosport] final weekend and I’ve all the arrogance on the planet placing him in our Indy automobile.”
Blomqvist is in his second 12 months driving for Meyer Shank within the IMSA sports activities automobile collection and have become champion with staff mate Oliver Jarvis final 12 months. This January, Blomqvist was a part of the successful crew within the Daytona 24 Hours, although a number of weeks later the staff was fined and the drivers penalised 200 factors every after it emerged that they had violated the minimal tyre stress guidelines throughout the race.
He made his IndyCar take a look at debut with the staff final 12 months, however appreciates he’ll face a stern take a look at by making his debut on the tough and demanding Toronto road circuit.
“Initially, I’m considering of Simon and hoping that he recovers as rapidly as potential in order that he can get again behind the wheel,” stated Blomqvist. “I’ve to thank Mike and Jim [Meyer] for contemplating me to fill on this weekend.
“I’m undoubtedly wanting ahead to seeing what IndyCar has to supply. Diving straight into the deep finish is an understatement after solely having one take a look at within the MSR Indy automobile final 12 months.
“I’m excited however conscious of the challenges getting in control throughout a race weekend, so I’m not placing any stress on myself. Simply going to go on the market soak all of it in and provides all of it I’ve received.”
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