Pagenaud to miss rest of IndyCar season, Blomqvist to substitute in final races

Meyer Shank Racing have announced Tom Blomqvist as the driver of its number 60 car for the final two rounds of the IndyCar season, as Simon Pagenaud remains unable to race.

Pagenaud crashed in practice at Mid-Ohio at the start of July, suffering a concussion. IndyCar’s medical team has not cleared him to return since then, during which time he has missed seven races. By being absent from the next two races he will have missed more than half of the season.

Three drivers have been rotating as Pagenaud’s stand-ins: Conor Daly, Linus Lundqvist and Blomqvist. The latter made his IndyCar debut in Toronto where he qualified 20th but went no further than lap one in the race after being involved in an eight-car crash.

Blomqvist usually races for Meyer Shank in the IMSA sports car series’ top GTP class and currently sits fifth in the standings with two wins. Earlier this month it was announced he will move across to the team’s IndyCar line-up full-time for 2024.

He will make his second series start at Portland this weekend, with the Laguna Seca season finale the week after.

“Obviously the circumstances are quite tricky with Simon’s recovery and the whole situation surrounding the 60 car – I know the whole team and myself included are thinking about him as he recovers,” said Blomqvist.

“I’ve got to thank Jim Meyer and Mike Shank for getting me in the car and looking ahead now to next season having been confirmed to drive with MSR next year. It’s a good thing to be getting these races under my belt before the season and working in preparation for my full programme in 2024.

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“I got a brief test in Toronto under very challenging circumstances – without any real preparation whatsoever. Now I’ve got a little bit more understanding and knowledge and I’m hoping it’s going to be easier this time. I’m going to have the opportunity to get into the simulator and I know a little bit more of what to expect in terms of the way the weekend runs.”

He will have to familiarise himself with a new circuit this weekend. “I don’t know Portland at all and I know everyone has been racing flat-out in the summer,” said Blomqvist. “It’s still going to be an absolutely huge challenge. The series is so, so competitive and I am still new to these cars. I’m not putting any pressure on myself and I’m just going to go out there and do my best.”

Pagenaud, who has kept a low profile while in recovery, explained why he will not return to the cockpit this year.

“I have been working with an excellent team of doctors and I have made progress,” he said. “The doctor’s advice is for me to take more time to continue my way back to 100%, so I will not be racing the final two races of the 2023 season,” he said.

“The accident left me with lingering post-concussion symptoms. I am working hard to get back to 100% but this type of recovery is unique in time to each individual. I wish I could be out there doing what I love and driving my race car, but the accident was very violent and left me to focus on the task at hand: my health and recovery.

“I will be watching the end of the IndyCar season and wish good luck to everyone involved in this closing of the championship.”

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