It has been confirmed by Meyer Shank Racing that Simon Pagenaud will be replaced by Tom Blomqvist in the #60 for the final two races of the 2023 IndyCar season at Portland and Laguna Seca.
The Frenchman has been out of action since a huge crash at Mid-Ohio in early July, and he confirmed today in a statement that he is still suffering with post-concussion symptoms following multiple rolls in the gravel trap. It means the former IndyCar and Indy 500 champion will not compete in the last nine races of this year.
“I have been working with an excellent team of doctors and I have made progress. 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,” stated Pagenaud.
“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.”
With Linus Lundqvist filling in and impressively so at Nashville, the Indy GP and Gateway, 2024 MSR driver Tom Blomqvist takes over for the final two races of the current campaign.
Blomqvist made his debut in Toronto but was out on lap 1 as Jack Harvey caused a multi-car crash at the start.
He’s expecting an enormous challenge once again with his lack of experience in the series.
“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.
“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 program in 2024. 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.
“I don’t know Portland at all and I know everyone has been racing flat-out in the summer. 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.
“Hopefully I can do Mike and Jim proud and make progress with every session. Hopefully after these next two events I can be happy and put in some strong performances and go into winter break with more knowledge on the series and be able to build on this.”
Photo credit: Penske Entertainment | Chris Jones
