Simon Pagenaud is out for the remainder of the IndyCar season with lingering post-concussion signs from a July crash, the driving force and Meyer Shank Racing introduced Monday. Pagenaud has not been medically cleared by IndyCar docs after a wreck at Mid-Ohio in early July; Tom Blomqvist will drive the No. 60 automotive for MSR in his place for the ultimate two races.
Pagenaud walked away from the No. 60 automotive after a scary crash at a Mid-Ohio observe the place he flipped seven instances due to a mechanical failure within the automotive wherein he mentioned he couldn’t cease.
“The way in which that the automotive did break, it may’ve been rather a lot worse,” Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon mentioned. “It is a testomony to how protected the vehicles are. He clearly walked away from it, however I feel while you see, particularly, the whipping momentum, that is numerous issues that might go unsuitable.”
Pagenaud was seen and launched from the IndyCar medical middle that day and mentioned he was able to get again within the automotive at any time, however docs declared him unfit to race.
Pagenaud has now missed seven straight races, and he launched an announcement saying he is been coping with ongoing signs.
“I’ve been working with a wonderful workforce of docs and I’ve made progress,” Pagenaud mentioned on an announcement on X. “The physician’s recommendation is for me to take extra time to proceed to work my method again to 100%, so I cannot be racing the ultimate two races of the 2023 season.
“The accident left me with some lingering post-concussion signs. I’ve been working arduous to get again to 100%, however such a restoration is exclusive in time to every particular person. I want I might be on the market doing what I like and driving my race automotive, however the accident was very violent and left me to give attention to the duty at hand: my well being and restoration. I shall be watching the tip of the IndyCar season and want good luck to everybody concerned on this closing of the championship.”
Blomqvist, who will race full time for MSR subsequent season, was knocked out of his IndyCar debut in Toronto by a Lap 1 crash. Blomqvist had no observe or simulator work previous to that race however will obtain extra prep time forward of the Bitnile.com Grand Prix at Portland on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, NBC). He may also race for MSR at Leguna Seca on Sept. 10.
Shank on Blomqvist’s IndyCar debut:‘I need to see how he reacts. I need to take a look at him.’
“Clearly the circumstances are fairly tough with Simon’s restoration and the entire state of affairs surrounding the 60 automotive — I do know the entire workforce and myself included are fascinated by him as he recovers,” Blomqvist mentioned in a information launch. “It’s a very good factor to be getting these races beneath my belt earlier than the season and dealing in preparation for my full program in 2024. I bought a quick take a look at in Toronto beneath very difficult circumstances — with none actual preparation by any means.
“Now I’ve bought slightly bit extra understanding and data and I’m hoping it’s going to be simpler this time. I’m going to have the chance to get into the simulator and I do know slightly bit extra of what to anticipate by way of the way in which the weekend runs. I don’t know Portland in any respect. … It’s nonetheless going to be a completely large problem.”
Pagenaud, who would not but have a deal for 2024, will miss 9 of IndyCar’s 17 races within the 2023 season. Blomqvist shall be taking on for Helio Castroneves, who’s retiring from full-time racing on the finish of the yr, within the No. 6 automotive, and MSR has not introduced who will occupy the No. 30 in 2024.
Extra:Helio Castroneves stepping again from full-time IndyCar racing, joins Meyer Shank Racing possession group
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Graham Rahal, who’s shut with Pagenaud, mentioned he is unsure of the driving force’s future with MSR or IndyCar as a complete— however he hopes the crash is not his final expertise.
“He is OK, however that is a scary affect,” Graham Rahal mentioned. “You have a look at the severity and what the rolls had been, and anyone else would’ve been in the identical place. It is time for him to take the time to heal up, to be together with his household, and that is extra vital than the remainder of these items anyway. I hope we see him again. I do not know what his future plans are, I do not know what he has in retailer, however in my complete profession, there’s by no means been a extra truthful and fierce competitor than I’ve had than Simon … if that’s the finish of the IndyCar a part of his profession, you hate to see that, for certain.”
