The lingering effects of an enormous rollover will keep Simon Pagenaud sidelined for the fifth IndyCar race in a row, Meyer Shank Racing has confirmed.
It means he’ll be replaced by last year’s Indy Lights winner Linus Lundqvist at the Music City Grand Prix in downtown Nashville, marking the Swede’s IndyCar Series debut.
The 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner crashed in practice at Mid Ohio on the first weekend of July after his brakes failed.
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His car got airborne and rolled violently before coming to a rest up against the tyre barrier.
Since then, the Frenchman has been battling concussion symptoms and IndyCar officials haven’t given him medical clearance to race.
A team statement read in part, “While he continues to improve, he has been advised by the INDYCAR Medical Team to not participate in this weekend’s event in Nashville.”
Conor Daly and Tom Blomqvist have shared driving duties of the No.60 entry thereafter while Pagenaud recovers.
Blomqvist, who is thought to be in line to replace Pagenaud in 2024, would have filled the vacancy in Nashville but is racing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for the same team.
For Lundqvist, it’s an opportunity to make a case for his selection next year. The 24-year-old is rumoured to be in the frame to join the IndyCar Series full-time.
“This is a moment I’ve been dreaming of literally since the start of my career,” said Lundqvist.
“I could not be more excited about the prospect of finally making my IndyCar Series debut; I am extremely grateful to Meyer Shank Racing for this opportunity.
“This will be an incredible experience, but also the toughest challenge of my life.
“Sitting on the sidelines all year, it would be a massive task to join any championship towards the end of the season – let alone the IndyCar Series on the streets of Nashville.
“There’s been very little time to prepare, but I feel like the sheer excitement of this moment will make up for some of that.
“Of course, working alongside Helio (Castroneves) – one of the true legends of this sport – will also be a huge asset.
“Last but not least, I would like to wish Simon Pagenaud a continued speedy recovery.
“While fully aware of everything I have to learn this weekend, I will do my very best to make him and everyone else on the team proud in Music City.”
Although it’ll be the first time Lundqvist races in the series, he isn’t in entirely unfamiliar territory.
He has tested an IndyCar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and Sebring International Raceway. He also won the inaugural Indy Lights race in Nashville last year.
The Music City Grand Prix takes place on August 6-7 with coverage live, ad-free, and exclusively on Stan Sport.
Practice gets underway on Sunday from 1:40am followed by qualifying at 4:45am. Another practice session follows at 8:25am before Monday’s 80-lap race at 2:00am.
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