PATASKALA, Ohio — Helio Castroneves will drive the No. 66 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda in this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix as well as the June 9 Xpel Grand Prix at Road America.
Meyer Shank Racing and Tom Blomqvist have mutually agreed for the NTT IndyCar Series rookie to step aside for the two upcoming races. Blomqvist, who won back-to-back Rolex 24 Hour at Daytonas and one IMSA Championship for Meyer Shank Racing will remain a part of the MSR squad.
“Making this decision was by far the hardest one we have had to make,” said MSR co-owner, Mike Shank. “Tom is 100-percent still a part of the MSR family and will remain a part of the team for the rest of the season. The decision was not made lightly and after much discussion with Tom, and with back-to-back races coming up, we have decided to have Helio drive in Detroit and at Road America.”
“It is fair to say that the last couple of days have been some of the hardest in my career,” said Blomqvist. “Everyone who knows me knows how much I love being a part of the MSR family and together we have enjoyed some amazing successes and victories. I am looking forward to remaining part of the MSR family and contributing to the MSR vision as we chase down further successes in the future.”
Blomqvist crashed on the opening lap of Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, collecting several fellow competitors in the melee.