J.R. Hildebrand has been cleared to return to the IndyCar series for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix, after he broke a bone in his hand during the closing laps of the second round at Long Beach.
During the final lap at Long Beach Hildebrand made light contact with the rear of Mikhail Aleshin at Turn 1, with the sudden jolt from the steering wheel resulting in the injury which sidelined him for the Alabama GP.
Therefore rookie Zach Veach was called up to replace Hildebrand at Ed Carpenter Racing to race alongside Spencer Pigot.
"It's been a tricky couple of weeks working through this injury,” admitted Hildebrand.
“I'm certainly anxious to get back in the car.
“I feel like I'm far enough along to be able to go for it this weekend in Phoenix.
“I know we've got a good program.
“I want to be able to come through for the team at an event where we should be strong.
“Everyone has been super helpful, and I appreciate the hard work that everyone has put in to be able to get me back in.”
Meanwhile team owner Ed Carpenter will make his first appearance of the season behind the wheel, replacing street and road course regular Spencer Pigot
The 36-year-old has three wins to his name – all of them on ovals – and is itching to get back into the car.
"I am super excited to get back to Phoenix and start my driving season,” enthused Carpenter.
“We have had several tests since my last race in Pocono, but it will be good to get back to a race weekend as a driver.
“We had a great open test at Phoenix in February and I feel very confident heading into this weekend."
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