Meyer Shank Racing announced late Wednesday that Helio Castroneves would be taking over driving duties from Tom Blomqvist for the next two IndyCar rounds.
Blomqvist, a rookie in the series, has been struggling throughout the season, and has a best finish of 15th through five races so far.
He had a particularly disappointing Indianapolis 500 when he made a mistake in the first corner of the race, taking himself and two others out of competition.
The team has made the decision to sideline the 30-year-old driver for the next two rounds in Detroit and Road America, and will allow the team’s veteran driver and minority owner Castroneves to have a go at earning better results.
“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.”
MSR did not announce specific plans for the #66 entry for the remaining 10 races after Road America, but it did make clear that Blomqvist is still part of the team at this point.
The championship-winning IMSA driver has been with MSR since the start of 2022, and it appears that he is simply being given time to regroup after a poor start to his IndyCar career.
“Making this decision was by far the hardest one we have had to make,” said MSR co-owner, Mike Shank. “Tom is 100% 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.”
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