Helio Castroneves replacing benched Tom Blomqvist for two races

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th May, 20:42 2024

May 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indycar Series driver Helio Castroneves during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Helio Castroneves will take over for struggling IndyCar rookie Tom Blomqvist for the next two races at Detroit and Road America, Meyer Shank Racing announced Wednesday in a team release.

Castroneves, 49, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and MSR's newest co-owner, finished 20th in last Sunday's 108th edition of the race in what was supposed to be his lone IndyCar start of the year. But Blomqvist, in the No. 66 Honda, has endured a tough first season on the circuit, including an early crash at the Indy 500.

"Making this decision was by far the hardest one we have had to make," MSR co-owner Mike Shank said in a release. "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."

In the first turn of the first lap of the Indy 500, the 30-year-old Blomqvist ran into the wall and took out 2022 500 winner Marcus Ericsson in the process. As a result of the crash, Blomqvist finished 31st.

"It is fair to say that the last couple of days have been some of the hardest in my career," Blomqvist said in a release. "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 started off strong this season, finishing 15th at St. Petersburg after qualifying 17th, along with solid qualifying spots at Long Beach (15th) and Barber (12th). But his 19th-place finish at Barber was his highest since St. Pete. This month has taken a downward turn as he qualified 25th for the 500 after starting 26th and finishing 23rd on the road course.

Blomqvist, who has consecutive Rolex 24s with MSR along with the 2022 IMSA Dpi championship, signed a multi-year deal with the organization last August.

Last August, Blomqvist signed a multi-year deal with MSR for what seemed to be a long-term career change to IndyCar with the team he won back-to-back Rolex 24s and the 2022 IMSA DPi championship with.

--Field Level Media