Arrow McLaren has announced the return of Callum Ilott for their onslaught later this month on the Indianapolis 500.
Ilott, a former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy who is competing this year in the 2024 World Endurance Championship with British squad Jota Porsche, found himself without a full-time IndyCar seat after Juncos Hollinger Racing opted not to renew his contract despite a strong showing in 2023.
However, McLaren stepped in to offer the Briton a lifeline. Ilott filled the gap left by David Malukas' pre-season wrist injury, starting the 2024 season with a respectable 13th place finish at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
The 25-year-old also raced for McLaren in the non-championship round at The Thermal Club, but due to his commitments in the WEC, the team’s third seat was permanently assigned to Theo Pourchaire.
With the Sauber reserve driver unavailable for this month’s Indy 500, as he’ll be on call the F1 outfit in Monaco, McLaren has elected to draft in Ilott for IndyCar’s Blue Ribband event.
“It is any driver’s dream to race in the Indianapolis 500, and I’d like to extend a thank you to Zak, Gavin [Ward, team principal] and Tony [Kanaan, sporting director] for making this happen," said Ilott who clinched his maiden win last weekend in the WEC Spa 6 Hours in the #12 Jota Porsche.
"I’m grateful to step into this race with a familiar car and a familiar team now in Arrow McLaren.
“While our April Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was shortened by weather, the runs we did have were productive.
"I feel comfortable with the team and know that we can come together throughout the Month of May to put our best foot forward come race day.”
©McLaren
Ilott will be far from alone under the Arrow McLaren banner as he’ll be part of a four-car assault at the legendary Brickyard.
Team papaya’s line-u will also include NTT IndyCar Series regulars Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi, as well as NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who will be attempting an audacious double by competing in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same weekend.
“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season,” commented team principal Ward.
"He and the team got along well during the first two events of the season, and we’re looking forward to carrying that over here.
"I’m confident that Callum and the #6 NTT DATA Chevy team will be competing near the front of the grid during qualifying and on race day, just like the rest of our cars.”
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