He’ll take the place of Helio Castroneves, who will as an alternative take a minority possession position with the staff and solely contest the Indianapolis 500 in his quest for a report fifth victory.
Castroneves gained the 2021 Indy 500 in MSR’s greatest achievement to this point, and the staff will add a 3rd automobile on the Indy 500 subsequent 12 months.
Blomqvist, who gained the 2022 IMSA SportsCar Championship and the 2022 and 2023 Daytona 24 Hours with MSR, made his IndyCar debut in Toronto final month however crashed out on the opening lap.
“It’s been a great journey the final two years in IMSA, however I’ve been itching to make the step as much as IndyCar and this is a chance I’m keen and motivated to take advantage of,” mentioned Blomqvist.
“IndyCar is an extremely aggressive sequence and I’m below no illusions in how tough this championship will be, however I’m extraordinarily motivated to take advantage of this thrilling new problem.
“Jim and Mike have given me this large alternative and it’s actually a step up in profession trajectory. It’s been some time since I drove in a single-seater sequence, this chance solely arose since driving for Mike and his staff, to show him worthy of the shot in IndyCar.
“Extraordinarily excited. Time will inform, however I’m fairly assured I’ll get there.”
Shank mentioned of Blomqvist: “It is a man who deserves to do that. I don’t know what number of have come from sportscars higher ranks to present this a go. We’ve watched him do wonderful issues in our sportscar.
Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Photograph by: Gavin Baker / Motorsport Images
“I really feel like all of the planets aligned for us to have the ability to do that, so I’m actually grateful for us to be making this subsequent step as a staff.
“Helio brings a lot to what we do total as a staff, each by way of our competitors package deal and all of his expertise, in addition to how he’s capable of interact with our companions.
“So having him transition to this position is absolutely thrilling for everybody concerned.”
Castroneves’s new position with the staff consists of serving as driver mentor, staff ambassador and associate of MSR’s roster of sponsors.
“It is a large day,” he mentioned. “For me, having the chance I couldn’t do it with out the nice group of individuals. Now we have a number of work forward of us, no query, however that is one other chapter in my profession.
“I need to be very clear, I’m not retiring. I can do different sequence, SRX, IMSA, Inventory Automotive Brazil, no matter. My important position in IndyCar is completely different hats and the drive for 5, which continues to be alive.
“I nonetheless have a number of vitality to burn and I need to burn that within the Indy 500.
“The nice factor is that Tom goes to need to name me ‘boss’. That is nice! It’s all about Mike and the staff going to the following degree, so I’m actually trying ahead.”
MSR co-owner Jim Meyer defined how Castroneves possession will work going forwards: “Clearly, Mike and I’ve the bulk, plus Liberty Media and now Helio, who may even tackle a task of driver coach and ambassador in addition to his drive for 5, so I feel it’s a extremely thrilling day.
“We’ve been speaking to Tom for a very long time about what his subsequent step can be. And extra not too long ago we’ve had a few nice conversations with Helio to get right here.”
Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Photograph by: Richard Dole / Motorsport Images
Shank additionally gave an replace on Simon Pagenaud’s state of affairs, who has missed all of the races since his horrendous Mid-Ohio follow crash.
“I additionally need to let everybody know Simon is progressing very well,” he mentioned. “We love him, when it’s time it’s time for him to return again.
“It’s his physique’s schedule. Because of our companions who’ve stood by us in a tough 12 months.”