Arrow McLaren SP driver Oliver Askew has withdrawn from the field of drivers set to compete at the IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway coming up next week.
Askew is dealing with concussion-like symptoms that stem from his hard crash in the Indianapolis 500 back in August, according to the IndyCar Medial team. Because of these symptoms, he has been declared unfit to drive.
“This was an incredibly tough call but I have to follow the advice of the INDYCAR Medical Team and my doctors. My priority right now is focusing on my health,” Askew said. “Despite not being in the car, I will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Harvest GP, giving whatever insight and support to Arrow McLaren SP that I can.”
“The welfare of Oliver, our team members, and fellow competitors is paramount,” said Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt. “We, therefore, support Oliver and the decision of INDYCAR. Withdrawing to focus on his health and recovery is the right thing to do.”
Askew, who is the reigning Indy Lights Champion from a year ago, is in his rookie year in the NTT IndyCar Series and his best finish has been 3rd in Race 1 of a doubleheader at Iowa Speedway.
Helio Castroneves will sit in for Askew in the Arrow McLaren #7-car in both races on the IMS road course next Friday and Saturday. Castroneves will be on loan from Team Penske and last competed in the NTT IndyCar Series in the Indianapolis 500 this year.
Castroneves confirmed then that he would like to pursue a full-time ride in IndyCar for next season. He has been competing for Penske’s IMSA sportscar team in the last three seasons.
