Simon Pagenaud won’t be back behind the wheel of an IndyCar this year.
The Meyer Shank Racing driver is still recovering from a concussion he suffered during a dramatic rollover crash at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July.
“The accident left me with lingering post-concussion symptoms. I am working hard to get back to 100% but this type of recovery is unique in time to each individual,” Pagenaud wrote in a message posted to social media.
The 2019 Indy 500 Champion’s announcement comes just two days after NASCAR driver Kurt Busch announced is formal retirement from full time driving in the Cup Series, due to ongoing issues from a concussion suffered at Pocono Raceway in July 2022 and other health ailments.
“My body is just having a battle with Father Time,” the 45-year-old Busch said during a press conference on Saturday ahead of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
Two races remain on the IndyCar calendar after Sunday’s event at World Wide Technologies Raceway, where a win by Scott Dixon moved him into second place in the standings behind Alex Palou, while Josef Newgarden was eliminated from the title chase by a late race crash.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INDYCAR AND NASCAR NEWS FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING
Tom Blomqvist, who recently signed to take over Meyer Shank’s 06 car next season from Helio Castroneves, who is retiring from full time IndyCar racing, will fill in for Pagenaud at Portland and Laguna Seca to finish out the 2023 season.
Meyer Shank Racing is planning to field a car for Castroneves, 48, at the Indy 500 next year.