Pagenaud has suffered ongoing concussion-like symptoms following his huge crash in practice at Mid-Ohio in July, which was caused by a brake failure.
He has failed to gain clearance from IndyCar’s medical team after multiple evaluations since his horrendous wreck, and MSR has opted to put its 2024 signing Tom Blomqvist in the #60 car for the final two races of the season at Portland and Laguna Seca.
Blomqvist made his series debut in Toronto, but after impressing in a wet qualifying session he was taken out in a first-corner crash.
He remains in contention to repeat his IMSA SportsCar title with MSR’s Acura squad, despite the team getting a 200-point penalty after winning the Daytona 24 Hours when tyre pressure reporting irregularities were discovered.
“Obviously the circumstances are quite tricky with Simon’s recovery and the whole situation surrounding the 60 car,” said Blomqvist. “I know the whole team and myself included are thinking about him as he recovers.
“I’ve got to thank Jim [Meyer] and Mike [Shank] for getting me in the car and looking ahead now to next season having been confirmed to drive with MSR next year. It’s a good thing to be getting these races under my belt before the season and working in preparation for my full program in 2024.
“I got a brief test in Toronto under very challenging circumstances – without any real preparation whatsoever.”
Source: Autosport