Arrow McLaren has confirmed that Callum Ilott will drive for the team for the upcoming Indianapolis 500, a move that was widely anticipated.
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The team left the assignment open for the #6 entry when it announced Theo Pourchaire for the remainder of the season, and has now filled the last remaining date with Ilott. The British driver raced for the team earlier this year, filling in for an injured David Malukas for a few test sessions and also the first round of the 2024 season in St. Pete. Ilott was not available to take on more than an occasional role in IndyCar this season due to commitments running a full WEC season with Jota.
“It is any driver’s dream to race in the Indianapolis 500, and I’d like to extend a thank you to Zak [Brown], Gavin [Ward] and Tony [Kanaan] for making this happen,” said Ilott. “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.”
The reason the #6 entry was open in the first place was because the team formally released David Malukas a couple weeks ago after his recovery was taking longer than anticipated. McLaren needed to find a more consistent arrangement for the rest of the season, and chose to bring in the rookie Pourchaire for all round except the Indy 500. Ilott brings experience to the important race that will help secure a strong finish.
He also brings a bit of momentum, having just won his race at Spa-Francorchamps this past 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,” said Team Principal Gavin 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 No. 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.”
Ilott will be available for all practice and qualifying sessions over the next two weeks, and will contest his third Indy 500 on May 26.
