Juncos Hollinger Racing announced on Wednesday that Santino Ferrucci who competed in the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge last weekend for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing will compete for the Belle Isle Grand Prix of Detroit this weekend.
Speaking about missing the race due to a hand injury he sustained in the Indy 500, Ilott said:
Obviously I am devastated not to be racing this weekend in Detroit. “After speaking with the doctors and specialists here in Indy the damage to my hand was slightly worse than when first looked at. They suggested that the long-term healing was the top priority and any damage that could be done in the short term by racing would be a longer-term problem. So, after learning this I agreed with the medical team’s decision that I would not be cleared and would spend more time healing. Although I would have loved to be racing, I wanted to preserve myself and focus on my health. I spoke with Ricardo (Juncos) and Brad (Hollinger) and we came to a same conclusion for the benefit of the team. I will be with the team this weekend and supporting Santino and providing any guidance I can. I am sorry that I won’t be in the car this weekend but know this is the right decision.”
JHR team co-owner and Team Principal Ricardo Juncos commented saying:
This is a very difficult scenario for Ilott and JHR. Together we are looking at the long-term view, so keeping Ilott out of the car to take the necessary time to heal was most important, so we support the INDYCAR’s evaluation. Callum has already proven to be a strong contender this year and we want to keep building on that, so we all agree this is the best decision for this weekend.”
Ferrucci said:
Although I am happy to be back in the car, it’s unfortunate for Callum under the circumstances. I hope his hand heals really quickly and he is back on track soon. I’m just here to help with the team and see if we can get them a really good result and bring in some different knowledge from my experience in Detroit. I am looking forward to having some fun and carrying the momentum I have from Indy. I can’t thank the guys over at Juncos Hollinger enough with in trusting me this weekend and hopefully it goes really smoothly.”
Ricardo Juncos commented saying:
We want to thank Santino Ferrucci for graciously stepping in to help us out in the No. 77 Chevrolet at Detroit. “To have a driver of high caliber like Santino will be a great assist to our team. We will provide any support necessary to Santino this weekend as we get him settled in the car.”
Team co-owner Brad Hollinger commented saying:
This is a tough moment for all of us here at JHR, but we are all confident this is what’s best for the health and healing of Callum. “The support Callum has for this team and the support we all have for Callum, shows the unity of everyone at JHR. We are all here to fully support Santino this weekend and thank him for stepping in on such short notice