Ferrucci to sub for injured Ilott in Detroit IndyCar race

The Briton had qualified 19th for his first Indy 500, but lost ground at the start of the race and was running in a net 26th when he lost the rear of the car at Turn 2 on lap 69.

The car spun through 270 degrees, striking the SAFER barrier with first the nose and then the left side, sustaining heavy damage.

Ilott exited the car without assistance, but his hand and wrist were strapped when he emerged from the infield medical centre and he has not been cleared to race on Belle Isle this weekend.

The former F2 racer will be reevaluated next week, with Ferrucci set to replace him after finishing 10th in the Indy 500 last weekend for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

“Obviously I am devastated not to be racing this weekend in Detroit,” said Ilott.

“After speaking with the doctors and specialists here in Indy, the damage to my hand was slightly worse than when first looked at it.

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.

“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.

Callum Ilott, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images

“I spoke with [team co-owners] 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.” 

“This is a very difficult scenario for Ilott and JHR,” said Juncos.

“Together we