Santino Ferrucci will replace rookie Callum Ilott at Juncos Hollinger Racing this weekend at the Detroit Grand Prix following the latter was not allowed to return to the wheel due to a hand injury at the recent Indy 500.
Ferrucci, a native of Woodbury, Conn., will drive the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet through the streets of Belle Isle in Detroit. Ilott will be re-evaluated next week by INDYCAR medical officials for a possible return to the cockpit.
Ferrucci replaces Ilott in Detroit
Ilott, a native of England, recorded his first career top 10 finish in IndyCar when he placed eighth at the GMR Grand Prix on May 14 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. It was the best result in the history of Juncos Hollinger Racing in the discipline.
“I’m obviously devastated that I can’t race this weekend in Detroit,” Ilott said. “After speaking with the doctors and specialists here at Indy, the damage to my hand was slightly more severe than the first visit. They suggested that long-term rehabilitation was the top priority and that any damage that might be done in the short term by racing would be a longer term problem.”
Santino Ferrucci has made 42 career starts since making his IndyCar Series debut in 2018. He has finished in the top 10 in his two starts this season, both on ovals, with a ninth-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in a backup role and a 10th-place finish at the Indy 500 last Sunday with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
“While I’m happy to be back in the car, it’s unfortunate for Callum in these circumstances,” Ferrucci said. “Hopefully his hand will heal very quickly and he’ll be back on track soon.”
“I’m just here to help the team and see if we can get them a really good result and bring some different knowledge from my experience in Detroit. I’m looking forward to having some fun and building on the momentum from Indy. I I can’t thank the guys at Juncos Hollinger enough for trusting me this weekend, and I hope everything goes well.”
Ferrucci finished sixth and tenth last year in the Detroit Double Header while racing part-time with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Santino Ferrucci hopes a strong performance might help him return to full-time driving in the IndyCar Series.
