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Tom Blomqvist was visibly bemused after his highly-anticipated IndyCar Series debut lasted just a few hundred metres.
Following a difficult two days of practice and qualifying in mixed conditions, the ring-in racer was buried towards the back of the field for his first start in 20th.
Hoping to stay out of trouble, Blomqvist got sandwiched up against the wall when Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Jack Harvey got into the side of Ryan Hunter-Reay.
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The Ed Carpenter Racing driver had nowhere to go but into the side of Blomqvist, setting off a chain reaction that resulted in carnage and four retirements on the first lap.
Blomqvist’s car suffered significant suspension damage, forcing him to park up.
Among the victims was Benjamin Pedersen for AJ Foyt Racing while several more were stung by the pile-up and the wait that ensued to clean up the mess.
“This is the last thing I wanted to happen today,” said Blomqvist.
“I was on the outside of that corner. I couldn’t get across. I knew this was a risk looking at the race from last year, so I really didn’t want to be there, but I had no choice at the time.
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“Then the problem is you’re at the mercy of people on your inside and unfortunately they couldn’t make it work.
“I was the last guy there just getting pushed into the wall. Yeah, I’m pretty furious, to be honest, because I’m not out there fighting for anything.
“I just wanted to get a race under my belt. It’s exactly not what I wanted to happen today. So yeah, I’m pretty devastated, pretty gutted.
“I’m really sorry for the guys and the team as well. They’ve worked really hard and it’s been a good opportunity for me to be here and to not even get one lap is obviously extremely frustrating.”
Blomqvist was filling in for Simon Pagenaud who was ruled unfit by series medical officials after his titanic rollover at Mid-Ohio.
Although ruled out for the most recent race at Toronto, the Frenchman said he feels fine and is ready to return.
The IndyCar Series continues on July 23-24 with a double-header at Iowa Speedway.
As yet, Meyer Shank Racing has not confirmed who will drive the No.60 entry alongside Helio Castroneves.
In any case, Blomqvist should be available to race if needed with the next IMSA SportsCar Championship event, where he usually competes, not featuring the top GTP cars.
Blomqvist’s disastrous debut mightn’t be the last time IndyCar sees him.
The sports car champion is rumoured to be in the mix for a full-time ride at Meyer Shank Racing in 2024, with suggestions he could replace Pagenaud or Castroneves.
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