IndyCar: Oliver Askew out, Helio Castroneves in for Arrow McLaren SP

Oliver Askew will not compete in the IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix doubleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Helio Castroneves is set to replace him.

After reporting “a balance and coordination issue” following IndyCar‘s Honda Indy 200 doubleheader at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course two weeks ago, Arrow McLaren SP rookie Oliver Askew was not cleared by the IndyCar medical team to return to racing.

As a result, the 23-year-old Jupiter, Florida native will not compete in the upcoming IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix doubleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3.

Askew, who has been placed in IndyCar’s Return to Racing Protocol, has reportedly been experiencing concussion-like symptoms since his heavy crash in the Indianapolis 500 back on Sunday, August 23.

Here is what Askew had to say in a release.

"“This was an incredibly tough call but I have to follow the advice of the INDYCAR Medical Team and my doctors. My priority right now is focusing on my health. Despite not being in the car, I will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Harvest GP, giving whatever insight and support to Arrow McLaren SP that I can.”"

Here is what team co-owner Sam Schmidt had to add.

"“The welfare of Oliver, our team members and fellow competitors is paramount. We therefore support Oliver and the decision of INDYCAR. Withdrawing to focus on his health and recovery is the right thing to do.”"

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Set to replace Askew behind the wheel of the #7 Chevrolet in these two races around the 13-turn, 2.439-mile (3.925-kilometer) road course in Speedway, Indiana is three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who hasn’t competed in a race for a team other than Team Penske since the 1999 CART season when he competed for Hogan Racing.

The 45-year-old Brazilian has not competed full-time in IndyCar since 2017, but he has competed in the Indy 500 every year since 2001. He also competed in the races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in 2018 and 2019 despite not being a full-time driver.

Here is what Castroneves had to say about replacing Askew alongside teammate Pato O’Ward for the two upcoming races at the track.

"“First and foremost, we wish Oliver the best and that he is able to take time to recover. I look forward to getting back on track and helping to build on the great progress that Arrow McLaren SP has made this year.”"

The plan is still for Askew to compete in the season finale on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, October 25. Through the first 11 races of the 14-race 2020 season, he sits in 18th place in the championship standings with a top finish of third in the first race of the doubleheader at Iowa Speedway back in July.

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The two races of the IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix doubleheader are set to be broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET and 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and NBC, respectively.