The choice to make use of Tom Blomqvist this weekend in Toronto, whereas drawing from a single day of IndyCar expertise gained eight months in the past in Florida, speaks volumes in regards to the perception Mike Shank and Jim Meyer have of their 29-year-old IMSA star.

They might have signed an IndyCar veteran to deputize for Simon Pagenaud after IndyCar’s medical employees didn’t present clearance for the injured Frenchman to race on the streets of Toronto, however the son of Swedish rallying legend Stig Blomqvist has been entrusted to signify Meyer Shank Racing this weekend within the NTT IndyCar Collection after main the staff to glory in IMSA.

“Firstly, clearly, I’m sending my finest needs to Simon,” Blomqvist mentioned of his pal and occasional IMSA teammate. “I’m wishing him a speedy restoration. Nobody likes to see that. However I’m fairly excited. I’m additionally effectively conscious of the challenges that face me. That is the toughest factor you are able to do. I’ve solely pushed the automobile as soon as. It was some time in the past. I don’t know the monitor, and it’s not precisely a simple monitor, proper? It’s acquired partitions throughout it. It’s bumpy. And to be sincere, as a racing driver, whenever you don’t know a monitor, don’t actually know the automobile, that’s the worst combo ever.

“When you already know one of many two, it’s a bit simpler, however whenever you don’t know both, it’s gonna be so arduous. Clearly, the staff’s conscious of that. They’re gonna do completely all they’ll to get me in control. I’m gonna be like a child at school, finding out all the things I presumably can to ensure I’m as ready as potential. However in the end, nothing goes to arrange me correctly for the actual deal. I’ll be leaping in deep, for certain. However I’m up for the problem. It’s an expertise that may solely assist me as a racing driver going ahead.”

A veteran of European junior open-wheel racing earlier than his providers had been secured by BMW and different factories in sports activities automobile competitors, Blomqvist is among the many quickest and most versatile abilities working right now. From GT racing to Method E, the British-born Blomqvist has been a standout in each self-discipline, and when MSR wanted to improve its IMSA roster heading into 2022, he was the primary acquisition, main the staff to 2 large wins on the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Petit Le Mans and 7 whole podiums from 10 rounds with former teammate Oliver Jarvis.

Collectively, with help from Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves on the longest enduros, Blomqvist led the way in which to delivering the IMSA DPi championship for Acura and MSR.

Partnered with Colin Braun in 2023 and MSR’s IndyCar duo for the lengthy occasions, Blomqvist has continued his rocket-like methods with the brand new Acura ARX-06 hybrid GTP, taking the pole and crossing the end line first on the Rolex 24, and setting pole final weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on the outskirts of Toronto the place he and Braun went to victory lane as soon as once more.

Minus the ability steering and different comforts provided by his GTP automobile, Blomqvist is prepared for the warmth and exhaustion the No. 60 Honda IndyCar has ready for him as soon as follow will get below means on Friday.

“I’m going to be lifeless,” he mentioned. “I’m going to be destroyed. However I’m mentally and bodily ready. I’m additionally effectively conscious of my capabilities. I’ve pushed all the things, which helps you in circumstances like this.”

If he’s something apart from final within the subject throughout that session, and near final for the remainder of the occasion, it will likely be a shock on account of all the challenges he’s dealing with. However that doesn’t imply Blomqvist will fortunately settle for being on the improper finish of the timing sheets, and it’s that form of combating spirit that matches completely with MSR’s house owners.

“If I’m on the backside of the timesheets, I assume it’s anticipated, however I’ll nonetheless be mad if I’m final on the finish of FP1,” he mentioned. “I don’t know what to anticipate. I’ve by no means been so uncertain in my life about how that is going to pan out; I really feel prefer it’s going to be higher than anticipated or it’s going to be actually, actually robust.

“One factor is for certain: I’m going to have lots of enjoyable, as a result of these vehicles are correct racing vehicles. It’s important to hustle them, you may push arduous in quali, and that’s form of the racing I get pleasure from. I simply don’t have that a lot time to know all of the intricacies of the automobile. There’s not a lot follow in IndyCar, however the follow on Friday, I’m gonna be out pumping round each lap I can get.”

With out the luxurious of spending a day on a driver-in-the-loop simulator earlier than FP1, Blomqvist will probably be retaining his telephone and pill busy whereas consuming in-car movies on YouTube. And as soon as he will get an opportunity to expertise the tough 1.8-mile, 11-turn road circuit on Friday, his aggression is prone to rise on Saturday and Sunday.

“Hopefully, I’ve a very good night time’s sleep on Friday and my mind wakes up subsequent day and goes, ‘Oh, I really feel much more comfy now. And let’s see what I can do,’” he mentioned. “Usually, that’s what occurs whenever you drive. You realize, it’s good to have that good break between first follow and second follow. However I’m nonetheless not anticipating any miracles from me, and I don’t assume anybody ought to. However I’d identical to to return away from the weekend and be pleased with my efficiency and what I did with such restricted mileage.”