By: Spencer Neff
October 12, 2020

As he recovers from lingering concussion symptoms, Oliver Askew now faces uncertainty for his career plans after 2020.

On Monday afternoon, Arrow McLaren SP announced it was parting with the 2019 Indy Lights Champion.

“We believe that Oliver has a great deal of talent and potential for the future. He has had an incredibly difficult rookie year, with a lack of overall track time and recent medical issues,” said Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt.

“We want to give Oliver the time to pursue new opportunities for 2021 and the ability to race at St Pete. Come the end of the year, we will wish Oliver the very best in all of his future endeavors and he will always be a friend of the team.”

In his first season of NTT IndyCar Series action, Askew has competed in 11 of 13 races, missing the October 2-3 Harvest Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Following his Lap 91 crash at the Indianapolis 500 on August 23, Askew continued to experience concussion-like symptoms.

Prior to the Harvest Grand Prix, Askew earned a best finish of third at the first Iowa Speedway race on July 17. Two weeks earlier, Askew qualified fifth for the GMR IndyCar Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It’s been a steep learning curve this year but I appreciate all of the experience I have gotten with Arrow McLaren SP,” said Askew.

“I’ve certainly had to develop very quickly as a driver, and I know I have shown my speed and capability when able to this season. However, I think it makes sense to pursue the next chapter of my career outside the team.

“I am grateful for all the support I’ve received from my crew, the team and all the fans. I wish the entire team well in the future.”

During the Harvest Grand Prix, Askew was replaced by Helio Castroneves. However, a replacement has not been named in case Askew is not medically cleared for the October 25 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Arrow McLaren SP notes their 2021 lineup will be announced at a future date.

Header Image By Chris Jones/INDYCAR