By: Spencer Neff
May 13, 2024

The 34 driver and car pairings for May 26’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge were finalized Monday morning. Arrow McLaren confirmed Callum Ilott will drive the No. 6 car for the team in the race.

“It is any driver’s dream to race in the Indianapolis 500, and I’d like to extend a thank you to Zak , Gavin and Tony for making this happen,” Ilott expressed in today’s announcement.

” I’m grateful to step into this race with a familiar car and a familiar team now in Arrow McLaren. While our April Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was shortened by weather, the runs we did have were productive. I feel comfortable with the team and know that we can come together throughout the Month of May to put our best foot forward come race day.” 

Last year with Juncos Hollinger Racing, the Cambridge, England native finished 12th, his best effort in a pair of Indianapolis 500 starts, after starting 27th. In his 2022 debut, he qualified 19th before a Lap 69 crash left him with a 32nd-place finish.

“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season,” Arrow McLaren Team Principal Gavin Ward noted in today’s announcement.

“He and the team got along well during the first two events of the season, and we’re looking forward to carrying that over here. I’m confident that Callum and the No. 6 NTT DATA Chevy team will be competing near the front of the grid during qualifying and on race day, just like the rest of our cars.” 

Ilott made appearances in the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and The $1 Million Challenge at Thermal Club with Arrow McLaren. He drove in substitute of David Malukas, who was released by Arrow McLaren on April 29.

Ilott started 16th and finished 11th at St. Petersburg. At Thermal, he led the third round of testing while he started 8th and finished 9th in his heat race. During a rain-shortened test at IMS on April 10, he was 27th among the 34 entrants.

Theo Pourchaire has contested the last three events in the No. 6 car and will complete the season following the Indianapolis 500.

Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR