It was announced on Thursday, May 21, that Ryan Briscoe will replace James Hinchcliffe in Schmidt Peterson Motorsports' No. 5 Arrow Electronics entry for the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Hinchcliffe has been ruled out of driving for the foreseeable future due to injuries sustained in an accident on Monday, May 18, during practice for the race.
“We explored quite a few options and felt confident in Briscoe,” Team owner Sam Schmidt said in a team press release. “We were glad he was available and willing to drive for us with such short notice. Obviously this was not a situation we were expecting to be in for the biggest race of the year but we’re making the best of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with James [Hinchcliffe] and his family right now while we work through the details of finding his replacement. We’re excited to have an accomplished veteran in the seat of the No. 5 Arrow Electronics car.”
Briscoe, whose record in the Indianapolis 500 includes a pole position and two top 5 finishes, will start the race from 32nd due to the driver swap; only James Davison is behind him on the starting grid after his driver change with Tristan Vautier.
“First and foremost, I feel absolutely terrible for Hinch. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery.” the 33 year old Australian said. “Under the circumstances, I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be here and fill in for him. I really hope to do a great job for Arrow Electronics, Lucas Oil and the SPM team, and I’m looking forward to being back here in the Indy 500 again.”
The team said that they will announce soon who will replace Hinchcliffe after the Indianapolis 500 until he is fit to drive again.
The 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 24.