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INDIANAPOLIS — Rookie IndyCar driver Oliver Askew will not be returning to the seat of the #7-Arrow McLaren SP car for the 2021 season.

AMSP confirming in a tweet Monday that Askew and the racing team are mutually parting ways. Arrow McLaren said they are planning to have Askew run his final race with the team at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg coming up next weekend.

“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.”

Askew is the reigning Indy Lights Champion.

Askew sat out the IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix in Indianapolis earlier this month with what was described as concussion like symptoms, which the team attributed to his hard crash during the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 in August.

Helio Castroneves replaced Askew in in the Harvest GP.

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

Speculation is already swirling on social media as to who could replace Askew in the #7-car next season. AMSP has not indicated when they may announce Askew’s replacement for the 2021 season.

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