Tom Blomqvist Leads Meyer Shank Racing to Success in IMSA
Watkins Glen, NY — Tom Blomqvist has demonstrated a resurgence in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, steering the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Acura ARX-06 to victory in the recent Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. This strategic triumph highlights the team’s robust performance, marking MSR’s second consecutive win and its first 1-2 finish in the GTP category this season.
Blomqvist, along with co-driver Colin Braun, showcased exceptional craftsmanship in navigating the race. "We always go into the weekend fighting for a chance to win," Blomqvist stated, emphasizing the team’s competitive spirit. The recent victories not only reflect MSR’s resurgence in sports car racing but also align with improvements in its IndyCar Series program, which has seen drivers Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong thrive thanks to a new alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Blomqvist’s return to IMSA follows a challenging period in IndyCar, where he faced significant hurdles, including a disappointing debut at the Indianapolis 500. Reflecting on this experience, he acknowledged how adversity can strengthen a driver. "It didn’t work out, but you still learn a lot. It makes you stronger mentally," he noted.
Despite his brief departure from sports cars during MSR’s hiatus, Blomqvist remained connected to the field through a stint with Cadillac Whelen/Action Express Racing, which helped him maintain his edge. "I was fortunate to keep active in the scene," he remarked, which aided his smooth transition back to IMSA.
The preparation and insights gained during this time have been invaluable, especially as MSR integrates engineers from Honda Racing Corporation into the team. Blomqvist has played a pivotal role in ensuring a cohesive operational flow between the two Acura entries, the No. 60 and No. 93. He admitted that the learning curve of managing two cars has presented challenges: "It’s a completely different ballgame… We’re kind of going through those issues," he explained.
Blomqvist’s understanding of the ARX-06’s dynamics has contributed significantly to MSR’s growing success as the season progresses. The team remains focused on continuous improvement, with high hopes for upcoming races. "We’re getting better each weekend," he concluded, indicating a momentum that the team aims to sustain through the remainder of the season.
