Ilott Shines in Toronto with Best Finish Amid Challenges
Callum Ilott of PREMA Racing secured his highest finish of the IndyCar season, placing eighth at the recent Toronto race. Despite a challenging weekend that included two crashes at Iowa Speedway, Ilott’s performance marks a significant milestone for PREMA Racing in their debut season.
Ilott demonstrated impressive pace during qualifying, advancing to the Firestone Fast 12 and securing a 12th-place start. The race, characterized by a demanding 90-lap street course, presented a test of both speed and strategy. Ilott navigated an early five-car wreck in Turn 1, which highlighted the need for caution amidst aggressive racing conditions.
Reflecting on the race, Ilott stated, “Overall, a really solid end to the race. It got a bit unlucky with the way the yellows played out… Then there was the carnage that happened in Turn 1.” He further emphasized the team’s strategy shift, which allowed him to execute a well-timed pit stop for a front wing change, ultimately enhancing his fuel strategy.
Ilott expressed satisfaction with his race pace, stating, “We had a really good pace on the primaries and were able to jump a lot of people around me. It was nice to finally get a top 10.” This eighth-place finish improves upon his previous best of fifth at Laguna Seca earlier this year.
In contrast, teammate Robert Shwartzman, who claimed the Indy 500 pole, deployed a different strategy, commencing on Firestone’s alternate tires mid-race. He finished 20th, following a challenging day where he could not capitalize on his capabilities.
As PREMA Racing continues to adapt to the competitive IndyCar landscape, Ilott’s performance in Toronto provides a promising indication of the team’s potential for the remainder of the season.
