SPEEDWAY, Ind. — While we don’t yet know who will officially replace Sebastien Bourdais at Dale Coyne Racing for the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500, the Twitter-sphere did confirm on Sunday that it won’t be Stefan Wilson.
Wilson, who stepped aside at Andretti Autosport to allow Fernando Alonso’s participation in this year’s 500 and has a long family connection with team owner Dale Coyne thanks to his late brother Justin, was rumored as one of the potential candidates for the GEICO-sponsored ride.
However, those thoughts were dashed by Wilson himself at noon, during Sunday’s pre-Pole Day practice session.
Sorry guys, doesn't look like I'll be getting the call up for the #18. Would have been an honor to fill in for the great @BourdaisOnTrack
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) May 21, 2017
Wilson quickly added that despite his disappointment, he was appreciative of the outpouring of fan support he had received and that his primary focus was on Bourdais’ health and a quick recovery for the four-time champion.
Thanks for the support everyone. Obviously priority is that @BourdaisOnTrack is on the mend, and cannot wait to see him back wheelin the #18
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) May 21, 2017
In a follow-up tweet to Race Chaser Online, Wilson said that he agreed with the sentiments of many who were shocked by the non-call, and added that he is “not sure where to go from here.”
Dale Coyne Racing does have a backup car on site for the No. 18 team, however, that machine is Bourdais’ road course car and is not expected to be ready for on-track action before Monday, at the earliest.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 23-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
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