IndyCar Rumor: Arrow McLaren close to signing Pourchaire (Fact)

This rumor is upgraded to ‘fact’ today. The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team announced today that Théo Pourchaire will pilot the No. 6 SmartStop Chevrolet the remainder of the 2024 season except the Indy 500.

Theo Pourchaire – Long Beach, CA – during the INDYCAR Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)

Théo made his inaugural INDYCAR appearances at Long Beach and Barber Motorsports Park, earning the ‘Biggest Mover’ title in his debut race with an eleventh-place finish.

The 2023 Formula 2 champion can now add ovals to his skill set after a successful test with the Arrow McLaren crew at World Wide Technology Raceway on May 6.

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”), a self-managed and fully integrated self-

storage company, has been an Official Partner with Arrow McLaren since October 2022. The SmartStop livery is highlighted by a distinct light blue that pops in contrast to the iconic papaya, a color which draws a connection between each of the series McLaren Racing competes in.

The team has not yet announced who will race in the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 but will make that confirmation in due course.

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:

“We’re excited to continue working with Théo. He proved to be a quick learner, and we believe his skill set and learning mindset will support his development as he gets more comfortable racing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Now, it’s about continuing to grow and turning those learnings into results alongside the No. 6 team.”

Théo Pourchaire, Driver, Arrow McLaren, said:

“The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has some of the best racing in motorsport, and now I can say that with experience. I’m excited to take on this challenge with Arrow McLaren for the rest of the season. This is a special opportunity, and I am committed to learning and improving as we get on track each race weekend. I’ve enjoyed my first two races with the team, and I know we have plenty of potential in front of us. Of course, I would like to thank Zak, Gavin and Tony, as well as the Sauber F1 Team, for making this all possible.”

May 8, 2024

Theo Pourchaire is set to have a foot in both the IndyCar and Formula 1 camps with a report claiming he’s about to sign with Arrow McLaren – but Sauber will retain an option on him.

The Frenchman was given an opening in IndyCar when Arrow McLaren called him up for Long Beach where he finished an impressive P11, earning him a second outing at Barber Motorsports Park.

According to L’Equipe, Pourchaire is “about to sign with the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team on a long-term contract” although Sauber will retain the “option of repatriating him to F1 for simulator needs or in the event that a seat becomes available.”

Adding fuel to the rumor, Pourchaire had his first taste of IndyCar’s ovals on Monday when he put the No.6 Chevrolet Arrows McLaren through its paces at the World Wide Technology Raceway.

On a rain-interrupted day, the 20-year-old completed 110 laps at the 1.25-mile track with meant IndyCar cleared him to compete on ovals.

However, Pourchaire will have to pass a rookie test for the Indy 500 if he is to compete in that race