It was a crash-course type of weekend for Théo Pourchaire on the streets of Long Beach, Calif.
The reigning Formula 2 champion was announced as Arrow McLaren’s substitute driver last Wednesday and saw his first on-track action aboard the No. 6 Chevrolet on Friday.
Full-time driver David Malukas continues to recover from a left wrist injury he suffered prior to the season.
Pourchaire’s weekend wasn’t without challenges. In practice on Friday, he slapped the wall at one point around the tight, 1.968-mile street circuit. However, no terminal damage was done to his race car.
It turned into a learning experience as he logged laps between more practice sessions and qualifying.
Taking the green flag 22nd in the field on Sunday, the 20-year-old made his mark throughout the 85-lap street fight.
Methodically vaulting his way to 11th by race’s end, Pourchaire was the top running rookie. Notably, he finished two spots behind Arrow McLaren’s top running driver, Alexander Rossi in ninth.
Teammate Pato O’Ward finished 16th.
“What a crazy, crazy race,” Pourchaire said. “We had a strong performance and I’m very happy. The No. 6 onsemi Arrow McLaren Chevy team was awesome today and we were able to take it from 22nd to 11th.”
Pourchaire was complimentary of the series’ competition level and style of racing.
“This championship and the racing is amazing and I hope to be back in the future,” Pourchaire said. “I learned quite a bit throughout the race.
“It’s pure racing in the NTT IndyCar Series and it is a dream come true to be competing with Arrow McLaren, which is such a legendary brand and race team. I’m quite emotional, but it is amazing.
“I don’t realize it yet, but I’m super happy.”
With IndyCar on a short week as the series heads to Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park and Malukas still not cleared to race, Pourchaire may be the next man up for Arrow McLaren once again.