Vogel to Fill in for Gaples in Blackdog McLaren

Photo: Flying Lizard

Erin Vogel will sub for Tony Gaples in the No. 11 Blackdog Speed Shop McLaren 570S GT4 for the pair of season-ending Pirelli GT4 America Sprint rounds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it has been confirmed.

Gaples has elected to stand down from driving this weekend after feeling unwell, with non-COVID-19 symptoms. The team owner/driver sat out Thursday’s pair of practice sessions.

“I started having headaches and some dizziness last weekend, and I had hoped I’d feel better this week,” Gaples explained. “Unfortunately that hasn’t happened.

“Rather than put myself and my competitors at risk, I felt like it was best to go ahead and withdraw from the weekend. It’s not a satisfying ending to the year but I fully intend to be back for the start of the 2021 season.”

Vogel, who drives a McLaren in GT4 SprintX with Flying Lizard Motorsports, will now be pulling double duty over the course of the week.

Her SprintX co-driver, Michael Cooper, recently clinched the GT4 Sprint Pro championship with Blackdog.

“It’s always disappointing to hear of a racer having to step down last-minute, especially when it’s a friend like Tony,” Vogel said. “He’s been a great competitor in the series for a long time and has the respect of the entire paddock, and I know everyone wishes him well.

“I’m definitely honored to step in as part of the Blackdog Speed Shop team this weekend and gain even more experience with the McLaren. The more track time, the better.”

Vogel set the sixth quickest time in the Am class in the No. 11 Blackdog McLaren in Thursday’s practice sessions.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John