The IndyCar Series operation of McLaren (competing as Arrow McLaren due to sponsorship) is based in Indianapolis and was founded by former IndyCar driver Sam Schmidt in 2001 as Sam Schmidt Motorsports. After a series of partnerships and name changes, the team (then known as Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports) formed what was initially a joint entry with McLaren for the 2020 season known as Arrow McLaren SP. Schmidt and co-owner Ric Peterson would sell 75% of the team to McLaren following the 2021 season and remain on the team's board of governors, which is chaired by McLaren CEO Zak Brown. The team operates the Nos. 5, 6 and 7 Dallara-Chevrolet entries for Pato O'Ward, Felix Rosenqvist and Alexander Rossi, respectively. History Schmidt's injury and team origins On January 6, 2000, Sam Schmidt was in Orlando, Florida practicing at the Walt Disney World Speedway when his car crashed exiting turn two, hitting the outside wall at approximately 180 mph. Schmidt was airlifted to a nearby hospital in extremely critical condition. He was diagnosed as a quadriplegic, the result of a severe injury to his spinal cord at the C-3/C-4 levels and was on a respirator for 5 months. In 2001, 14 months after his accident, Schmidt announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Ownership and name changes For 2012, the team was renamed to Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports after fellow ex-driver Davey Hamilton brought the team enough sponsorship to continue racing in IndyCar full-time. Canadian businessman Ric Peterson purchased a stake in the team in 2013 to form Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. In 2019, primary sponsor Arrow Electronics became the title sponsor for the team, resulting in the Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports banner for that year. For 2020, the team reached an agreement with McLaren Racing to become a joint entry, with the combined team being known as Arrow McLaren SP. Schmidt and Peterson remained as the sole co-owners until McLaren purchased a 75% stake after the 2021 season, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown installed as chairman. Schmidt and Peterson currently share the remaining 25% stake in the team and remain on the team's board of governors. For the 2023 season, the team dropped the “SP” branding to become Arrow McLaren. IndyCar Davey Hamilton began 2001 in the car and drove five races, including the team's first Indianapolis 500, ending with an injury at Texas Motor Speedway. He was replaced by Jaques Lazier