Boat not medically cleared for Iowa Lights race

Chad Boat, who was scheduled to make his Indy Lights debut at Iowa for Belardi Auto Racing, has not been medically cleared to race after suffering injuries in a USAC midget race on July 2.

"To say I'm disappointed doesn't begin to describe how I'm feeling right now, but I trust the doctors and medical staff at INDYCAR and know they have my best interest in mind," Boat said. "I'll continue to follow the instructions I'm receiving for recovery and look forward to being back soon. Thanks to Pristine Auction and Belardi Auto Racing for the opportunity."

In a release, Belardi said Boat was evaluated at Iowa Speedway's medical center on Friday morning by INDYCAR's medical staff, who made the official call.

"We're all extremely disheartened that Chad won't be able to run the #84 with us this weekend, but we remain excited and positive about the future based on his pace in last week's test," team owner Brian Belardi said. "We'll have him back with the team at Gateway in August and we'll keep looking to the future."

The 25-year-old will rejoin the team for the August 26 race at Gateway Motorsports Park.