CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN, ECR REACH MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES

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From ECR:

ECR’s No. 21 Chevrolet Will Be Piloted by INDYCAR Race Winner in 2027 and Beyond
(INDIANAPOLIS) June 4, 2026 – ECR announced today that Christian Rasmussen will remain the driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and beyond as part of a multi-year agreement. The 25-year-old joined ECR in 2024 and has spent the entirety of his Indy car career with the Indianapolis-based team. Rasmussen and ECR earned their first NTT INDYCAR SERIES win together at the Milwaukee Mile in 2025 and will continue to work toward more victories in the years to come.
“I’m excited to extend my partnership with ECR for 2027 and beyond. I’ve enjoyed my time with the team so far and believe in the future of ECR,” said Rasmussen. “We have undergone a lot of changes over the last couple years, and it has been a privilege to witness them firsthand, and to play a part in them. I’m confident that together we will continue to take ECR to its fullest potential.”
Rasmussen began racing at just five years old and claimed his first karting championship in his home country of Denmark. He arrived in the United States in 2018 and joined the Road to Indy the following year. He is only the second driver in history to earn a championship in each division that currently feeds the NTT INDYCAR SERIES — USF2000 (2020), USF Pro 2000 (2021), and INDY NXT (2023). Rasmussen’s first role with ECR in 2024 was road and street course driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet and the driver of the team’s third entry in the Indianapolis 500. He was the highest-finishing rookie in the 500-mile race and later competed in the No. 20 for the final three oval races of the season. His impressive rookie campaign led to him being named the full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet beginning in 2025 as part of a multi-year agreement. Following a new contract extension, Rasmussen will now remain with ECR through 2027 and beyond.
ECR Owner and Chairman Ted Gelov joined the team prior to the 2025 season and continues to guide the organization through a rejuvenated era, highlighted by Rasmussen’s Milwaukee victory. “Christian has shown incredible talent, dedication, and adaptability since joining ECR. Nothing has changed our minds in that regard. Seeing Christian and the entire ECR organization battle adversity and emerge strong has strengthened our belief in him and this team,” commented Gelov. “Extending our partnership with Christian ensures that we continue building momentum with a driver who understands our team’s vision and culture. The best is yet to come for Christian and ECR.”
Ed Carpenter, ECR co-owner and CEO, is well-known for having an eye for talent developed in the ladder series and continues to be impressed with Rasmussen’s progression as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver. “We are very excited to finalize this extension with Christian. Maintaining continuity with our driver lineup is something we feel that is an important element for ECR to reach its full potential. We have watched Christian develop over the past two seasons and firmly believe that the future is bright for Christian and ECR,” stated Carpenter.
He continued, “There are plenty of opportunities to make our mark in 2026 and we are confident that strong results are right in front of us. Christian really made a breakthrough last season at WWT Raceway before getting his first win at the Milwaukee Mile, so this weekend is a great opportunity to get back to victory lane.”
Rasmussen is midway through his third season as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver and is poised to build on a strong sophomore campaign. Last season, Rasmussen established himself as a formidable opponent on ovals.
After recording a sixth-place finish in his second Indianapolis 500, he earned his first career podium at WWT Raceway, driving through the entire field twice and finishing 3rd. One year after making his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES start on a short oval at the Milwaukee Mile, he earned his first career victory. Rasmussen picked up right where he left off on ovals to begin the 2026 season as he was the class of the field at Phoenix Raceway. He charged from 21st to the front of the field and led 69 laps. Late-race contact with another competitor pushed his car into the wall and caused heavy suspension damage, but Rasmussen skillfully held the lead until eight laps to go.
“It is great to know that Christian will continue to be part of the ECR family for 2027 and beyond. Maintaining a cohesive driver lineup is an integral element of our future success,” said ECR Team President Tim Broyles. “We look forward to Christian having a strong second half of the season and continuing to build on the progress he has made. We believe his best days in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are still ahead of him, and we are excited to continue that journey together.”
Rasmussen will become one of the longest-tenured drivers in ECR’s 15-year history. The team has demonstrated its versatility by earning nine victories across each style of track the NTT INDYCAR SERIES competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and superspeedways. ECR has recorded 45 Top 5 results to date, 26 of which have been podium finishes. In this year’s Indianapolis 500, Alexander Rossi’s 2nd starting position marked the team’s 10th front row start in the past 14 years. ECR competed exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES through 2025; in 2026, the team joined with Cape Motorsports in INDY NXT and Jay Howard Driver Development in the USF Pro Championships to create a direct pathway to INDYCAR.
Sunday night’s race at WWT Raceway caps a stretch of five weekends of on-track activity for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including three races in a row. An action-packed two days includes practice and qualifying on Saturday, June 6, followed by a 260-lap race under the lights on Sunday, June 7. Coverage of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 begins at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local) on Sunday.
About ECR
ECR (Ed Carpenter Racing) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team is led by owners Ted Gelov and Ed Carpenter and has proven its versatility by collecting wins across every type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals, and speedways. For the 2026 season, Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi will return as driver of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet, while new NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner Christian Rasmussen remains in the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet. Carpenter, a three-time pole winner of the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014, and 2018), will round out ECR’s three-car lineup for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More information on ECR can be found at www.ecrindy.com.

Veteran INDYCAR, INDYCAR Officiating Technical Director Kevin Blanch Retires 

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From IndyCar and IndyCar Officiating Board:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, June 4, 2026) – Kevin Blanch, a longtime and respected member of the INDYCAR technical team and the technical director of INDYCAR Officiating, has announced his retirement.
Nick Allen, who has served as the technical inspection manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, has been named technical director for INDYCAR Officiating. Allen was hired in January after 20 years of experience as an INDYCAR race team mechanic and chief mechanic.
Blanch joined INDYCAR in 2003 after serving six-plus seasons with Panther Racing, where he served as the team’s crew chief. During his tenure there, the team won two INDYCAR SERIES championships and earned 11 victories and five pole positions.
With INDYCAR, Blanch – nicknamed “Rocket” – added his experience and expertise as he oversaw the technical inspection process and provided technical oversight and ensured compliance of safety, aerodynamic and chassis regulations
.“I have been contemplating retirement from the INDYCAR technical side for a while,” Blanch said. “Last winter when INDYCAR Officiating was formed, I was asked to continue in my role with an emphasis on completing a very hectic Month of May and the Indianapolis 500 and am glad I did.
“After adding it up, I have been a part of INDYCAR for 36 years and have been involved in 555 straight races. I have simply poured my heart and soul into the sport I love and am very proud of the team I have worked alongside for over two decades. This is a very difficult decision, but I feel like now is the right time to take a step back.”
The respect for Blanch and his work was universal in the INDYCAR paddock. One of his legacies in the garage will be the annual mechanics’ party he organized and hosted after each Indianapolis 500 Pit Stop Challenge. Race team crew members’ names were put into a hat and drawn to win their selection of gifted items from teams, drivers, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers and more. It’s estimated that over the last seven years, over $600,000 of merchandise was donated to hard-working mechanics
.WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
“I’ve known Kevin for nearly 30 years, dating back to the very first days at Panther Racing in 1997. His passion for INDYCAR and his work ethic are two of his highest qualities. He knows our cars inside and out and has been instrumental in the implementation of many safety and performance measures over the last 20 years.“His willingness to help INDYCAR Officiating transition through the first half of the 2026 season is another example of his heart for the best for our sport. We are grateful for his leadership, and I’m proud to call him a friend.” – J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR president
“On behalf of the INDYCAR Officiating Board, I want to thank Kevin ‘Rocket’ Blanch for his many years of dedicated service to INDYCAR and the competitors, teams and fans who make this sport so special.
“Kevin’s professionalism, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to fair and consistent competition have earned the respect of everyone throughout the paddock. His contributions have played an important role in maintaining the integrity of our sport and supporting countless events over the years.“We are especially grateful that Kevin chose to remain with INDYCAR Officiating from the start of the season through the Month of May, one of the most demanding and important periods of our season. His willingness to support the transition process and work closely with Nick Allen to ensure a seamless handover reflects the professionalism and team-first attitude that have defined his career
.“As Kevin begins this next chapter, we thank him for his service, his dedication and the lasting impact he has made on INDYCAR Officiating. We wish him and his family all the very best in retirement.” – INDYCAR Officiating’s Independent Officiating Board Chairman Raj Nair 

Indianapolis 500 Veteran Treadway Dies at 56 

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From IMS:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, June 1, 2026) – Rick Treadway, who started the 2002 Indianapolis 500, died May 30 in a motorcycle accident. He was 56
.Indiana native Treadway, the son of 1997 Indianapolis 500-winning team owner Fred Treadway, started 17th and placed 29th in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in the No. 5 Sprint/Kyocera Wireless/Airlink Enterprises G Force/Chevrolet fielded by his father’s team and as a teammate to two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Treadway and Tony Kanaan were eliminated from the race in an accident in Turn 3 on Lap 90.
The Indy 500 start was the highlight of Treadway’s INDYCAR SERIES career, which consisted of 11 races in the 2001 and 2002 seasons for his father’s teams Treadway-Hubbard Racing and Treadway Racing.
He made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in 2001 at Kentucky Speedway and his final start in 2002 at the season finale at Texas Motor Speedway. His best finish was fifth at the 2001 season finale at Texas.
Before joining the INDYCAR SERIES, Treadway competed in Formula 2000 junior formula racing and in various short-track open-wheel series, including the USAC Silver Crown and National Midget Series. He also raced in SCCA competition.
Treadway, a graduate of Indiana State University, worked in business development and as a commercial pilot for his charter air service. He also served as an Federal Aviation Administration-certified flight instructor.

Quick Thoughts-Detroit Grand Prix

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In the end the race came down to pit strategy and how the cautions fell- just the way a race is supposed to play out. Alex Palou once again came out on the good side, and Kyle Kirkwood fell just short.

The Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit delivered an entertaining race, arguably the best race in the Motor City in a while. It was by far the best of the four races held at this edition of a downtown circuit.

Today’s race was the type of event that might keep the casual fan who tuned in today after watching last week’s Indianapolis 500 and saw plenty of action to maybe want to give Gateway a look next Sunday. It was not the post-500 buzzkill that we have often seen.

Here are my thoughts on seven topics from today’s race.

Yellows

IndyCar officiating has been criticized for not throwing yellows when warranted. Today the yellow flew frequently, perhaps a bit too much. Three cautions were called for cars that spun but were able to restart and keep going. Only once did I think the flag was justified as the car was in the middle of the track.

The officials overcorrected their previous reluctance to make a call. I can give the race director a bit of a pass since this was the new IOB’s first street course event.

Did the yellows hurt some drivers? yes, Kyle Kirkwood among them, but that’s racing. I’m sure a middle ground will eventually be reached for when to wave the yellow flag and when not to.

Hybrids

Scott Dixon dropped out of the race, losing a top 10 finish because of a hybrid failure. He was not complimentary about the unit afterwards.

After nearly three years, I’m still not sure how the hybrid adds anything to the sport. The street racing especially has not been great since the hybrid’s introduction to IndyCar. The added weight has slowed speeds, as we saw at IMS last week.

Perhaps it is time to ditch this experiment with the 2028 car.

Another Rahal Podium

Graham Rahal earned his third podium of the season, the first time since 2020 that he has been on the podium that often. Rahal is ninth in points, just one point behind Josef Newgarden.

I’m glad to see Rahal once again competing at the top of the grid. RLL seems to have their road and street packages figured out. I hope the team can find a solution to their oval issues.

A Gritty Duo

Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi raced despite their ailing lower extremities. For Rossi, it was his second race since his injury on May 18, and Newgarden was in his first race since hitting the wall last Sunday.

Newgarden started 21st, and Rossi rolled ff 14th. Rossi had made his way to second place near the end of the race before a penalty pushed him down to17th at the end.

Newgarden drove a steady race all day and finished 10th.

Two gutsy performances from these drivers. They should be in better shape for next Sunday’s oval race at Gateway.

The Chime

There is nothing more annoying during the FOX broadcast that the chime the network uses to tell the audience that a radio communication is imminent. It sounds to me like a doorbell or the sound at a sports league draft to announce the next pick.

Is it too difficult for Will Buxton to say to just say, “Here’s what Barry Wanser just told Alex?”

The chime is the most unnecessary prop I have ever seen or heard on a race broadcast.

Will Power

What does Will Power have to do to stay in a race and actually win? This morning I felt great about his chances to win today, and when he passed Palou for the lead during the first stint, I was sure it was his day.

He got behind on pit stops but was making his way back toward the front until co0ntact with Scott McLaughlin sidelined him. The New Zealander was not given a penalty, but he finished 19th after being in contention for the win, so justice was served.

I really hoped Power would win today, in a Honda, in Roger Penske’s backyard. what delicious irony that would have been.

ECR

No team will be happier to see the calendar turn to June 1 tomorrow than ECR. May has not been kind to them.

Both Christian Rasmussen and Alexander Rossi suffered machinal failures in the Sonsio Grand Prix, finishing 24th and 25th.

The highlight of May was rossi qualifying second for the Indianapolis 500. The joy was short lived as Rossi crashed hard in practice the following day, injuring his right ankle.

In the race Rasmussen fell out early with mechanical issues again, finishing 27th. Rossi led for a bit, but a pit fire dropped him the race and he ended the day in 30th place.

Today, in addition to Rossi’s late troubles, Rasmussen was the first car out with wall contact on lap 9.

It was good to see a decent race follow the 500 for once. Next Sunday’s Bommarito 500 should be another great show.

Thanks for following along this weekend.

Detroit Race Day

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Todeay’s schedule- all times Eastern

9″30 am IndyCar Warm up- FS!

10:30 am IndyNXT race FS!

12:30 pom IndyCar Grand Prix of Detroit FOX Green flag at 12:52

Chevrolet added a new wrinkle to today’s Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit, changing five engines overnight in addition to the three that were changed during practice yesterday. Seven cars enter the rac with new power plants. Christian Lundgaard lost an engine during practice, changed he engine for qualifying, and that engine was changed again last night.

You can read Chevrolet’s statement here:

Wholesale Engine Changes for Chevy

Alex Palou has yet to win from pole in his three in a row pole streak. I think that record stays intact as Will Power breaks through for his first win with Andretti Global. How cool if he wins in a Honda in Roger Penske’s backyard.

I’ll be back later this morning after the teams select their starting tire choices.

Wholesale Engine Changes for Chevy

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Chevrolet issued a statement concerning engine changes for some of their IndyCar teams this evening:

According to David Land, the cars of “Josef Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, Christian Lundgaard and David Malukas are all undergoing engine changes tonight.”

This engine change is Lundgaard’s second of the day. He lost an engine during practice and used a replacement engine for qualifying. Chevrolet has had multiple engine issues this season.

The five changes brings the total number of Chevrolet engine changes today to eight. I’ll have more3 on this story as it develops.

From earlier:

Palou Sweeps May Poles

Palou Sweeps May Poles

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Maypoles used to be for dancing around, but Alex Palou took them all. Palou won the pole for tomorrow’s Detroit Grand Prix with a lap of 1:01.9017, beating Will Power by 0.12 seconds in single lap Fast Six qualifying.

Scott McLaughlin will start third, Scott Dixon fourth, Christian Lundgaard fifth, and Kyle Kirkwood sixth.

The pole is Palou’s third consecutive top starting spot. He finished fifth in the Sonsio Grand Prix on the IMS road course and seventh in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Group 2 of Round 1 and the Fast 12 second round were the two best qualifying rounds I have ever seen. The top spot and the final transfer position were in doubt for the entire ten minutes. The drama of the preliminary rounds made the single lap Fast Six a bit of a letdown.

Would Palou have won the pole in a conventional qualifying procedure? Possibly, but Kyle Kirkwood seemed to need more than one lap to get his best lap in.

Hustle Award

The crew of Christian Lundgaard’s car changed the lost engine after practice, had the car ready to qualify, and got it into the Fast Six. Great work!

FOX Fails Again

Every broadcast, FOX never fails to disappoint the viewers. From last Sunday’s annoy doorbell to introduce radio communications to this this week’s failure to once again not show sector times, the broadcasts consistently lack a complete package.

Today’s final round faux pas was compounded by only showing the time elapsed for Scott Mclaughlin. The ghost car is not a substitute for a ticking clock.

Tomorrow’s schedule begins with IndyCar Warmup at 9:30 am Eastern, followed by the IndyNXT race at 10:30. both on FS1. The IndyCar race broadcast begins at 12:300 with the green flag at 12:52 on FOX.

Results