Tag: Ed Carpenter Racing

ECR PARTNERS WITH CAPE MOTORSPORTS TO JOIN INDY NXT FIELD IN 2026

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Editor’s Note: Story from ECR. I will have follow up stories next week on IndyNXT and the IndyCar grid.

ECR Also Teams Up With Jay Howard Driver Development to Establish Direct Pathway to NTT INDYCAR SERIES
(INDIANAPOLIS) October 24, 2025 – ECR (Ed Carpenter Racing) announced today a partnership with Cape Motorsports to join the INDY NXT field in 2026. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will field two entries in INDY NXT, the developmental series of INDYCAR. The teams will collaborate to provide technical support, testing opportunities for emerging drivers, and career development for engineers and mechanics. The INDY NXT entries will carry ECR’s team colors of Carpenter Blue and Indiana Gold, mirroring ECR’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES Chevrolets.
In addition, ECR will partner with Jay Howard Driver Development in the USF Pro Championships (USF Juniors, USF2000, and USF Pro 2000). Similar to the entries in INDY NXT, the Jay Howard Driver Development cars will also race in ECR’s team colors and carry the Powered by ECR moniker. The new ladder of Jay Howard Driver Development, Cape Motorsports, and ECR establishes a direct pathway to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
ECR’s entry into INDY NXT is a natural progression for the team. Although ECR has competed exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012, the team has long maintained an eye for talent developed in the ladder series. ECR cars have been driven by three USF2000 champions, four USF Pro 2000 champions, and six INDY NXT champions. The team’s most recent race winner, Christian Rasmussen, is one of only two drivers 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). ECR team owner Ed Carpenter is a graduate of INDY NXT, having competed in the series in 2002 and 2003.
“I’m very excited to bring these highly successful programs together to create a complete development path through the entire open-wheel ladder system,” Carpenter stated.“As ECR continues to grow and work toward becoming a championship-caliber team, this is an important step forward. This partnership should not only strengthen ECR, but also Cape Motorsports and JHDD. I’m looking forward to being involved and working with all of the programs and drivers in 2026 and beyond.”
Cape Motorsports is a Brownsburg, Indiana–based racing team founded by brothers Dominic and Nicholas Cape in 2001. The team has competed in numerous levels of U.S. junior open-wheel series since its founding and has won 14 USF2000 titles in 21 years. In 2026, Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will field two cars in INDY NXT. In late September, the team announced that one entry will be driven by Florida native Nikita Johnson, 17.
“Partnering with ECR and Jay Howard Driver Development is an incredibly exciting step for Cape Motorsports,” said Dominic and Nicholas Cape, co-owners of Cape Motorsports. “This collaboration brings together three organizations that share the same passion for discovering and shaping young talent. From karting to INDYCAR, we’re building a pathway that gives drivers every opportunity to grow, learn, and ultimately succeed at the highest level. For us, it’s about more than just racing, it’s about building the next generation of champions.”
With a mission of developing drivers internally, Jay Howard Driver Development (JHDD) guides drivers from their early days in karting through the junior ranks of open-wheel racing. The team is led by Jay Howard, the only driver in history to win the USF2000 championship both as a driver and as a team owner. JHDD is headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, near the location of ECR’s future race shop.
Howard stated, “I would like to thank Ted (Gelov, ECR Chairman) and Ed for this opportunity. This is something I had envisioned back when I started this driver development program. Under the ECR banner, we are the only development program of its kind that will be able to take drivers from karts to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, which is phenomenal.” He continued, “The future is bright for everyone involved! We will proudly represent Java House, Splenda, and ECR in it’s a new era and we are ready to get to work.”
The first Powered by ECR entry will take to the track next week. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will participate in the annual INDY NXT Chris Griffis Memorial Test on Monday, October 27, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
About Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by team co-owner Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner of the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). For the 2025 season, Alexander Rossi joined the team as driver of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet while Christian Rasmussen has been elevated full-time driver of the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet. Carpenter completed ECR’s three-car lineup in the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.ecrindy.com/.

A Splenda’d Victory-Quick Thoughts on the Milwaukee 250

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I had a feeling history would be made today, just not the history that happened. Congratulations to Christian Rasmussen and ECR,

Christian Rasmussen used fresher tires to pass 2025 champion Alex Palou with 15 laps to go and easily drove to his first IndyCar win in the Milwaukee 250. It was the first win for Ed Carpenter Racing since Rinus VeeKay won the Indy GP at IMS.

Early on it looked to be David Malukas’s day when he passed Palou after an early restart. Palou retook the lead on lap 41 and appeared to be running away from the field. A bad pit stop took Malukas out of contention, but he fought back to finish eighth.

Pato O’Ward overcame a difficult pit stop to finish fifth and clinch second place in the championship.

Rasmussen made 48 of the 685 on track passes. 368 passes were for position.

In the post race conference, Palou and Scott McLaughlin agreed that the decision on whether to take fresh tires during th elate yellow was “50/50”.

Attendance was outstanding today. The grandstands were mostly full. This morning, more general admission tickets went on sale, and they sold out. HyVee sponsored this event last year, and I wondered how well attended this race would be.

It was agreat day all around for ECR with Alexandr Rossi’s fourth place finish.

The yellow for Graham Rahal’s slide in turn 2 was a bit quick. Rahal recovered and didn’t make contact.

The IndyCar season now has had six different winners in 2025, which is approaching a more normal number of winners. At mid season I had to wonder how few winners there would be.

That will do it for me today. I will have a wrap-up tomorrow after I watch the television replay. Thanks fo following along this weekend.

Results

ED CARPENTER RACING TO BUILD NEW HEADQUARTERS IN THE CITY OF WESTFIELD

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From ECR:

ECR Will Move Its Operations to Grand Park Sports Campus in Hamilton County, Indiana
(WESTFIELD, Ind.) July 15, 2025 – ECR (Ed Carpenter Racing), an automotive racing organization, announced today plans to relocate its operations to the City of Westfield. ECR will build a new state-of-the-art racing headquarters as part of the Grand Park District Master Plan, a visionary blueprint designed to enhance and expand the existing Grand Park Sports Campus. ECR is currently the only NTT INDYCAR SERIES team that will be headquartered in Hamilton County.
The new ECR headquarters and performance campus will be located just south of the Grand Park Event Center on the west side of Grand Park Boulevard. The 76,000-square-foot facility will serve as the central hub for ECR’s professional racing operations and house advanced engineering and technical development spaces with a strategic retail and fan engagement component. Designed to be both functional and inspiring, the facility will feature a public viewing area into the team’s operations, a full-service merchandise store, and an on-site Java House café to elevate the fan experience. The project will also include the construction of the first city-funded parking garage at Grand Park, enhancing access and convenience for visitors and setting the stage for future developments within the master plan.
Founded in November 2011, ECR is now in its 14th season of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition. The team’s ownership group is comprised of four Indiana businessmen: Ed Carpenter, Ted Gelov, Tony George and Stuart Reed. Gelov, owner of Heartland Food Products Group, joined the team prior to the 2025 season. Heartland FPG is also headquartered in Hamilton County and is best known for their consumer brands Splenda and Java House Coffee.
The announcement of a new race shop is the latest in a string of milestone achievements for the team.
“Establishing ECR’s permanent home at Grand Park is a defining moment for our organization,” said Gelov, co-owner of ECR and CEO of Heartland Food Products Group.
“This new headquarters will not only serve as the foundation for our racing operations and technical development, but also as a place where fans can truly connect with our team, our partners and the sport of INDYCAR. As a long-time Hamilton County resident and business owner, I’m proud to invest in this community and help bring a new level of energy, innovation and opportunity to Westfield.”
ECR competes full-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with drivers Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen. Carpenter gets behind the wheel each May to round out the team’s three-car lineup in the Indianapolis 500. “We are very excited about this project and how it will impact the growth of ECR into the future. The opportunity to build a world-class facility within Grand Park was something we could not pass up,” Carpenter stated. “The demographic of Grand Park and its annual visitors is not only a great opportunity for our team to reach new fans, but also a great opportunity for INDYCAR itself as we continue to capitalize on the current momentum of our sport. We are very focused on building a unique and best-in-class facility that will support our team and also showcase our brand to visitors each and every day.”
“ECR’s decision to relocate and expand at Grand Park is a major milestone for our city and a testament to the strength of our vision for Grand Park’s future. This project brings new opportunities for our residents, visitors, and local economy,” commented Westfield Mayor Scott Willis. “Attracting a professional sports team like ECR further solidifies Grand Park as a premier destination for sports and innovation. We are excited to welcome ECR to our community.”
Westfield Economic Development Director Jenell Fairman added, “ECR perfectly complements the sports innovation district identity that the City of Westfield envisions for Grand Park. Exposing amateur and youth sports competitors and leaders to a professional racing organization will be a catalyst for sports technology advancement in the Grand Park District.”
Groundbreaking is expected early 2026 with project completion in early 2027.
About the City of Westfield Westfield is the fastest-growing city in Indiana and the sixth-fastest-growing city in the country. Westfield is home to more than 50,000 residents in Hamilton County, situated north of Indianapolis. The city is known for its 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus, connectivity to US-31 and State Road 32, and nationally recognized public schools. 
About Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by team co-owner Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner of the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). For the 2025 season, Alexander Rossi has joined the team as driver of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet while Christian Rasmussen has been elevated full-time driver of the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet. Carpenter completed ECR’s three-car lineup in the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.ecrindy.com/.
About Heartland and Java House Brands Heartland Food Products Group makes its products, including Splenda® its ultra-smooth Java House® Cold Brew Coffee, in Indianapolis. Go to JavaHouse.com and Sweet Splenda Brands to learn more about these iconic brands. 

ECR Confirms Rossi, Rasmussen for 2025

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From Ed Carpenter Racing:

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 25, 2024) – Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) announced today the team’s driver lineup for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi will join the team behind the wheel of the No. 20 Chevrolet for 2025 and Christian Rasmussen, who recently completed his rookie season with ECR, has been elevated to full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet, both on multi-year deals. Team co-owner Ed Carpenter will round out ECR’s three-car lineup for the Indianapolis 500. This news comes on the heels of welcoming Heartland Food Products Group and their iconic brands, Splenda and Java House, to the ECR family.
Carpenter is thrilled with both the addition of veteran Rossi and the future for Rasmussen. 
“It is an exciting day to not only welcome Alex to the team, but to extend our relationship with Christian,” said Carpenter. “We are very excited about our lineup, and other partnership announcements that will be forthcoming. As excited as I am about these additions, I also want to thank Rinus (VeeKay) for his five years with the team. It is always hard to say goodbye to a teammate and a friend, but I am confident that Rinus’ career will continue to blossom. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, I am fully focused on getting ECR back to new heights, winning races and contending for championships.”
Rossi joins ECR after nine previous seasons in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Rossi has 30 career podium finishes, including eight victories, most notably the 2016 Indianapolis 500. The Nevada City, California native was the first American rookie to win since 1928. Rossi’s talent has taken him worldwide, with wins in F2, World Series by Renault, and the 24 Hours of Daytona along with starts in a Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Baja 1000 and the Bathurst 1000. 
Rossi is eager to join his new team and begin preparations for the 2025 season. 
“I’m honored that Ed (Carpenter) and the entire ECR ownership group recognize the value I can bring to the team,” said Rossi. “Their commitment to excellence, along with the power of Chevrolet and the ambitious plans they have for the future made this opportunity impossible to pass up. I’m eager to get started and contribute to the team’s continued success.”
Rasmussen’s performance in his rookie NTT INDYCAR SERIES season earned him the opportunity to continue with ECR in a full-time role. Rasmussen joined ECR in 2024 after winning three championships in four years, including the 2023 INDY NXT title. In his debut Indianapolis 500, he drove from 24th to 12th and was the highest finishing rookie in the field. While Carpenter was scheduled to drive the No. 20 in the final three oval races of 2024, he provided the seat to Rasmussen to continue his development. Though he had not driven a lap at the Milwaukee Mile prior, he finished just outside of the Top 10. At the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway, Rasmussen drove from 25th to 14th and secured a Leader’s Circle position for the No. 20. 
After a partial rookie year, Rasmussen is excited to race the full season next year. 
“I’m incredibly excited to earn a full-time role with Ed Carpenter Racing,” said Rasmussen. “My rookie year in INDYCAR was full of firsts, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve learned into my second season. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to team up with Alexander (Rossi) to push the team forward and fight towards the front of the grid more consistently.” 
Carpenter will return to the driver’s seat in the team’s third entry for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, rounding out the team’s lineup. Additional announcements regarding the upcoming season will be made in due course. The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship will begin March 2, 2025 in the downtown Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
About Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting eight wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). The 2025 season will see Carpenter compete in the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. The 2025 season will see Alexander Rossi in the No. 20 Chevrolet as he joins the team alongside returning Christian Rasmussen in the No. 21 Chevrolet. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.edcarpenterracing.com/.

ED CARPENTER RACING ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIANA BUSINESSMAN TED GELOV OF HEARTLAND FOOD PRODUCTS GROUP

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The headline and article are from Ed Carpenter Racing:

Longtime NTT INDYCAR SERIES Team Welcomes New Partner; Gelov To Become Co-Owner of ECR
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 24, 2024) – Indianapolis businessman Ted Gelov, owner of Heartland Food Products Group, has joined Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) as co-owner of the team. Additionally, the new partnership will bring Heartland FPG’s iconic brands, Splenda (www.Splenda.com) and Java House (www.Javahouse.com), together with Ed Carpenter Racing as the team begins preparations for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. 
Gelov and Heartland are positive additions for the Indianapolis-based team. 
“INDYCAR is growing and attracting high caliber brands and in Ted’s case, also a strong business partner for our team,” said Ed Carpenter. “Ted (Gelov) will help us to continue to strive for excellence both on and off the track.” 
Gelov, owner of Heartland, expressed excitement for the new partnership. 
“We manufacture all our products here in Indiana and employ over 1,200 people,” said Gelov. “We are committed to the Indiana community and are extremely excited to continue that by joining Ed Carpenter Racing. I am ready to do my part to help Ed (Carpenter) and ECR in any way we can to get on the podium and win races!”
He continued, “Ed (Carpenter), Tony George, and Stuart Reed have all been wonderful to me through this process. They have welcomed my family and I into their family. Ed is an incredible guy, in all respects, and someone you are drawn to be associated with. He embodies the ideals that I look for in a partner.”
Heartland FPG is best known for their consumer brands Splenda and Java House Coffee. The Splenda® Brand is the most recognizable and iconic low-calorie sweetener brand in the world, having sold more than 100 billion yellow packets since its launch in 1991. Java House, an innovative cold brew coffee brand, is known for amazingly smooth coffee and versatile Peel n Pour™ single serve beverages. Java House also owns and operates cafes in the Indianapolis and Lafayette, IN markets.
Carpenter quickly knew Gelov and Heartland would be the right fit for ECR. 
“It’s fantastic to find a partner that so closely aligns with our values and shared vision for the future of Ed Carpenter Racing,” Carpenter added. “We also plan on having a Java House or Splenda car on track next season, which would be special for us to work with one of our own brands. There is more to come!”
2025 will mark ECR’s 14th season of competition in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The stable of the No. 20 and No. 21 Chevrolet will return to the paddock with an updated lineup, with an announcement planned for tomorrow afternoon. The Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida will host the 2025 season opener on March 2nd.
About Heartland and Java House Brands Heartland Food Products Group makes its products, including Splenda® its ultra-smooth Java House® Cold Brew Coffee, in Indianapolis. Go to JavaHouse.com and Sweet Splenda Brands to learn more about these iconic brands.  
About Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting eight wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018).

Rasmussen to Compete in Final Three Oval Races for ECR

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From Ed Carpenter Racing:

 Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that Christian Rasmussen will finish the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season behind the wheel of the No. 20 GuyCare Chevrolet.
The 24-year-old Danish rookie will compete in this weekend’s doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile and the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway. 
While team owner Ed Carpenter was scheduled to drive in the remaining events this year, he found importance in providing an opportunity to Rasmussen.
“First off, this was a very difficult decision for me to make. I want to make it clear that this is not a retirement announcement,” stated Carpenter. “However, the reality is, I have not performed to the level that I expect of myself for the team. Christian tested at Gateway prior to the race and he showed me that he deserves this expanded opportunity. He also had such a strong performance during the Month of May and has earned the chance to continue his development. I am excited to watch him finish the season out strong for the No. 20 crew and the entire ECR team.”
Rasmussen’s final race of 2024 was set to be last weekend’s road course event at Portland International Raceway, but he will now compete in the last three races of the season. Rasmussen, the 2023 INDY NXT champion, won both short oval races on his way to the title last year. In addition to his duties this season as road and street course driver of the No. 20, he also competed in ECR’s third Indianapolis 500 entry. He earned the distinction of being the highest finishing rookie in the field, driving from 24th to 12th over the course of the 500-mile race. 
Rasmussen is grateful to Carpenter, his teammate and team owner.
 “First and foremost, I am incredibly thankful to Ed for providing me this opportunity,” Rasmussen said. “I am excited to drive the No. 20 in the remaining three races and I am fully committed to giving the team my absolute best. While I haven’t raced at Milwaukee or Nashville before, my past performances on ovals have been strong and I’m eager to add these tracks to the list!”
Though the Milwaukee Mile will be Rasmussen’s first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on a short oval, he recently completed a test day at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Rasmussen’s full-time teammate, Rinus VeeKay, will also be making his Milwaukee Mile debut as the track returns to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar for the first time since 2015. Nashville Superspeedway will also be a new venue for both as the 1.33-mile oval has not been on the schedule since 2008. 
On-track activity at the Milwaukee Mile will begin with over two hours of practice this coming Friday, August 30. Saturday, August 31 will begin with qualifying for both races with Lap 1 setting the starting field for Race 1 and Lap 2 determining the grid for Race 2. The first race of the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s will begin at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday and will stream exclusively on Peacock. The second race of the doubleheader will take place on Sunday, September 1 at 1:30 p.m. CT with coverage on USA Network. About Ed Carpenter RacingEd Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting eight wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). The team’s 2024 driver lineup has included a combination of Carpenter, rookie Christian Rasmussen and fifth-year veteran Rinus VeeKay. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.edcarpenterracing.com/. Custom 2019 ECR Logo.png
    

ED CARPENTER RACING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH GUYCARE FOR THE 2024 INDYCAR SEASON

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From Ed Carpenter Racing:

Series of Men’s High Performance Health Clinics To Be Featured On No. 20 Chevrolet Throughout the Upcoming Season
(INDIANAPOLIS) January 19, 2024 – Ed Carpenter Racing announced today a new partnership with GuyCare, a series of men’s high performance health clinics. The No. 20 Chevrolet, which will be driven by both team owner Ed Carpenter and 2023 INDY NXT champion Christian Rasmussen, will compete in the colors of GuyCare. GuyCare clinics provide discreet and confidential care, ensuring men’s health and well-being through proven therapeutic interventions and wellness programs.
“I am thrilled to witness the synergies unfolding between GuyCare and Ed Carpenter Racing. The demographics of GuyCare and the dynamic world of INDYCAR align seamlessly and the positive momentum coursing through the NTT INDYCAR SERIES mirrors the trajectory of our venture,” stated Kurt Flygare, Chief Executive Officer of GuyCare.
“With the exceptional talents of Christian Rasmussen and Ed Carpenter, this promises to be a breakout year filled with excitement, speed, and success. Together, we are geared up for a thrilling journey, both on and off the track.”
The company’s flagship location opened in the Salt Lake City area last week and will also serve as a training center. Clinics specialize in a range of men’s health treatments and ensure customized care through personalized strategy crafted around individual needs and goals.
Additional clinics will open in select NTT INDYCAR SERIES race markets throughout the 2024 season. In the coming months, GuyCare will also offer men’s health products nationwide.
ECR team owner Carpenter stated, “We are excited to welcome GuyCare to ECR! It is a fantastic opportunity to use our Chevrolet-powered NTT INDYCAR SERIES car to help launch GuyCare clinics across the country. Our team continues to grow and improve each season and we expect Christian Rasmussen will have an outstanding rookie year. We are ready for a competitive and exciting 2024!”

Since its inception in 2012, ECR has raced exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The team has shown its versatility by earning multiple wins across each style of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and super speedways. The Indianapolis-based team is transitioning back to a model it utilized for many years, splitting the No. 20 between the talents of two drivers. While rookie Rasmussen will compete in the 12 road and street course events, Carpenter will take over the No. 20 for the six oval races in his 22nd season. Both will be entered in the Indianapolis 500 alongside Rinus VeeKay in the No. 21 Chevrolet. VeeKay will be competing in his 5th NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and step into a veteran role as ECR’s senior full-time driver.
The team will participate in its first test of the year next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Rasmussen and VeeKay will both be behind the wheel of the No. 20 GuyCare Chevrolet. Partnership announcements for VeeKay’s No. 21 Chevrolet will be released in the coming weeks. The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins March 10 in the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

About GuyCare

GuyCare, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RiskOn International. GuyCare has a strategy to transform the male healthcare industry, which extends beyond healthcare to addressing a comprehensive range of men’s issues, including wellness, education, and overall well-being. GuyCare has set a goal to open an estimated 200 specialized men’s health clinics across the United States over the next five years. GuyCare’s flagship clinic and training center opened in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 8th, 2024. https://guycare.com/

About Ed Carpenter Racing

Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting eight wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). The 2024 season will see Carpenter compete in the oval events in the No. 20 Chevrolet while rookie Christian Rasmussen will take over for the road and street courses. Both will be entered in the Indianapolis 500 alongside Rinus VeeKay, full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.edcarpenterracing.com/.

Rasmussen Joins ECR in Road /Street Role

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It’s great to have the 2023 Indy NXT champion in the Indycar field for 2024. The only negative I see is that he will sit out five of the final eight races, which are ovals This may cost him a chance at Rookie of the Year,

The team’s announcement:

Reigning INDY NXT Champion Joins ECR as Road and Street Course Driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet; Will Compete in Indianapolis 500 in ECR’s Third Entry

(INDIANAPOLIS) October 25, 2023  – Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that Christian Rasmussen will join the team as part of the team’s 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign. The 23-year-old Danish driver will compete in all road and street course events in the No. 20 Chevrolet and transition to ECR’s third entry for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Rasmussen’s ascension to North America’s premier open-wheel series comes on the heels of his recent 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone title, his third championship in the past four years.

“I am very excited to join Ed Carpenter Racing for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season!” stated Rasmussen. “It is a dream come true and something I’ve been working towards for a long time now. I want to thank Ed Carpenter and Tim Broyles for the opportunity and I’m ready to get to work and show everyone what we can do!”

Rasmussen was only nine years old when he claimed his first karting championship in Denmark. He arrived in the United States in 2018 and began his road to INDYCAR the following year. He is only the second driver in history earn a championship in each open-wheel junior category that currently feeds the NTT INDYCAR SERIES – USF2000 (2020), USF Pro 2000 (2021) and INDY NXT (2023). This year’s title was the culmination of a dominant season that included five wins, eight podiums, 10 Top 5 finishes and 13 Top 10s in 14 races. By the season finale, he merely had to start the race to clinch the championship; instead, he led every lap and earned his fifth victory of the year.

Team owner Ed Carpenter continues to be an advocate for young talent with Rasmussen becoming the sixth INDY NXT champion to race an ECR Chevrolet. Carpenter commented, “Christian is a driver that has really stood out during his climb through the Road to Indy program and he showed his ability to be a real closer in the second half of his INDY NXT championship run.”

“He did an excellent job when we tested him at Barber Motorsports Park last month and showed that he is fully ready to take the next step into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. We are excited to add him to our lineup and we are anticipating a successful 2024 season!” Carpenter continued.

ECR is transitioning back to a model the team utilized for many years, splitting the No. 20 between the talents of two drivers. While rookie Rasmussen will compete in the 12 road and street course events, Carpenter will take over the No. 20 for the six oval races in his 22nd season. Both will be entered in the Indianapolis 500 alongside Rinus VeeKay, driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet. VeeKay, who is also 23, will be competing in his 5th NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and step into a veteran role as ECR’s senior full-time driver.

ECR President Tim Broyles stated, “Christian is someone we have had our eye on for quite a while. He has proven that he is qualified to be a part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and we are pleased that Ed Carpenter Racing is able to provide him with this well-deserved opportunity.”

Since its inception in 2012, ECR has raced exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The team has shown its versatility by earning multiple wins across each style of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and super speedways. ECR boasts 40 Top 5 results to date, 24 of which have been podium finishes. For 11 of the team’s 12 Indianapolis 500s, ECR has had at least one car qualify in the first three rows. An ECR Chevrolet has sat on the front row nine of those years, including three pole positions by Carpenter (2013, 2014 and 2018) and VeeKay’s second starting position this year.

Rasmussen has already been behind the wheel of an ECR Chevrolet, completing a successful day of testing with the team at Barber Motorsports Park in late September. His debut NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will consist of five street circuits, six road courses, one non-points paying exhibition event and the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Rasmussen’s 2024 campaign will begin with the season opener on March 10, 2024, in the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Hunter-Reay Looking for Long Term Solutions for ECR

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Ryan Hunter-Reay wanted to make one thing clear in today’s media availability. He is not joining Ed Carpenter Racing to produce immediate results. Hunter-Reay emphasized that his job is to help the team find long term solutions.

“Right now we’re not talking about results. This is
not a silver bullet. This is not a situation where they have
brought me in to, okay, let’s put another driver in the car
and you driver, the new driver, you go out and go faster
than the old driver. That’s not what’s happening here.
This is a scenario where we are going to approach this
from a technically disciplined approach, and it’s going to be
methodical, it’s going to be a process,” Hunter-Reay said.

“It’s not going to be short. We’re going to have to work through it every day.”

Hunter-Reay said he feels for Conor, as he was in a similar situation early in his career.

“Bottom line is tough situation, especially mid-season. I feel
for Conor. I’ve been on either end of that deal, and in
some cases numerous times. Big fan of his, and hopefully
he’ll be back in the INDYCAR Series soon where he
belongs no doubt.”

Hunter-Reay looks at this weekend’s race at Road America as the team’s first test session with him.

“We’re looking to take away a good understanding of what the team wants and needs and what I want and need out of this partnership, and kind of trying to get a better understanding of some of the
nuances and how I operate, how they operate, and then
how we can go and talk about it during the break between
Road America and Mid-Ohio and implement potential
changes moving forward that I may need.
“Like anybody’s driving style, one driver is going to ask for
and want different things from their race team and race car
than another driver. That’s just how it is.
I think that would be the big thing.
This weekend is almost a test session for us. It’s a
getting-to-know-you session for us. As long as I go about it
that way, and the team does, as well, I think that we’ll put
our best foot forward for Mid-Ohio.”

The tone I got is that while Mid Ohio may show improvement, it will be incremental. Let’s see where they are at Laguna Seca.

“Yeah, it’s not, hey, get in there, go get the result now, go
do better than last weekend. That is the one, I think,
misconception that people have. That’s not what’s going
on here. This is something that is a much bigger picture
approach. That’s where we’re at,” Hunter-Reay said.

Hunter-Reay noted that he has worked with three different teams in the pas18 months. He hopes to put the different approaches he has seen to good use in helping ECR improve.

“It’s kind of a different situation for me, as well in some
ways. It’s a new scenario with a new team that work”
differently than other teams I’ve been with. I haven’t
actually gone racing with Ed Carpenter Racing, even
though I’ve raced with Vision back in 2009, which is, as you
know, over a decade ago,” he said.

Hunter-Reay summed up the plan.

“This is a matter of us looking
at how we can approach things differently. How do you
approach a qualifying session differently, a race weekend
differently? How can we tweak some things? Maybe some of the
things I used to do in the past weren’t right. Maybe some
of the things they’re doing now aren’t right. Maybe we
could come together and maybe take a path that way.”

ECR and Hunter-Reay have a huge challenge the rest of the season. progress will come in baby steps, and may not bear fruit until 2024. Yjeu will be a team to keep an eye on in the final 10 races.