Ed Carpenter Racing isn’t able to say who shall be driving its Nos. 20 and 21 Chevys subsequent 12 months, however its staff proprietor/driver says talks to proceed with ECR veteran Rinus VeeKay and rookie Christian Rasmussen are making progress.
“We’re not going to verify something but, as a result of nothing’s finished, however Christian’s been doing a extremely good job – in all probability higher than loads of the outcomes that he’s gotten at instances,” Ed Carpenter informed RACER. “He’s a driver in our camp that I believe can do a superb job and deserves extra time within the automobile.
“We actually have robust emotions about each of our drivers and might undoubtedly envision a future with each of them, however don’t have something finished but. We’re nonetheless simply finalizing finances and the whole lot else. However undoubtedly there’s curiosity in each guys. Rinus has been with the staff a very long time. Christian’s brisker, and wishes extra time, however we’re proud of the place he’s at.”
VeeKay and ECR are about to shut their fifth season of IndyCar competitors collectively. The 23-year-old Dutchman (primary picture) has delivered seven finishes inside the highest 10 this 12 months to ship him into this weekend’s season finale at Nashville Speedway sitting 14th within the factors. A robust run on Sunday may carry him as excessive as eleventh within the standings, however with a pair of 12ths and a pair of 14ths from his first 4 seasons with ECR, VeeKay needs to take the following step in competitiveness and has attracted curiosity from different groups throughout his newest go to to free company.
“My contract is coming to an finish this 12 months and I’ve spoken to Ed and he’s confirmed curiosity in maintaining me, so we’re desirous about subsequent 12 months, but it surely’s very powerful,” VeeKay mentioned. “These are essential selections. I need to achieve success in my profession, so no matter occurs, that’s what we go for, proper? I’ll be again in IndyCar, that’s for certain. In order that’s all I must know. That’s an important factor.”
Rasmussen isn’t going through the identical degree of market demand and wishes an invite from ECR to proceed his IndyCar profession.
“I’d like to proceed with Ed Carpenter Racing,” mentioned the 24-year-old Dane. “I believe it’s the staff’s intention as properly. However nothing is completed earlier than it’s finished, so we’ll simply see the way it all works out.”
Carpenter additionally has 18-year-old Indy NXT driver Josh Pierson, who signed a growth take care of ECR in 2023, to think about as he charts the staff’s plans within the coming years.
“He’s actually an choice for the longer term, however he wants some extra time,” Carpenter mentioned of the younger American who sits 14th within the NXT championship. “He is aware of he wants extra time. He’ll probably be again in NXT once more, which is the place he must be proper now. He’s a pleasant younger man, works laborious, and loads of it’s simply going to rely upon how he develops and what kinds of steps he can take.”
