15 Years and Counting: ECR and Chevrolet Extend IndyCar Partnership

Ed Carpenter Racing and Chevrolet have finalized a multi-year partnership extension, preserving a technical alliance that spans back to the team’s inception as the IndyCar Series prepares for significant 2028 regulatory changes.

Continuity Ahead of the 2028 Rules Overhaul

The renewal secures ECR’s status as one of only two teams on the grid continuously powered by Chevrolet since the manufacturer returned to the series with its 2.2-liter Twin-Turbo V6 engine in 2012. This technical continuity arrives as the paddock readies for a next-generation chassis and engine formula in 2028. ECR has already assumed an active role in testing. Alexander Rossi, pilot of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet, served as one of only two drivers to participate in the initial on-track tests for the new chassis.

“Chevrolet has been with ECR since the beginning of our team, and they have been an important part of our team’s growth over our first 15 seasons,” said ECR co-owner and CEO Ed Carpenter. “We’ve had a lot of success with Chevy over the years, and we’re proud to be one of only two teams to have partnered with Chevrolet since its return to IndyCar.”

Milestones and On-Track Performance

The partnership extension positions ECR to reach its 500th race start during the 2027 season. Over the past 15 seasons, the alliance has produced nine victories. Carpenter drove the team to its first win in the season finale of its 2012 inaugural year, while Christian Rasmussen claimed his first career win late in the 2025 campaign. Rossi secured ECR’s 28th podium finish with Team Chevy at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Qualifying success has marked the relationship across multiple seasons. ECR has collected six pole positions under Chevrolet power, featuring three Indianapolis 500 poles captured by Carpenter. Rossi’s front-row start at the 2026 Indianapolis 500 marked ECR’s 11th front-row start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway over the last 14 years, leading all teams in that category during the span.

“We are proud to extend our relationship with Team Chevy and to continue as one of only two teams that have been powered by Chevrolet since 2012,” said ECR Team President Tim Broyles. “Chevrolet has played a significant role in ECR’s success, and we value the collaboration that exists between our organizations.”

Manufacturer Focus on Next-Generation Powertrains

General Motors views the technical continuity as a vital component for the upcoming regulatory transition. ECR will participate directly in testing Chevrolet’s next-generation powerplant as development accelerates ahead of the 2028 season.

“ECR has been an important part of Chevrolet’s IndyCar program, and this extension reflects the strength of the technical relationship we’ve built together,” said Eric Warren, Vice President, Global Motorsports Competition, General Motors. “As the series moves toward its next-generation car and powertrain, close collaboration between our engineers will be critical.”

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