ECR Sees Dramatic Turnaround Fueled by Driver Synergy, Leadership Shift
SPEEDWAY, Ind. - Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) concluded the 2024 NTT INDYCAR Series season demonstrating notable progress, propelled by a burgeoning partnership between drivers Christian Rasmussen and Alexander Rossi, alongside a mid-season restructuring of team leadership. The team’s resurgence culminated in Rasmussen’s breakthrough victory at the Milwaukee Mile and a palpable sense of momentum heading into 2026.
The transformation at ECR is notably noteworthy given the team’s investment in its future and a strategic realignment designed to unlock its potential. While historically a strong oval team, ECR’s recent evolution aims to establish consistent competitiveness across all track types, impacting the team’s championship aspirations and its position within the highly competitive INDYCAR landscape.
A key element of the team’s improvement was the instant rapport between Rasmussen and Rossi. Rasmussen, in his rookie season, quickly established himself as an oval specialist, earning five top-10 finishes, four on circle tracks, and ultimately securing a win at Milwaukee.His oval performance ranked him third in total oval points among all drivers.
rossi, meanwhile, benefited from a change in strategy leadership. Team president Tim Broyles stepped away from his strategist role on rossi’s car on August 10, prior to the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland, to concentrate on the business aspects of the team. Team co-owner Ed Carpenter then took over as interim strategist for the remainder of the season.
The leadership shift coincided with improved results for Rossi, who finished fifth in Portland and fourth in Milwaukee, ultimately finishing 15th in the final standings. “It’s a team that’s growing,” Rossi said. “There’s a huge amount of runway in front of it, and it got what it needed in terms of investment and belief. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re light years ahead of where we were when we arrived at St. Pete this March.”
Rasmussen echoed that sentiment, noting his five top-10 finishes in six oval races and expressing optimism for continued growth. “We’re in a good spot as a team,” Rasmussen said. “ECR is a team to watch and a team on the move.I’m really excited.” He acknowledged areas for development, specifically road and street courses, where he ranked 21st in points, contributing to his 13th-place overall finish. “I’m looking forward to next year, to see the road and street course results follow.”
