Ed Carpenter Racing has announced that it will retain the driving services of Rinus VeeKay for the 2021 IndyCar season.
The young rookie has proved that he belongs in the sport this season, regularly completing impressive overtakes on his way to the five top-ten finishes he has earned.
“I am very happy to be back with Ed Carpenter Racing in 2021!” said VeeKay. “I feel like an entirely different driver than I was at the beginning of the year.
“The team has been so patient with me and given me every opportunity to learn as much as possible. I have a great group of guys around me and I can’t wait to have that same amazing support next year.
“I am really looking forward to doubling my knowledge and not being a rookie! However, there will still be a few new tracks for me with the street courses.
“I will give it my all and make next season as good as possible!”
By starting the Firestone GP of St. Pete later this afternoon, VeeKay will clinch the 2020 rookie of the year honors.
ECR team owner Ed Carpenter watched VeeKay’s progression through in the Road to Indy for two seasons and selected the rookie for his team after two successful tests in late 2019.
“The 2020 NTT IndyCar series is one that we will never forget,” said Carpenter.
“With all the challenges that have been presented, limited track time and schedule changes, we have seen Rinus progress rapidly from the start of the season until now.
“It is clear to us that he has all of the tools to be a winner at this level and we look forward to climbing the podium together!”
The Dutch driver began racing karts when he was eight years old, and worked his way up through the robust Road to Indy feeder series on his way to becoming a driver in the top tier of American open-wheel racing.
He has earned a pole award at the Indianapolis road course and followed that up with his maiden podium in the same race.
VeeKay was caught up in the confusion surrounding penalties for this weekend’s race, and will start from ninth in the last race of the season.
The green flag for the Firestone GP of St. Petersburg drops at 2:30 PM EDT.
