Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) announced Sept. 25 that Alexander Rossi will join the team to pair with Christian Rasmussen as full-time drivers in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

2016 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Rossi will drive the No. 20 Chevrolet, with 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone champion Rasmussen – who just finished his rookie season with ECR – elevated to full-time status in the No. 21 Chevrolet. Both drivers signed multiyear deals.

Team owner Ed Carpenter will round out the team’s three-car lineup for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Rossi comes to ECR after spending the last two seasons at Arrow McLaren. He replaces Rinus VeeKay, who drove for ECR since his rookie season in 2020.

“It is an exciting day to not only welcome Alex to the team, but to extend our relationship with Christian,” Carpenter said. “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 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.”

This news comes a day after ECR announced co-ownership from Ted Gelov, owner of Heartland Food Products Group. The company’s brands, Splenda and Java House, will be featured at ECR.

California native Rossi joins ECR after nine seasons in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, seven with Andretti Global teams and two with Arrow McLaren. Rossi has 30 career podium finishes, including eight victories, most notably the 2016 Indianapolis 500.

"I’m honored that Ed and the entire ECR ownership group recognize the value I can bring to the team,” Rossi said. “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 (photo, left) 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 by Firestone 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 Rasmussen had not driven a previous lap at the Milwaukee Mile, 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.

“I’m incredibly excited to earn a full-time role with Ed Carpenter Racing,” Rasmussen said. “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 to push the team forward and fight toward the front of the grid more consistently.”