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Ed Carpenter Racing Names Hunter McElrea Reserve Driver for 2026 IndyCar Season

The move sharpens ECR’s preparation through a ready stand-in supported by focused test and simulator work.

Overview

  • ECR confirmed Friday that Hunter McElrea will serve as its official reserve, traveling to races and standing by to replace Alexander Rossi or Christian Rasmussen if needed.
  • His duties include on-track testing and work on Chevrolet’s Driver-in-the-Loop simulator to speed car setup and development.
  • Team leaders Ed Carpenter and Tim Broyles said a designated reserve improves readiness in a tighter field and praised McElrea’s feedback from recent ECR tests.
  • McElrea brings four Indy NXT wins and a 2023 runner-up finish, plus one IndyCar start with Dale Coyne Racing in Toronto in 2024.
  • He enters the role in strong form after an LMP2 class win at the Twelve Hours of Sebring with United Autosports USA last week.