Ed Carpenter Racing suffered a difficult season in IndyCar as the No. 20 car just crept into the Leaders’ Circle in the final round at Nashville Superspeedway.
The team had a strong lineup of Dutchman Rinus VeeKay, who competed in all the rounds, as well as Christian Rasmussen and Ed Carpenter competed in selected events in IndyCar.
Carpenter admitted that ECR’s season was disappointing for the team. They didn’t score a podium finish, and the results were lacklustre at times.
ECR were consistently in and around the top 10 in IndyCar this season and drove to a best finish of fifth place with VeeKay at the first race at Iowa.
Carpenter explained that his team have a very talented driver lineup with one driver in particular having a lot of potential.
Ed Carpenter feels Christian Rasmussen’s potential is ‘off the charts’ in IndyCar
Christian Rasmussen developed over his first season in IndyCar, which began with a 19th-place finish at the season opener at St. Petersburg.
The Danish driver had the experience of racing at the Indy 500 where he drove to 12th place, his best result of the season on an oval.
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Rasmussen has ascended to IndyCar after an impressive junior career, winning the Indy NXT title in 2023 before graduating from the championship.
Carpenter explained that Rasmussen who scored 163 points this season has a lot of potential after driving well this year.
He said: “We’ve got three good chances. Christian was Rookie of the Year. On a lot of days, I think, seemed like our most confident driver definitely doesn’t lack aggression.
“He’s very good in traffic, has a good feel. I know he’s going to be even better come year two. When I look at him and watching him, all the young guys, as long as you do, the steps and maturity that he took from his first year in Indy NXT to the second year when he won the championship.
“I think I have an expectation that he’s going to take a similar jump year to an IndyCar just with the experience and cleaning up mistakes and being a little more polished. But from a talent and potential standpoint, I think his potential is off the charts.”
Christian Rasmussen has a good platform to build from heading into the 2025 IndyCar season
Rasmussen improved over the season and showed impressive confidence on ovals which can be difficult to adjust too.
The Danish driver will be able to learn from his teammate from next season, Alexander Rossi, who is joining the team to race in the No. 20 car.
Rasmussen will be looking to build on his good form from 2024 and improve his results on street circuits where he struggled at times this year.
The 24-year-old will be able to build momentum more easily next season as Rasmussen will compete at all the rounds.