Just a handful of teams are yet to declare any drivers that will drive for them in IndyCar next year, as silly season draws to a close.
Juncos Hollinger Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, PREMA Racing and Ed Carpenter Racing are the four teams yet to make a decision on their line-ups.
There’s a plethora of free agent drivers and fresh young talent rising through the ranks, but bosses want to make sure that they are making the right decision – which means taking a bit more time first.
Of the four teams listed above, PREMA have the excuse that they are entering their first season next year, while others have offered contracts but are waiting to hear back.
Which drivers to Ed Carpenter Racing have ‘strong feelings’ about?
Ed Carpenter Racing have suffered a dip in form over the last two seasons, failing to achieve a top five finish with either of their cars.
The experience Rinus VeeKay – an IndyCar race winner, has only managed two top 10 finishes this season, which is odd for a driver who achieved five top-five finishes with the same team in 2022 alone.
Speaking to RACER about their driver line-up ambitions, Ed Carpenter revealed who they would prefer to have behind the wheel of their cars in 2025.
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“We certainly have strong feelings about both of our drivers and can definitely envision a future with both of them, but don’t have anything done yet,” he said.
“We’re still just finalizing budget and everything else. But definitely there’s interest in both guys. Rinus has been with the team a long time.
“Christian’s fresher, and needs more time, but we’re happy with where he’s at.”
Carpenter’s big show of faith in Rasmussen
After a dismal showing over the past few years on ovals, Ed Carpenter decided to step down from his own seat at his own team to allow Christian Rasmussen more time on oval circuits for the remainder of 2024.
It was a showing of how much faith and confidence he has in the young Dane’s talent, and he finished 11th and 16th at the Milwaukee double-header, suggesting that the move was the right idea.
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Carpenter himself hasn’t finished inside the top 16 in any of his last eight attempts, and might be at the stage where he considers hanging up his racing gloves for good now.
The main problem he faces if that he doesn’t get enough regular time in the car throughout the year to be able to jump in and set a blistering pace from lap one.
Rasmussen’s raw talent and speed have proven to the American that not only did he make the right decision to allow him more time on ovals, but also that he is the right pick to drive for them next season.