Ed Carpenter Racing give Spencer Pigot full-time 2018 IndyCar seat

Pigot, the 2015 Indy Lights champion, has spent the past two years contesting part campaigns as ECR's road and street course driver in its #20 car, and scored a best race finish of seventh at Mid-Ohio last year.

Next season, the 23-year-old will move across to the team's #21 car - which this year has been occupied by JR Hildebrand - and will contest the full-season schedule.

"To say I am excited about 2018 would be an understatement," said Pigot.

"I have really enjoyed my time so far with Ed Carpenter Racing and this is the next step in what I hope is a long, successful partnership with the team in IndyCar.

"I'm very thankful to Ed Carpenter, Tony George, Stuart Reed and everyone at ECR for their confidence in me to deliver the results the team deserves.

"I will still have a lot to learn as 2018 will be my first full season in IndyCar, but I know I have the team and team-mate with Ed to help me as I get used to regularly racing on ovals again."

Pigot has handed over driving responsibilities for oval events to team owner Ed Carpenter this year and last, but did contest the Indianapolis 500 in May with Juncos Racing.

He also contested the 500 in 2016 for the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing squad, and has previous experience of oval racing from his time on the IndyCar feeder ladder.

Carpenter added: "It is very exciting to be announcing that Spencer will be competing in a full-time role for ECR in 2018.

"He made significant strides from his rookie season into his sophomore year and we see much more potential in his ability.

"Spencer has worked very hard to improve in all areas of his driving and we feel the time has come to give him a chance to compete for the championship.

"I look forward to his continued development and reaching the top step of the podium in 2018."

Carpenter will continue to race the #20 car on ovals in 2018, while its driver for road and street course events is "still under consideration".