Indy Lights runner-up VeeKay gets full 2020 Carpenter IndyCar drive

2019 Indy Lights runner-up Rinus VeeKay has been announced as the driver of Ed Carpenter Racing's #21 entry for the 2020 IndyCar season

Indy Lights runner-up VeeKay gets full 2020 Carpenter IndyCar drive

The 19-year-old Dutchman racked up six wins and seven pole positions for Juncos Racing in Indy Lights this year, and impressed Carpenter in his initial IndyCar tests at Portland and Mid-Ohio.

He will replace Spencer Pigot who, after three-and-a-half seasons with ECR, was let go last week.

VeeKay, the 2018 Pro Mazda (now Indy Pro 2000) and '19 F3 Asian Winter Series champion said: "I'm so happy.

"It's a dream come true and something we have worked extremely hard for over the last couple of years. To step up from US F2000 to the IndyCar Series in three years is really special.

"I would like to thank Ed Carpenter and his partners for this great opportunity and trust. The number of available seats in the IndyCar Series is very limited, so it's a great honour that they have chosen me to join their team."

Carpenter will continue to race on ovals in the #20 car, but has not yet revealed the identity of his road and street course partner.

The team boss confirmed on Tuesday that Renault Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg would not take that role despite being linked to the drive.

Speaking about Veekay, Carpenter told Autosport: "I think Rinus is a lot further ahead than most young guys are when they graduate to the series and that's a real positive.

"He's very fast, he gives good feedback. We were very impressed."

shares
comments

F1's Hulkenberg will not join Ed Carpenter Racing in IndyCar

Bourdais to exit Coyne IndyCar squad after collapse of sponsor deal

Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives

Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Kevin Turner

Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives

How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled

How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
Indy 500
David Malsher-Lopez

How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled

Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021

Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021 Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021

How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential

How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
Charles Bradley

How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential

How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best

How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best

Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?

Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up? Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?

Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win

Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win

Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting

Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting