Spencer Pigot keeps Ed Carpenter Racing IndyCar seat for 2019

It will be 2015 Indy Lights champion Pigot's fourth campaign with ECR, having spent his first two seasons sharing the #20 entry with team boss Ed Carpenter.

Pigot scored his first IndyCar podium earlier this year at Iowa and qualified for the 'Fast Nine' at the Indianapolis 500 in May.

Last time out Pigot finished fourth at Portland as he continues a strong end to his season ahead of this weekend's finale at Sonoma.

"I have to thank Ed Carpenter, Stuart Reed and Tony George for giving me the opportunity to race for their team once again," Pigot said.

"It's been great to compete in my first full season of IndyCar racing this year and I look forward to building on that next year.

"We have a lot to look back on and learn from. We will be working hard over the off-season and will be able to hit the ground running when we get to next season's opener in St Pete."

Carpenter added: "I am really happy to have Spencer back in the #21 car for the 2019 season.

"We have always believed that Spencer has the potential to compete for race wins and championships and he has really showed that in the back half of this season.

"Hopefully we can break through this weekend at the season finale and get ECR back in the win column."

Pigot also paid tribute to Carpenter for helping him master oval racing.

Carpenter only races in the oval rounds, meaning Pigot had limited experience of that style of racing until he jumped in the full-season entry.

"I've been able to learn so much from Ed, by him sharing his knowledge with me and just being on track with him," said Pigot.

"Even though there were several ovals I hadn't raced an Indycar on prior to this year, Ed helped me feel like I was a stronger driver each time out."

Formula 2 convert Jordan King has shared driving duties with Carpenter in 2018, with the British driver keen to make a career in the series.