By: Spencer Neff
June 8,2023

Following yesterday’s announcement that Conor Daly had mutually agreed to part with Ed Carpenter Racing, a vacancy was left for next Sunday’s Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America and beyond.

This morning, that spot was filled. 2012 INDYCAR Champion and 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay was announced as the driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet.

“I was surprised when I got the call from Ed,” Hunter-Reay noted in this morning’s press release from ECR.

“He described how frustrated he was that his team has not been able to realize its potential despite their efforts, investments, as well as technical and personnel changes over the past few years and asked for my help. Ed and I are very close friends and have been for a long time. I’ve worked with the team in the past and they are a very talented group with high expectations and a committed partner in BITNILE.COM,”

“This will certainly be a challenge for me as well. It’s a tough situation jumping in a car in the middle of the season without any testing in what I believe to be the most competitive series in the world. Certainly, part of my motivation in saying ‘yes’ to Ed is the great challenge ahead. The last time I turned right driving an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car was in October of 2021 with this team at Barber. However, I remain very confident in both my driving and technical abilities and believe by working with the talented people at ECR and Team Chevy, while representing BITNILE.COM, we will make progress. I am going to do everything I can do to help the team achieve its long-term objectives” he added.

After not driving since his departure from Andretti Autosport following the 2021 season, the Floridian returned at the Indianapolis 5o0 in May with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing.

RHR started 18th and finished 11th, leading eight laps, his first at Indianapolis since 2018.

In nine previous starts at Road America, Hunter-Reay’s best finish on the 4.014-mile, 14-turn Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin road course was second in 2018.

In 2004, Hunter-Reay qualified second for Herdez Competition, his only front row start at this venue.

Hunter-Reay will team with Rinus VeeKay, driver of the No. 21 and Car Owner Ed Carpenter, who drives the No. 33 on the ovals.

“We need to improve our competitiveness and I wanted to add a fresh perspective from a driver like Ryan who has a massive amount of experience and success as well as a reputation as a team leader. I am excited to welcome Ryan to the team,” stated Carpenter.

“We have worked together in the past as teammates and he tested for ECR at Barber Motorsports Park in October 2021, where he made an immediate impact as we were able to qualify one of our cars on the pole following that test. I am confident that his experience and technical abilities will be an asset to ECR as we move forward toward our goals as a team.”

Milton “Todd” Ault, III, Executive Chairman of BitNile.com, Inc., primary sponsor for all three entires noted, “It is great for BITNILE.COM to be aligned with an Indy 500 Winner and an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion.”

“I have followed Ryan’s career for years and I am confident he will challenge the entire ECR team to perform at higher levels. I wish everyone luck at Road America.” 

Header Image By Lisa Hurley/INDYCAR