By: Spencer Neff
February 25, 2025

As is the case with every new season, turnover has been a major headline throughout the paddock. Whether it be the debut of PREMA with Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman or the return of drivers like Devlin DeFrancesco, change is abound.

Of the 10 teams returning to the grid for 2025, Andretti and Penske are the only teams without any turnover from 2024. (Chip Ganassi Racing returns three drivers from its 2024 lineup after downsizing from their previous five.

Before cars take to the track for this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, here’s a look at some of the additional lineup changes.

Juncos Hollinger adds Robb, retains Daly

On November 20, Sting Ray Robb was announced as the driver of the No. 77 entry for Juncos Hollinger Racing. It is the third different organization in as many years for the 2022 Indy Lights (now INDY NXT) runner-up.

Last year, Robb earned a career-best finish of ninth at Worldwide Technology Raceway (Gateway) with A.J. Foyt Racing.

“Sting Ray is an exciting talent, and we’ve had the privilege of seeing his growth as a driver first-hand during our championship run in Indy Pro”, Co-Owner and Founder of JHR Ricardo Juncos expressed.

 “This is more than a reunion; it’s a chance to pick up right where we left off and truly aim for the top of this series. We’re committed to making this season a breakout year for Sting Ray, as well as an extraordinary year for JHR as we continue to elevate our presence in INDYCAR.”

Juncos and Robb previously spent two seasons together in the Indy Pro 2000 Series, winning the 2020 championship.

“We are delighted to welcome Sting Ray to the team,” added Co-Owner Brad Hollinger.

“Sting Ray has great talent, and we have full confidence that his skills and determination will help our success this season. This partnership represents an exciting evolution for JHR, and we are eager to see what we can achieve together in the year ahead.”

“To be sought out by leaders like Ricardo Juncos & Brad Hollinger and a team as driven as JHR means the world to me,” Robb expressed.

“We share a vision for what we can achieve together, and I’m honored to contribute to JHR’s continued growth, as I also grow as their driver.”

Like Robb, Daly makes his return to JHR. In 2010, they won the Star Mazda (now Indy Pro 2000) Championship. Daly would return to race the No. 78 entry for the last five races of the 2024 season.

In the first race of the Milwaukee Mile doubleheader, he charged from 25th to third, earning JHR’s first podium finish.

On December 18, he was confirmed as the driver of the No. 78 for the 2025 season.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the JHR team for the full NTT INDYCAR SERIES season in 2025,” shared Daly.

“After the excitement and success we shared in 2024, including Milwaukee, it feels like the perfect next step. I’m grateful for Ricardo and Brad’s belief in me as I embark on the revitalization of my career. I look forward to pursuing podiums and wins with this incredible group. Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen – it’s been a team effort, and we’ll continue to build on this momentum together.”

“When Conor rejoined us last year, it felt like we seamlessly picked up right where we left off in 2010,” said Juncos.

“I’m thrilled to have him back in the car full-time for 2025. With both seats now filled, the team is laser-focused on building momentum and delivering standout performances throughout the year, aiming for an exceptional season ahead for Juncos Hollinger Racing.”

New-look ECR adds Rossi, Rasmussen goes full-time

Less than two weeks after the final checkered flag on the 2024 season, Ed Carpenter Racing announced major organizational changes.

Ted Gelov, owner of Heartland Food Products Group, was announced as a partner for the team. Gelov’s company is highlighted by the Splenda and Java House brands. The partnership brings an Indiana-based company to the series’ own longtime Indianapolis resident and Owner/Driver Ed Carpenter.

“We are committed to the Indiana community and are extremely excited to continue that by joining Ed Carpenter Racing,” Gelov said on September 24,

“I am ready to do my part to help Ed (Carpenter) and ECR in any way we can to get on the podium and win races.”

Carpenter, who is scaling back his schedule to just the Indianapolis 500, voiced similar thoughts.

“It’s fantastic to find a partner that so closely aligns with our values and shared vision for the future of Ed Carpenter Racing,” Carpenter said.

“We also plan on having a Java House or Splenda car on track next season, which would be special for us to work with one of our own brands. There is more to come!”

The next day, ECR announced their 2025 lineup.

Alexander Rossi joined as driver of the No. 20 entry while Christian Rasmussen moves over to the No. 21.

“I’m honored that Ed and the entire ECR ownership group recognize the value I can bring to the team,” Rossi said ahead of his 10th INDYCAR season.

“Their commitment to excellence, along with the power of Chevrolet and the ambitious plans they have for the future, made this opportunity impossible to pass up. I’m eager to get started and contribute to the team’s continued success.”

Rossi previously spent two seasons with Arrow McLaren after seven with Andretti, In his career, Rossi has amassed eight victories, including the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016.

After winning the 2023 Indy Lights Championship, Rasmussen joined ECR as driver of the No. 20 for road and street courses, as well as a third entry at the Indianapolis 500, where he finished 12th.

His best race of his rookie campaign was at Mid-Ohio in July, where he started eighth and finished ninth.

“I’m incredibly excited to earn a full-time role with Ed Carpenter Racing,” Rasmussen said.

“My rookie year in INDYCAR was full of firsts, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve learned into my second season. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to team up with Alexander to push the team forward and fight toward the front of the grid more consistently.”

After taking over for the last three oval races in 2024, Rasmussen now embarks on the full-season entry in the car previously occupied by Rinus VeeKay.

“It is an exciting day to not only welcome Alex to the team, but to extend our relationship with Christian,” Carpenter said.

“We are very excited about our lineup and other partnership announcements that will be forthcoming.”

“As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, I am fully focused on getting ECR back to new heights, winning races and contending for championships.”

Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR