Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) has officially appointed Hunter McElrea as the team’s first designated reserve driver, a move aimed at bolstering preparedness across the NTT IndyCar Series season.
An American-born New Zealander, McElrea will travel with ECR to all race weekends, standing ready to substitute for either of the team’s full-time entries if the need arises. Beyond potential race duties, he will contribute to the team’s testing programme and provide data-driven support via Chevrolet’s Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator.
“I am really excited to join ECR as a reserve driver,” said McElrea. “The team has tremendous momentum, and it’s an honour to be part of it. The NTT IndyCar Series has always been my goal, and I’m ready to support ECR in any way I can.”
McElrea’s IndyCar experience includes a debut in 2024 with Dale Coyne Racing, where contact forced him to retire, finishing 24th. He has also participated in multiple ECR tests in Chevrolet-powered entries (November 2024 and February 2026), impressing team engineers with his feedback and adaptability.
| Year | Series | Team | Result / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Indy NXT | Andretti | Championship runner-up |
| 2024 | IndyCar | Dale Coyne Racing | 24th, race-ending contact |
| 2024 | IMSA WTSCC | United Autosports USA | LMP2 class win, Petit Le Mans |
| 2026 | IMSA WTSCC | United Autosports USA | LMP2 class win, Twelve Hours of Sebring |
In addition to single-seater racing, McElrea maintains a strong presence in endurance sports car racing, most recently claiming an LMP2 class victory at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. He is a two-time IMSA Endurance Cup champion and has two class wins at Petit Le Mans, demonstrating his versatility across racing disciplines.
“Securing a reserve driver has been a discussion over the last year,” explained Ed Carpenter, CEO and co-owner of ECR. “With the competitiveness of the IndyCar Series, preparedness is essential. Hunter has impressed us in testing, and we are confident he can step in seamlessly if needed.”
Tim Broyles, President of ECR, added, “A reserve driver ensures continuity and performance under any scenario. Hunter provides precise feedback and understands the car’s dynamics deeply. While we hope never to need him in a race, we know he would rise to the occasion.”
McElrea’s appointment marks a strategic step for ECR, highlighting the team’s commitment to preparation and resilience in a season that promises intense competition on the road and street circuits of IndyCar.
