In contrast to earlier contract discussions in IndyCar and Formula One, ECR subsequently confirmed the 21-year-old Dutchman's tweet that he will stay in the No. 21 Chevrolet.
VeeKay, who was allowed to speak with other teams as of this week's Monday, entered free agency this year with a new agent. VeeKay decided to remain put and not risk anything rather than waiting to see how the situation with current IndyCar champion Alex Palou at Chip Ganassi Racing is addressed on the conceivably opening No. 10 at Ganassi.
Schedules and information for watching INDYCAR at NASHVILLE this weekend
Callum Illot, an IndyCar rookie, did the same last week when he adhered to a handshake agreement with Juncos Hollinger Racing to return the following season despite the possibility that the No. 10 might become available if Palou were to find a way out of his contentious contract. Although it's unclear if Palou signed a contract for an IndyCar or Formula One seat with McLaren Racing, Ganassi is suing the Spaniard over the agreement.
For my fourth year with Ed Carpenter Racing, VeeKay commented, "I am pleased to stay with them." "When I left the Indy Lights, Ed Carpenter gave me the chance to drive for the team and has since then. Please allow me to demonstrate my skills in an Indy car.
It's beautiful always to be surrounded by the same group of individuals at ECR because there haven't been many changes during my tenure here.
"VeeKay won the sole race of his career on the road track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last year, earning the title of 2020 IndyCar Rookie of the Year. Since then, he has tattooed the date of that historic triumph on his arm.
Owner Ed Carpenter followed VeeKay's development via the Road to Indy, which saw one championship, two points-standings runner-up finishes, 16 victories, and 36 podium finishes in just 48 races.
Carpenter said of Rinus, "I am really glad to be able to prolong our connection with him. He is a very adaptable and good driver. "With Rinus helping to lead the charge, it has been and will continue to be our goal to grow our team to new heights. Winning races and competing for championships are our objectives and aspirations. We are set up for success thanks to the development of Rinus and the assistance of BitNile and Todd Ault.
VeeKay surpasses all previous full-time drivers in the 11-year history of Ed Carpenter Racing.
His deal comes amid an insane free-agent frenzy in IndyCar and Formula 1.
The F1 dominoes started to fall only last week when Fernando Alonso surprised Alpine by signing with Aston Martin. The next day, Alpine announced that it was elevating backup driver Oscar Piastri, but the 21-year-old Australian objected to the decision.
Additionally, Piastri is rumoured to be under contract with McLaren, giving McLaren far too many drivers for the available spots. While Piastri's condition is less apparent, the Palou scandal is already being litigated in court.
Many drivers in IndyCar are still working on completing their 2023 plans, including seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnso. He would want to compete in IndyCar for the third season but has not yet received a finance commitment from sponsor Carvana.
Castroneves also vies for a spot in the Daytona 500, which kicks off the NASCAR season.
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