Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) have announced that Hunter McElrea will become the team’s reserve driver for the remainder of the 2026 IndyCar season.
The New Zealander has a strong pedigree. After finishing P4 in the 2022 Indy Lights championship, he went even better in 2023 as he finished 2nd in points to Christian Rasmussen when it was rebranded to Indy NXT. He beat the likes of Nolan Siegel, teammate Louis Foster, and Kyffin Simpson that year.
Hunter McElrea also drove for Dale Coyne Racing in a one-off IndyCar appearance at Toronto in 2024. Unfortunately for him, he did not make the chequered flag as he broke his suspension after a pit stop. He also has done some testing for ECR, leading to this reserve driver opportunity.
Hunter McElrea on joining the ECR IndyCar squad
“I am really excited to join ECR as a reserve driver. The team has great momentum and I’m looking forward to being part of it.
“The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has always been my goal, so I’m thankful for the opportunity and ready to support ECR however I can!”
Ed Carpenter, co-owner and CEO
“Securing a reserve driver has been something that we have discussed over the last year. With the competitiveness of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES now, you really need to be prepared for any scenario.
“Hunter has completed two tests for us over the last several years and had impressed the whole team. We are excited to have him with ECR and ready in the event we need a fill in.”
Tim Broyles, Ed Carpenter Racing president
“Having a reserve driver in place is an important step in maintaining the level of performance required in this series.
“Hunter has done a great job when we have had him in the car for testing. He has a really strong feel for the car and is able to provide detailed feedback that helps move the entire team forward.
“While you never want to be in a position where you need to call on a reserve driver, we’re confident Hunter would step in and rise to the occasion.”
