Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that they’ve hired J.R. Hildebrand to drive the No. 21 for them in this year’s Indianapolis 500.
“I’m extremely excited to join Ed Carpenter Racing for this year’s Indianapolis 500,” Hildebrand said. “Ed’s team has been very strong on the ovals the past two years, including winning at Fontana and taking the pole position at last year’s ’500.’ Working with Ed and his staff at Indy gives me a lot of confidence going into the world’s biggest race. I can’t wait to jump into the No. 21 Chevy and get back to the Speedway.”
The 2011 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year will return to the Verizon IndyCar Series for the first time since Auto Club Speedway in 2013. Hildebrand did not run a full schedule lat year, only running seven of the 19 races. Hildebrand has had success at Indianapolis, scoring a second place finish in 2011.
“JR has been the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year and an Indy Lights champion, so his credentials are very impressive,” Carpenter said. “It is great to have another American driver in the 500 this year and competing with ECR. We believe a second car at Indy will assist us in preparing for a strong performance in this year’s Indy 500.”
This marks the first time that ECR will have a second entry for the biggest race of the season.
As previously announced, team owner Ed Carpenter will drive the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka car in six oval races in 2014, including the Indianapolis 500, while Mike Conway will pilot the entry in the remaining races on street and road courses. Last year, Carpenter put the car on the pole for the Indianapolis 500.
Practice begins May 11, with qualifications on May 17-18. Race Day for the 98th Running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race will be May 25.
