Ed Carpenter Racing underwent some change over the off-season with the arrival of Ted Gelov and his Heartland Food Products Group, which became the team’s owners. The team also has a new driver, Alexander Rossi, who joined from Arrow McLaren.
The outfit also has a new logo, and with the new logo comes a new look for their INDYCAR, which is on track at Sebring International Raceway today and Tuesday for a full-field test ahead of the opening race of the season, the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg presented by RP Funding.
The addition of Java House and Splenda-branded NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars is the latest in a string of exciting developments for the Indianapolis-based race team. In late September 2024, ECR’s ownership group expanded to include a fourth Indiana businessman: Ted Gelov, owner of Heartland Food Products Group. The following day, Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi joined ECR as driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet while Christian Rasmussen was elevated to full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet. In mid-January 2025, ECR unveiled an updated brand identity, including a new logo and brand colors. The No. 20 Java House Chevrolet and the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet will carry those colors, dubbed Indiana Gold and Carpenter Blue by the team.
Ted Gelov commented saying:
“We are excited to officially share that there will be a Java House car and a Splenda car on the grid when the 2025 season begins! “Pairing the iconic Splenda brand with ECR is a perfect fit for the team’s upward trajectory. In addition to having a Java House car, it is also a great to be able share Java House products at different tracks throughout the season. We can’t wait to see fans wearing our Indiana Gold and Carpenter Blue up in the grandstands!”
The 2025 season will mark ECR’s 14th year of competition. Since its inception in 2012, ECR has raced exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The team has shown its versatility by earning multiple wins across each style of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and super speedways. The full-season lineup of Rossi and Rasmussen will expand to three cars for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, when ECR co-owner Ed Carpenter will join in the team’s third entry.
Ed Carpenter commented saying:
“It is extremely exciting to have Java House and Splenda join our lineup! To have not only one, but two, consumer brands is a great opportunity for ECR and INDYCAR. “In the few short months since Ted has joined ECR, the strides the team has made have been remarkable. It has been a full team effort and I am proud of everyone for the work they have put in. We are more than ready to see everything come to fruition when the Java House and Splenda cars roll out in St. Pete!”