Rasmussen won the Indy NXT title with HMD Motorsports in 2023. Photo: IndyCar – Chris Owens
Ed Carpenter Racing has announced that Christian Rasmussen will make his IndyCar debut with the team for the 2024 season.
Rasmussen will drive the road and street courses for the #20 entry including the $1 million Thermal Club Challenge, and will also drive the team’s third car for the Indianapolis 500.
The 23-year-old is the most recent winner for the Indy NXT championship, which provides him a significant sum of money to help fund his ascension to IndyCar.
Rasmussen has also previously earned championships in USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000, the two steps on the ladder leading up to Indy NXT. In addition, he has competed in the LMP2 category in IMSA with Era Motorsports.
“I am very excited to join Ed Carpenter Racing for the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season!” said Rasmussen in the release.
“It is a dream come true and something I’ve been working towards for a long time now. I want to thank Ed Carpenter and Tim Broyles for the opportunity and I’m ready to get to work and show everyone what we can do!”
Team owner Ed Carpenter will drive the #20 for the oval rounds on the calendar, with the team reverting back to the formula it has utilized in years past.
Rasmussen has already completed a test with the team in September, running laps at the natural terrain road course of Barber Motorsports Park.
“Christian is a driver that has really stood out during his climb through the Road to Indy program and he showed his ability to be a real closer in the second half of his INDY NXT championship run,” said Carpenter
“He did an excellent job when we tested him at Barber Motorsports Park last month and showed that he is fully ready to take the next step into the NTT IndyCar Series.
“We are excited to add him to our lineup and we are anticipating a successful 2024 season!”
Rasmussen will race alongside Rinus VeeKay, who will be competing in his fifth IndyCar season with ECR.
The first race weekend of Rasmussen’s IndyCar career will come March 8-10 on the streets of St. Petersburg.
Keyword: Rasmussen steps up to IndyCar with part time ECR ride