Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) has re-established itself as a formidable presence in the IndyCar Series, capturing its first victory since 2021 through rookie Christian Rasmussen’s stunning win at the Milwaukee Mile on Sunday. Known for previous race wins with Josef Newgarden in 2016 and Rinus VeeKay in 2021, the team had grown restless in recent years without headline victories. This frustration sparked an offseason overhaul that touched nearly every aspect of their operation.
Rasmussen’s bold and relentless race at Milwaukee perfectly showcased the team’s revitalized spirit. Starting ninth, he maintained an aggressive style, frequently darting through traffic and making decisive passes. His breakthrough moment arrived late in the race when a rain-induced caution gave Rasmussen’s crew an opportunity to gamble on fresh tires—a call that proved decisive against the dominant frontrunners.
While pole-sitter and newly crowned series champion Alex Palou led most laps, Rasmussen’s fresher tires gave him the traction for a dazzling late-race charge. He overtook key rivals including teammate Alexander Rossi and Pato O’Ward before making a daring outside pass on Palou with just 15 laps remaining. Holding off Palou’s efforts to retake the lead, Rasmussen claimed a memorable first career win and delivered a emotional victory for ECR.
Team owner Ed Carpenter praised the achievement, saying, “Christian has been the best short oval racer all year. That win feels incredible—it's been too long since we last celebrated like this.”
Besides Rasmussen’s win, Rossi contributed with a season-best fourth place, marking the first time in 2025 that Ed Carpenter Racing had two cars finish in the top five. The performance is a testament to the extensive offseason improvements made in strategy, pit procedures, and car setup precision.
The Milwaukee triumph signals a resurgence for Ed Carpenter Racing, with momentum firmly on their side as the IndyCar season approaches its climax. Their blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent offers a potent formula for continued success in the fiercely competitive landscape.
Ed Carpenter Racing’s return to the winner’s circle at Milwaukee, fueled by Rasmussen’s fearless drive and team’s sharp strategy, marks a significant milestone for the team and highlights its growing threat among IndyCar’s elite.
