ECR has confirmed Hunter McElrea as the team’s first official reserve driver.
An American-born New Zealander, McElrea will travel with ECR on race weekends and, if needed, be on standby for the team’s two full-time entries. He will also support the team’s on-track testing program, as well as complete simulation work on Chevrolet’s Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator.
“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,” stated McElrea. “The NTT IndyCar Series has always been my goal, so I’m thankful for the opportunity and ready to support ECR however I can!”
McElrea, the runner-up for the 2023 Indy NXT title, has taken part in multiple tests behind the wheel of an ECR Chevrolet-powered entry (November, 2024; February, 2026). His lone IndyCar Series debut came in 2024 with Dale Coyne Racing, where he finished 24th after contact ended his day early.
In addition to his newly-labeled role with ECR, McElrea also competes regularly in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with United Autosports USA. He most recently captured an LMP2 class win in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring last week. He is also a two-time IMSA Endurance Cup champion, along with being a two-time class winner at Petit Le Mans.
“Securing a reserve driver has been something that we have discussed over the last year,” said Ed Carpenter, CEO and co-owner of ECR.
“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, President of ECR, added, “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.”
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