Rinus VeeKay confirmed on Monday that he will not continue as a driver for Ed Carpenter Racing next season.
The Dutch driver progressed through IndyCar’s feeder series and joined the top level series in 2020 with ECR.
VeeKay stayed with the team for five seasons, piloting the #21 entry through 80 races in that time.
He has secured four podiums in his career, including a solitary win on the IMS road course in 2021, but has not finished higher than fifth in the past two seasons.
It was known that VeeKay and team owner Ed Carpenter will still discussing details of his contract extension, and it seems those talks have fallen through.
“A big “thank you” to everyone that sent me kind messages over the past few days,” said VeeKay on social media.
“I also want to thank Ed Carpenter Racing for giving me the opportunity and support during the last 5 years. We had some excellent success together, but as happens in racing, we had some challenges too…but most importantly we always gave the maximum and had fun…with a great team spirit.
“Now that my contract with ECR has come to an end, I am excited about the future and know that I have my best racing years ahead of me.”
ECR has not yet announced who will be taking over the #21 entry for next season. Carpenter has said that he intends to continue running oval races in the #20, leaving a part time seat open as well.
The team has two charters for next season and is obligated to run both entries on a full time basis, though that was the team’s intention regardless.
VeeKay has also yet to confirm his plans for next season, and many of IndyCar’s seats have been already filled.
