By alley - Nov 4, 2016, 12:15 PM ET

INDYCAR: ECR confirms Hildebrand deal

Ed Carpenter Racing has confirmed that JR Hildebrand will drive the team's No.21 entry next year. As

reported by RACER yesterday

, the 28-year-old will replace Penske-bound Josef Newgarden.

"Honestly, I just couldn't be more ready to get started!" said Hildebrand in a team statement. "I've been close to, but still outside of, this role for long enough to really understand and embrace the opportunity to be back in the Verizon IndyCar Series full-time.

"The relationship I've had with Ed Carpenter and ECR has honed my determination to get back in the seat because of how confident I feel in what we could do together. Now, I'm here to make it happen. I feel like I've got something to prove and can't think of a better place to do it."

Hildebrand spent two full seasons with Panther in 2011 and 2012, and joined ECR in an Indy-only capacity in 2014, and a dual GP of Indy/Indy 500 program in 2015 and 2016.

"We first started talking about this in 2013 and the timing has just now worked to give JR an opportunity to show what he can do with a full-time ride," said Carpenter. "The job that he has done for the team each time we have put him in a car the past three years has proven to us that he is the right man for the job.

"Whether it has been his role with the team during the past three 500s or the testing he has done for us over the past two years, he consistently shows he deserves a full-time opportunity. I am confident that JR will shine in the 21 car and that ECR will continue to post the results we have grown to expect."

The team is still yet to finalize a road/street course driver for the No.20 entry. Carpenter will continue to race the car at oval events.

HILDEBRAND AT ECR