VeeKay departs Ed Carpenter Racing

Ed Carpenter Racing has informed Rinus VeeKay it will end their relationship after five seasons and replace the rapid Dutchman with a new driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet in 2025.

RACER has learned the decision came as a surprise to the 24-year-old after both sides have worked in recent months -- including in the days after the September 15 Nashville Speedway season finale -- to negotiate an extension that would keep him in the car for at least one more season.

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In a story from earlier in the month on his interest in retaining VeeKay and Danish rookie Christian Rasmussen, Carpenter told RACER he was keen to continue, but stopped short of confirming, saying “We certainly have strong feelings about both of our drivers and can definitely envision a future with both of them, but don't have anything done yet. We’re still just finalizing budget and everything else. But definitely there's interest in both guys. Rinus has been with the team a long time. Christian's fresher, and needs more time, but we’re happy with where he's at.”

Making his debut with ECR in 2020, VeeKay earned four podiums, two poles, and one victory for the team. Across the five seasons, VeeKay was incredibly consistent, placing 14th, 12th, 12th, 14th and 13th in the championship. He also ended 2024 as the leader in laps completed and delivered five top 10 finishes over the last eight races.

RACER understands the team could announce its replacement for VeeKay in the No. 21 and who’ll drive the No. 20 Chevy as early as next week. With few paying opportunities left in the paddock, finding a new home will pose a challenge to VeeKay as most of the available seats require millions of dollars to be secured. Calls to ECR and VeeKay were not returned at the time of publishing.