ECR adds McElrea as test and reserve driver

ECR has taken a rare step among IndyCar Series teams to formally nominate a test and reserve driver, Hunter McElrea, in the same manner that has been standard for Formula 1 teams.

For the New Zealander, the connection with ECR has been building in recent years as the 26-year-old has tested for the team on two occasions, with the most recent run taking place in February. Amid his IMSA LMP2 obligations to United Autosports, McElrea will travel with the team to IndyCar races and be ready to fill in for Alexander Rossi or Christian Rasmussen if needed and assist in testing with driver-in-the-loop simulator work highlighted as areas where he’ll make an impact.

“I am really excited to join ECR as a reserve driver,” McElrea said. “The team has great momentum and I’m looking forward to being part of it. The IndyCar Series has always been my goal, so I’m thankful for the opportunity and ready to support ECR however I can!”

Prior to his shift towards endurance racing where he’s amassed a remarkable record with five major LMP2 wins from 13 starts, McElrea was a front-runner on the USF championships and Indy NXT open-wheel ladder and made a single IndyCar start for Dale Coyne Racing at Toronto in 2024.

Multiple attempts to land a full-time IndyCar seat were made by McElrea, and with no immediate options to accept, the shift towards a new test and reserve opportunity with ECR has given the team and driver a creative way to continue developing their relationship.

“Having a reserve driver in place is an important step in maintaining the level of performance required in this series,” said ECR team president Tim Broyles. “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.”