LONG BEACH, Calif. — Rinus VeeKay will return to Ed Carpenter Racing for next year’s NTT IndyCar Series campaign.
The 21-year-old will continue as full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet, a role he will now hold for a third season.
“I am very excited to have another season with Ed Carpenter Racing. We made so much progress this year, I had my first win in IndyCar and made many great memories. Next year, we can be better than we’ve ever been,” VeeKay said. “We want to be championship contenders, to go for even better results, more frequent wins and podium finishes. The atmosphere at ECR is perfect for that, it feels like a group of friends who are eager to work hard for strong results. I am excited to continue that in 2022 and not having anything change.”
Raised in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, Rinus van Kalmthout began karting in 2009 at the age of 8. With sights set firmly on the pinnacle of North American open-wheel racing, he transitioned to the Road to Indy in 2017 and launched his U.S. career driving as Rinus VeeKay.
His rapid ascent through the RTI ranks included 16 wins and 36 podiums in 48 races. Those statistics propelled him to second place in the 2017 USF2000 standings, the 2018 Indy Pro 2000 title and a runner-up finish in the 2019 Indy Lights championship.
VeeKay makes his 29th IndyCar start Sunday at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
“I am very happy that Rinus will be back behind the wheel for ECR in 2022,” said team owner Ed Carpenter. “Rinus has continued to show that he has the talent and work ethic to be a champion and that’s the goal of our team. We look forward to more success next season.”
VeeKay earned his first career victory in the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in May.
A third year with the Indianapolis-based team will make VeeKay the longest-tenured full-time driver in Ed Carpenter Racing’s 10-year history.