The Ed Carpenter Racing name will return to the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2016 after Sarah Fisher and Wink Hartman withdrew from the running of team to focus on other projects.
CFH Racing has officially disbanded, with Ed Carpenter resuming sole control of the team that started in 2012, with the American driver continuing in the role of driver of the #20, albeit just on the five scheduled oval events in 2016.
Josef Newgarden continues as his team-mate, but will move across from the #67 to the #21 car for 2016, with the two-time race winner driving a Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka scheme on his car for the first four races.
“After competing for a year as CFH Racing, we will be returning to ECR for 2016 and beyond,” said Carpenter. “While we had a great year as CFH Racing, we have had some partnership changes within the organization and it makes the most sense to return to ECR.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team since we started in 2012 and look forward to building upon that success for another exciting Verizon IndyCar Series season.
“ECR is in a great position as we head into 2016 and have support from great partners like Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka and Direct Supply. We have been a Chevrolet team from the beginning, so we’re excited to continue that relationship and help them win another championship. We have had a very productive off-season and our plans are well underway for a successful year.”
Fisher, who will continue to assist ECR with sponsorship development, has stepped aside to focus on her new business venture with husband Andy O’Gara, with Speedway Indoor Karting set to open in April.
“It’s important for IndyCar to have strong entries on grid and this team needs to be two of them, so I will do what I can to help them with business developments and continue with solutions for our current partners,” said Fisher.
“I am lucky to have been an owner in this series for eight years, having incredible memories along the way. Lastly, I am extremely thankful to Wink and Libba Hartman for everything they’ve done to help us get to where we are today.”
