Jordan King Joins ECR for 2018 Run

By Aaron Bearden, Contributing Writer

Ed Carpenter Racing will turn to a United States newcomer to fill out the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet’s lineup.

The organization announced Thursday that Jordan King, 23, has joined them to compete on road and street courses in the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.

The Briton will compete in 11 races for the team beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg. He’ll split driving duties for the ride with team owner Ed Carpenter, who will continue to compete in the six events on ovals.

“We are very excited to welcome Jordan to the ECR family and to have him in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet for the 2018 road and street course races,” Carpenter said in a team release. “I first met Jordan at Sonoma Raceway in 2016 as he was exploring opportunities in INDYCAR. He is a very motivated, intelligent and hungry driver, which is exactly what we are looking for at ECR.

“Jordan has had a lot of success and experience in Europe and I can’t wait to see what he is capable of with ECR in the Verizon IndyCar Series.”

A native of Warwickshire, England, King comes to INDYCAR as a transplant from international formula racing. He’s a 2013 champion of British Formula 3, and has three seasons of competition in Formula 2 (formerly GP2) from 2015-17 under his belt, having served as a teammate to Indianapolis 500 winner and current INDYCAR star Alexander Rossi in 2015.

King also spent time as a reserve driver for Manor Marussia in Formula One from 2015-16.

“I am beyond excited to get started in the Verizon IndyCar Series,” King said. “After winning at Silverstone in 2016 and being able to drive in F1 practice, 2017 was not what I was hoping for. Going into the new season, I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity with ECR to work towards our collective goals. I believe that together, both of us have the capability to do well!”

The announcement completes ECR’s expected full-time lineup for 2018. King will be joined by teammate and full-time competitor Spencer Pigot in the No. 21 Chevrolet at each start.

The newcomer will get his first taste of INDYCAR in a Feb. 5 test at Sonoma Raceway. The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is slated for March 11.

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