By Josh Farmer, IndyCar Reporter
On the heels of a part-time rookie season in 2016, Spencer Pigot feels that returning to Ed Carpenter Racing for the road and street courses in 2017 would be a nice fit.
The 23-year-old from Pasadena, California joined ECR driving the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet alongside Josef Newgarden for the road and street courses at the Detroit doubleheader round after beginning the season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
The two brightest points of his season came at Road America and Mid-Ohio where Pigot started deep in the field but fought through the field to score top tens in both.
The remainder of the races were a bit of a struggle for Pigot as he finished no better than 15th in his final seven races with the team. Qualifying was also a struggle for the rookie as his best start was a 17th at Road America and his average start was a dismal 20.6.
Even though he had his share of up and down results and switching teams in the middle of the year, Pigot feels that just getting the experience of racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series was more than beneficial to him.
“I think it was a typical rookie season, a lot of learning,” Pigot told Motorsports Tribune. “It was a little tricky to get used to a new team, a new aero kit, a new engine and all of that. Both were awesome teams, I really enjoyed working with both of them. We had a few good races, a few top 10s at Road America and Mid-Ohio which were a lot of fun.
“Overall it was a decent season. I think there were a few things that I could have done better but overall I’m just excited to finally have a shot at in Indycar and I hope I get another one next year.”
Now that the IndyCar silly season is winding down, the only seats that are available are the No. 20 which Pigot drove and the lone seat at KV Racing. Pigot feels that staying at ECR would be the best choice given his experience with the team.
“I’d really like to be back with Ed’s team and do the road courses with him in the No. 20 car,” Pigot continued. “We’re working on that. The main goal would be to go back to a team that I feel comfortable with and know how they work and they know how I work.
“I really like everyone on the team. Ed has put together a great group of people that are very talented at what they do and love being at the track. It’s a great environment for a driver to be a part of.”
The team has since signed JR Hildebrand to drive the No. 21 Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet, replacing the departed Josef Newgarden. Despite Hildebrand getting the full-time ride at the team, Pigot does not feel that will hinder his chances of returning to the team.
“I don’t think JR’s arrival has any effect on my plans for 2017,” he said.
“It would be great to work alongside him.”
