His Professor Said Racing Wasn't a Real Career | Ed Carpenter, ECR

On today's show I sat down with Indiana native, IndyCar driver, and team owner Ed Carpenter who talks about Indy 500 pressure, building an IndyCar team, and having Indiana pride.

Carpenter raced USAC through high school and college, balancing racing while earning a marketing degree from Butler University, where he was even given a D by a professor for having an "unrealistic five-year plan." He debuted in IndyCar in 2003 and the Indy 500 in 2004, and helped build and later shut down his family's Vision Racing.

He founded Ed Carpenter Racing in 2012 with partners including Stuart Reed, launching during a new chassis cycle, and sustaining 15 seasons through perseverance and funding swings. He discusses new ownership partner Ted Gelov and major partners like Java House and Splenda, recent changes aimed at winning, and why qualifying is the most stressful part of May.

Carpenter also reflects on IndyCar's momentum with FOX, Doug Boles' leadership, and his best memories and favorite hidden gem of Indiana.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Ed Carpenter's Racing Journey Through USAC and IndyCar
- Why Qualifying Is the Biggest Stress in May
- The Reasons for Starting a Racing Team

Thank you to our partners:
Barkeep Vodka
Kirklin

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:40 Guest Introduction: Ed Carpenter, ECR
03:09 Racing and College
05:50 Butler D Paper Story
09:42 From USAC to IndyCar
11:00 Why Start a Team
14:14 Vision Racing Shuts Down
16:06 Launching ECR in 2012
19:26 Building Staff and Culture
20:47 15 Seasons of Survival
21:36 New Ownership Era
25:14 May Expectations and Indy 500
26:58 ECR Ready for May
27:58 Staying Sharp Off Track
29:36 Bump Day Nerves
31:57 Qualifying Pressure Cooker
32:40 IndyCar Momentum and FOX
35:29 Doug Boles Spotlight
36:55 Favorite Indy 500 Traditions
39:05 Dream Big Plan Smart
41:51 Indy 500 Team Mindset
45:47 Family Perspective on Winning
49:16 Indiana Rapid Fire
52:40 Wrap Up and Where to Follow

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