Ed Carpenter Confirmed for One-Off Indy 500 Run with SlimFast Sponsorship
Indianapolis, IN – March 25, 2026 – Ed Carpenter, CEO and co-owner of Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), will make his 23rd career start in the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Carpenter will pilot the No. 33 SlimFast Special Chevrolet, unveiled on Wednesday morning at Monument Circle in Indianapolis.1
A Hometown Race for a Veteran Driver
Carpenter’s participation marks a one-off appearance in the IndyCar Series for the veteran driver, who will focus on his team ownership duties for the remainder of the season. He has previously qualified first in 2013 and 2014, and achieved a second-place finish in 2018, likewise earning his third Indy 500 pole that year.2
SlimFast Returns to Racing
The No. 33 Chevrolet will prominently feature the iconic red branding of SlimFast, a protein and meal replacement brand recently acquired by Heartland Food Products Group and now headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.1 The sponsorship reflects Heartland’s broader focus on health and wellness, joining Splenda® and Java House® as brands represented on ECR cars this May.1
Supporting Hoosier Charities
Beyond the racing aspect, Carpenter’s entry will support Hoosier charitable organizations. The team will partner with HATCH, which connects farmers and protein producers to food-insecure individuals and families through food banks, serving as the Official Hunger-Relief Partner of ECR. The No. 33 entry will continue to support the Riley Children’s Foundation, Indiana’s leading foundation dedicated to children’s health.2
ECR’s Full Lineup
Carpenter will be joined by full-time ECR drivers Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen, creating a three-car lineup for the team at Indianapolis.2
“There is always so much motivation to win the Indianapolis 500, both for myself as a driver and for ECR as a whole,” Carpenter said. “I’ve been fortunate to run this race many times now, but it means a little more every time you get the chance to compete in it. To represent SlimFast, AES Indiana, and many other Indiana partners is something I seize a lot of pride in.”2
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