Ed Carpenter Risked Everything to Start an IndyCar Team

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 // http://BarkeepVodka.com Kirklin // http://kirklin-mainstreet.org/ 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 http://getindiana.com/podcast Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QyVDj3 Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up. https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QyVDj3