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Food magnate Gelov buys stake in Ed Carpenter Racing

Ed Carpenter has taken a significant step in strengthening his team’s financial future with the addition of Ted Gelov, the owner of Heartland Food Products Group, as co-owner of the Ed Carpenter Racing NTT IndyCar Series team.

The development comes after ECR has persevered through budget shortfalls in recent seasons – the No. 21 Chevy formerly driven by Rinus VeeKay (main image) spent the majority of 2024 racing without primary sponsorship. Gelov’s Splenda and Java House brands will be part of the team’s presentation with the Nos. 20 and 21 entries in 2025.

“IndyCar is growing and attracting high caliber brands and in Ted’s case, also a strong business partner for our team,” Ed Carpenter said of the Indiana-based Gelov and his home state company. “Ted will help us to continue to strive for excellence both on and off the track.

“It’s fantastic to find a partner that so closely aligns with our values and shared vision for the future of Ed Carpenter Racing. We also plan on having a Java House or Splenda car on track next season, which would be special for us to work with one of our own brands. There is more to come!”

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For Gelov, there’s a natural fit with ECR, which will announce its driver lineup on Wednesday.

“We manufacture all our products here in Indiana and employ over 1,200 people,” he said. “We are committed to the Indiana community and are extremely excited to continue that by joining Ed Carpenter Racing. I am ready to do my part to help Ed and ECR in any way we can to get on the podium and win races!”

Story originally appeared on Racer