Since joining ECR-Chevrolet in June last year, Pigot has been standing down for the oval courses, and turning the car over to oval specialist team owner Ed Carpenter. Pigot did, however, compete in the Indianapolis 500 this year with Juncos Racing, as the team made its IndyCar debut.

However, he will now switch to the #21 ECR machine, which has been occupied full-time by JR Hildebrand this season,

“To say I am excited about 2018 would be an understatement,” said Pigot. “I have really enjoyed my time so far with Ed Carpenter Racing and this is the next step in what I hope is a long, successful partnership with the team in the Verizon IndyCar Series.

“I am very thankful to Ed Carpenter, Tony George, Stuart Reed and everyone at ECR for their confidence in me to deliver the results the team deserves. It is a privilege to represent Fuzzy's Vodka, Preferred Freezer Services, Direct Supply and all of the other partners of ECR in 2018.

“I will still have a lot to learn as 2018 will be my first full season in Indy car, but I know I have the team and teammate with Ed to help me as I get used to regularly racing on ovals again.”

Pigot has been plagued by bad luck this season, limiting him to three top-10 finishes, but the 2015 Indy Lights champion has driven aggressively in his sophomore season and at Watkins Glen led an IndyCar race for the first time in his career.

Said Carpenter: “It is very exciting to be announcing that Spencer will be competing in a full-time role for ECR in 2018. He made significant strides from his rookie season into his sophomore year and we see much more potential in his ability.

“Spencer has worked very hard to improve in all areas of his driving and we feel the time has come to give him a chance to compete for the championship. I look forward to his continued development and reaching the top step of the podium in 2018.”

With Carpenter continuing to drive the #20 car on ovals in 2018, the car’s road and street course driver is described as “still under consideration.”