It will be the Californian’s third straight season partnering Carpenter, having competed in the “500” for ECR in 2014 and then Carpenter Fisher Hartman Racing in last year.

This will be the second year that Hildebrand has also raced in the GP of Indy, and both he and full-time ECR driver Josef Newgarden will carry the blue/white Preferred Freezer Services colors in both Indy races. In addition, PFS will be primary sponsor of Newgarden’s car at IndyCar’s Toronto and Boston events.

Hildebrand, who has started and finished in the top 10 in his two previous Indy 500s with Carpenter, said: "I'm really glad we were able to put everything together at ECR to continue our program with Preferred Freezer.

“Especially going into this year's 100th Running of the 500, you know everyone is bringing their absolute best to the fight.

“After the experience I've had over the last two years with this team, I know we're going to be bringing a race-winning effort ourselves. I'm looking forward to working with Ed and Josef again and putting the PFS entries up front throughout May."

Commented Carpenter: "It is great to have Preferred Freezer back for another Month of May and to carry them on the cars all year long. This is a partnership that has grown each year and we are proud to see it grow again this year. We all have high hopes for all of our team cars at Indianapolis and I can't wait to get started."

Added Newgarden: "I'm excited to have JR back on the team. He's a phenomenal teammate and fantastic driver. I'm excited to work with him and Ed as 'Team America' again!"

ECR will run two cars at Phoenix, as Carpenter returns to the cockpit in the #20,