Ed Carpenter Racing Files Lawsuit Against Former Sponsor Ault
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) has initiated legal action against former sponsor Milton “Todd” Ault III, claiming a significant seven-figure sum remains unpaid for sponsorship services during the 2022-2024 IndyCar Seasons. The lawsuit highlights growing tensions following Ault’s withdrawal from his sponsorship role with the team.
In a brief statement to RACER, ECR team president Tim Broyles declined to comment further on the matter. Ault confirmed the lawsuit, stating, “I sponsored the team for a couple of years, and for 2024, I didn’t think I could really do much for that year.” He expressed concerns regarding perceived ownership rights that were tied to his sponsorship agreement, which he felt were dismissed when ECR sold the team to another investor.
ECR, established in 2011 and making its IndyCar debut in 2012, was co-owned by Ed Carpenter, his stepfather Tony George, and Stewart Reed until Ault’s brands adorned its Chevy-powered entries through the 2024 season. Following the 2024 season, the addition of Ted Gelov as co-owner marked a pivot in the team’s leadership and sponsorship direction, effectively ending Ault’s involvement.
Ault maintains that the financial obligations cited by ECR should be contested, asserting, “They’re definitely seeking seven figures… I dispute it because I never signed the contract for 2024.” Ault claims that the lack of a formal contract regarding ownership and naming rights complicates ECR’s demand.
Despite the ongoing legal fallout, Ault expressed a desire for an amicable resolution, stating his continued admiration for Carpenter and the team. “I would hope to settle it with them,” he remarked, stressing that the primary issue is the absence of a contract guaranteeing his stake in the team.
Since his departure from ECR, Ault has transitioned to sponsorship roles with other teams, including as the primary sponsor for the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda and the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He reassured stakeholders that the lawsuit will not affect his current sponsorship commitments, emphasizing his dedication to both IndyCar and IMSA racing.
“I am committed to IMSA, and I’m committed to Indy,” Ault affirmed. “They just have to be honest with each other about the fact that I have no path to ownership and no path to naming the team.”
As the lawsuit progresses, the motorsports community will be watching closely to see how ECR and Ault navigate this contractual dispute.
