Hunter-Reay last raced in IndyCar in 2021 with his iconic DHL colors. Photo: IndyCar
Ryan Hunter-Reay will get back behind the wheel in the NTT IndyCar Series this May, having secured a ride with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing.
The 42-year-old’s deal was announced on Wednesday afternoon, giving the team two confirmed entries into the famous event with Stefan Wilson having been announced a couple months previous.
“I am thrilled to have Ryan Hunter-Reay join our lineup for the 2023 Indianapolis 500,” said team owner Dennis Reinbold.
“Ryan is a proven winner at the Speedway, winning in 2014, and is a tremendously talented driver who is a great addition to our team for this year’s 500.”
2022 was the first year Hunter-Reay did not compete in the Indy 500 since the 2007 season, with his open wheel career stretching back even farther courtesy of a few seasons in CART before the merger.
His Andretti Autosport entry, and iconic DHL partnership, was taken over by Romain Grosjean last year as the Frenchman decided to take his IndyCar career full time.
That left Hunter-Reay without a seat for 2022, but he has now secured a drive in the #23 entry to contest his 15th Indy 500.
The announcement also gives this year’s Indy 500 33 confirmed entries, which fills the field and puts some fans worries to rest.
“I’ve been eager to share this news for quite some time,” Hunter-Reay said. “This partnership with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing presents a unique opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get back on track at IMS. I feel laser-focused and energized. The Indy 500 isn’t just a motor race, for me; it’s a way of life.
“I was incredibly attracted to the fact that DRR is a streamlined program that puts all of its energy into the month of May. I guess you can say I’m going back to my roots, considering how I started my IndyCar career with smaller teams that took the fight to the bigger efforts and won.
“If you look at DRR’s record at Indy and its impressive recent results, the pool of talented engineers and crew, it’s a perfect fit.
“Dennis Reinbold embodies everything the Indy 500 is about. He is, without a doubt, one of the Indy 500’s most passionate entrants. I look forward to working with him, the entire team, and my teammate Stefan Wilson.”
Keyword: Hunter-Reay announced for Indy 500 return