Coming just an hour after the announcement that long time partner Tony Kannan had been released from Andretti Autosport, the team announced today that Ryan Hunter-Reay has re-signed. "It will be fun preparing for the 2011 season knowing that we have a solid program with Ryan. We need to work to get stronger as a race team and put ourselves in a position to compete for our fourth series championship. Ryan will be a major part of that effort," said Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti.
A new 2-year contract through the 2012 season has been agreed upon, returning the American to the same team in back-to-back years for the first time since he ran with Rahal Letterman Racing in the second half of 2007 and full-time in '08. After Ethanol dropped their sponsorship with RLR following the 2008 season, Hunter-Reay was left high and dry until a late deal with Vision Racing came together. Competing in 6 events with behind the wheel of the #21 Vision entry, RHR jumped over to fill in for the injured Vitor Meira at Iowa before finishing out the turbulent season in the #14.
Sponsorship for Hunter-Reay will be announced 'in the near future'
"As we prepare for 2011, I have strong relationships within the team to build on. Our goals are reasonable and achievable.
Michael has taken the reins of this team, knows what he wants to accomplish and how to get there. Anything less than wins and challenging for the championship next year would be unacceptable. With that said, we all recognize there is a lot of work to be done to bring the team back to that level.
Starting the job in October, rather than in March, will be a luxury I've never had before. I look to add to my four Indy car wins and become a title contender throughout the season." - Ryan Hunter-Reay
A new 2-year contract through the 2012 season has been agreed upon, returning the American to the same team in back-to-back years for the first time since he ran with Rahal Letterman Racing in the second half of 2007 and full-time in '08. After Ethanol dropped their sponsorship with RLR following the 2008 season, Hunter-Reay was left high and dry until a late deal with Vision Racing came together. Competing in 6 events with behind the wheel of the #21 Vision entry, RHR jumped over to fill in for the injured Vitor Meira at Iowa before finishing out the turbulent season in the #14.
Sponsorship for Hunter-Reay will be announced 'in the near future'
"As we prepare for 2011, I have strong relationships within the team to build on. Our goals are reasonable and achievable.
Michael has taken the reins of this team, knows what he wants to accomplish and how to get there. Anything less than wins and challenging for the championship next year would be unacceptable. With that said, we all recognize there is a lot of work to be done to bring the team back to that level.
Starting the job in October, rather than in March, will be a luxury I've never had before. I look to add to my four Indy car wins and become a title contender throughout the season." - Ryan Hunter-Reay