Photo Credit: Justin McFarland
On September 18 it was announced that Ryan Hunter-Reay has extended his contract with Andretti Autosport throughout 2020 and he will be keeping DHL as the main sponsor for the whole time.
The 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series Champion, Hunter-Reay will continue to drive the No.28 entry for four more season. When his contract is up in 2020 RHR will have driven 11 years with Andretti Autosport.
“I couldn’t be happier about this announcement and the opportunity to continue with Andretti Autosport as an ambassador for DHL,” Hunter-Reay stated. “These next four years will take us to nearly a decade-long relationship with DHL and a full 11 years with the team. We’ve won 13 races together, the Indy 500 and the INDYCAR championship and we’re going to do a lot more together,” Hunter-Reay added. “Over the years we have become more of a family than just a team and sponsor. I’m proud to represent this group and this brand and am looking forward to the milestones yet to come.”
DHL leads the world as a top notch global express service provider and they began their sponsorship with Andretti in 2011, however their relationship goes all the way back to 2005.
“To see this partnership develop and continue over a 15-year period, through 2020 is the result of hard work by both companies in support of DHL marketing, sales and B2B objectives,” Michael Andretti, Andretti Autosport owner and CEO added. “It also reflects the strength of the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 properties.”
Two weeks ago at Watkins Glen International Hunter-Reay made his 200th IndyCar start, he started racing in the series in 2003. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native now has most success of an American driver in the series, and has more race wins (16) than any of the other American drivers have combined.
“The speed, reliability and dedication that Andretti Autosport, Ryan Hunter-Reay and the DHL INDYCAR team exemplify are a mirror image of the qualities that enable DHL to be true to our motto of ‘Excellence, simply delivered,’” Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Americas quoted. “It’s an impactful way to engage our customers as well as employees with a world-class racing experience.”
The Company feels that because of RHR’s success and popularity in the sport is a major reason for the deal.
“Since we first teamed up with Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2011, the partnership has been one of the most powerful ways for us to connect our global brand with the public,” Christine Nashick, chief marketing officer for DHL Express Americas said. “We are thrilled to continue this partnership for a decade and with Ryan as our brand ambassador.”
Hunter-Reay and teammate Marco Andretti are the only drivers to resign for 2017 thus far, giving the team a strong foundation with lots of IndyCar experience.
“I can’t express how pleased we are to be able to announce that Ryan will be returning through 2020,” Michael Andretti said. “Ryan is one of the top, if not the top driver in the series and has been a leader within the team since he started with us in 2010, winning in only his fourth race (at Long Beach). Ryan has won 13 races, an INDYCAR championship and the Indy 500 with Andretti Autosport, and I have no doubt this partnership will put us in a position for further success.”
