Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) have confirmed they have sold an IndyCar charter to the Dreyer and Reinbold Racing squad. It means they will be a two-car operation in 2027, with DRR returning to full-time competition for the first time in 15 years.
Louis Foster or Mick Schumacher are expected to be dropped from the RLL team. As for DRR, they will announce their driver at some stage.
Despite the untimely passing of team owner Dennis Reinbold last month, Rahal Letterman Lanigan agreed a deal with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing to sell an IndyCar charter to them.
DEREK REINBOLD, Chief Executive Officer of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
“I want to thank Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan, David Letterman, and Jay Frye for the way they approached this from our very first conversation. They treated this as a partnership between two organizations that want to see each other succeed, and this announcement today reflects that.
“The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is in the strongest position it has been in for decades, and that is a direct result of Roger Penske’s stewardship and leadership. The growth of this series, on the track and off, made this the right moment for our team to return to full-time racing.
“My dad built Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and poured his life into it, and our family has been part of the Speedway for four generations. Competing for a full season again is the truest way we can honor his legacy, and we intend to make him proud.”
BOBBY RAHAL, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
“I have always had tremendous respect for Dennis Reinbold, both as a fellow team owner and as a fellow automobile dealer. His dedication to INDYCAR and the legacy he built over many years earned the respect of everyone in the paddock.
“As we evaluated the long-term direction of our organization, we made the strategic decision to return our full-time program to two-cars beginning in 2027. We believe this positions our team to be able to maximize our level of competition while allowing us to focus our resources as we prepare for the introduction of the new car.
“Dennis had expressed interest in acquiring a charter from the time the charter program was established, and we had several discussions with him before his passing. We’re pleased we were able to complete this transaction, and we can’t think of a more deserving organization to receive the charter. It reflects Dennis’s longstanding commitment to the sport and helps ensure that legacy continues.”
MARK MILES, President and Chief Executive Officer of Penske Entertainment:
“The first transfer of an INDYCAR charter is an important milestone for the INDYCAR charter system and demonstrates that the system is working as intended. The charter system provides teams with a valuable asset encouraging their continued investment in the long-term growth of the sport while also providing new ownership groups with a clear pathway into the series. It’s another step in strengthening the long-term foundation of INDYCAR.”
