Dreyer & Reinbold Racing purchase INDYCAR charter for 2027

CARMEL, Ind. — Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced their purchase of a Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing charter for their return to full-time NTT INDYCAR Series racing in 2027.

The pending return will mark DRR’s first full INDYCAR season since 2013.

DRR snatched up the highly rumored charter off the open market from RLL as the latter downsizes back to a two-car operation.

“I want to thank Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan, David Letterman and Jay Frye for the way they approached this from our very first conversation,” said Derek Reinbold, DRR chief executive officer.

“They treated this as a partnership between two organizations that want to see each other succeed, and this announcement today reflects that.”

The increase back to 11 full-time teams increases the healthiness of field and the readdiction of DRR continues to showcase strong competition.

“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.”

“I have always had tremendous respect for Dennis Reinbold, both as a fellow team owner and as a fellow automobile dealer,” RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “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.”

The sale also marked the first charter transaction since its incorporation into INDYCAR in late 2024.

The charter sale for RLL leaves Mick Schumacher’s IndyCar future up in the air, but DRR has the opportunity to take their pick of the lot.

DRR will announce its driver and other details of its single-car effort in the near future. But, Conor Daly is the leading candidate associated with the team.

Daly has several starts with the team with his most recent start coming at this years Indianapolis 500 and would be a welcome addition to the 2027 grid.