By: Spencer Neff
January 14, 2021

The season opener remains less than three months away but the driver lineup for the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series is becoming clearer.

On Thursday morning, Andretti Autosport confirmed that Ryan Hunter-Reay and sponsor DHL will return for the 2021 season.

“We’re really happy to welcome both DHL and Ryan back for the 2021 INDYCAR season,” said Andretti Autosport chairman and CEO Michael Andretti.

“Over the past 10 years, DHL has become family to us, and Ryan has recorded some of the team’s greatest accomplishments. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2021 brings.”

In 2011, DHL joined Andretti Autosport and Hunter-Reay as primary sponsor. Since then, Hunter-Reay has won the 2012 series championship and the 2014 Indianapolis 500.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Andretti Autosport into 2021, powered by our No. 28 champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Americas.

“We’ve shared an incredible history with Ryan throughout his entire INDYCAR career, as he has been an amazing DHL brand ambassador. Ryan has helped to further elevate our brand and engage our employees while he continues to excite racing fans.” 

During the 2020 season, Hunter-Reay earned a best finish of third at the second Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course race, while his best start (2nd) came in the first race on the road course.

In his 266 combined starts across ChampCar and IndyCar, Hunter-Reay has won 18 races and six pole positions, the last of which came in the 2018 season finale at Sonoma Raceway, where he won from the pole.

“I’m eager to get to work and honored to represent both DHL and Andretti Autosport yet again,” said Hunter-Reay.

“DHL has been one of the longest tenured primary sponsors in INDYCAR history and that yellow 28 car has become one of the iconic INDYCAR liveries; for that I am extremely grateful. I want nothing more than to add a second Indy 500 win to our accomplishments and earn the title of INDYCAR Champion for a second time as well.”

In addition to DHL, Auto Nation will also return as sponsor, with Hunter-Reay continuing as an ambassador for their DRV PNK campaign to battle cancer.

“Coupled with the DHL partnership, AutoNation has also been vital to my career over the past nine years and I’m very proud for the opportunity to continue as a Drive Pink brand ambassador as well,” Hunter-Reay added.

“2020 was a pretty unconventional season, and we left the year with unfinished business. Overall, as a team, we’re focused on extracting the maximum potential from the speed we had in 2020.” 

In addition to Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport previously confirmed Alexander Rossi and Colton Herta for their 2021 driver lineup.

Header Image By Chris Owens/INDYCAR