It is hard to envision racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May without Ryan Hunter-Reay, but that possibility is closer to becoming a reality.
The 41-year-old’s boasts a resume as one of the most successful Americans to ever compete in the NTT IndyCar Series with 18 career wins, including the 2014 Indianapolis 500. He also captured the championship in 2012.
The majority of that success came with Andretti Autosport, but that 12-year run came to an end at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Over the off-season, Hunter-Reay did an evaluation test with Ed Carpenter Racing at Barber Motorsports Park. However, nothing has come of it since. At the moment, he is slated to compete at IMSA’s 12 Hours of Sebring on March 19, sharing the No. 01 Cadillac with Renger van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais. Hunter-Reay has also committed to run the full SRX schedule, which spans six races.
Hunter-Reay was on hand for IndyCar’s rookie evaluation test at Texas Motor Speedway on Wednesday, helping provide mentorship for Callum Ilott of Juncos Hollinger Racing. At the end of the day, he shared with TobyChristie.com the latest on his IndyCar situation.
“We had some really close deals that kind of fell through late, but I’m only doing things now that really make sense for me and that are the right opportunities,” Hunter-Reay said. “So I’ve passed up on a few situations. I’m happy to be where I’m at with patience and being able to pick. So, going to do the 12 Hours of Sebring mid-month and then SRX after that, and who knows what pops up.”
When pressed about possibly making a one-off at this year’s 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500, it doesn’t seem promising.
“As of now, the Indy 500 situations are not a good fit for me,” he said, “the ones that have been available.”
