In what could be termed as a bittersweet day for Andretti Autosport, the team announced a new two-year deal with American driver Ryan Hunter-Reay and the release of former IZOD IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan after eight years of service.
Hunter-Reay was the top American in the IndyCar championship last season, finishing seventh in the points with a victory at the Grand Prix of Long Beach coming along the way in 2010. According to the team, RHR’s sponsor for 2011 will be announced soon. IZOD, his previous primary sponsor, recently announced that they would not return as a team backer for Andretti Autosport.
But the bigger news is that Kanaan will be in a new ride come next spring. Since joining the team in its inaugural Indy Racing League season back in 2003, Kanaan has earned 14 wins and a series title in 2004, when he bested then-teammate Dan Wheldon by 85 points.
Unfortunately for Kanaan, his main sponsor, 7-Eleven, was lost early this offseason. With that, one of the more enduring driver-sponsor pairings in Indy Racing League history came to a close. And now TK will have to carry on with another team.
In a team statement, Kanaan gave a classy sendoff.
“I want to thank Michael Andretti and everyone at Andretti Autosport for eight years together,” said the Brazilian. “We created some great memories that I will always cherish and we have much to be proud of. I personally want to thank my guys for all their hard work over the years and for always believing in me. This is a team sport at the end of the day and I’ve considered it a pleasure to have you guys on my team.”
As for team owner Michael Andretti, he thanked Kanaan “for all the effort and passion he shared with our race team and the fans during our eight seasons together” and said that he’d always be a part of the Andretti Autosport family.
“Tony deserved a chance when we signed him prior to the 2003 season and he made the mos of that opportunity,” Andretti said. “He brought us our first pole, our first race win and our first championship. We were always a contender to win the Indianapolis 500, and while I’m disappointed we were never able to do that together, I am confident that Tony will win it before his career is over.”
Meanwhile, Hunter-Reay will be able to continue on with the team after getting the biggest break of his career last season. The American also made clear that he’s aiming to be a legitimate threat for next year’s championship.
“Starting the job in October, rather than in March, will be a luxury I’ve never had before,” he said in another team statement. “I look to add to my four Indy car wins and become a title contender throughout the season.”
Andretti also touched on Hunter-Reay finally being able to nail down a steady drive.
“He is a driver that has earned the right to have that kind of stability and we feel very fortunate to know that he will be a major piece of our foundation going forward,” he said.
