Ryan Hunter-Reay wraps Indycar season with Andretti Autosport

DHL’s partners in the Verizon Indycar Series, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Andretti Autosport, have completed another season. While bad luck in the final race kept Hunter-Reay from a higher overall finish, a win at the Indy 500 provided a career highlight for the American racer.

Coming into the MAVTV 500, the final Indycar race of the 2014 season, Ryan Hunter-Reay was eyeing a top-three finish in the championship.

On lap 175 of the 250-lap race, Hunter-Reay was in a fight for second place, which would have seen him finish among the top three overall for the season. But, luck was not on his side at the racetrack in Fontana, California.

“I was pushing really hard on old tires under Tony Kanaan for second and the car just came around on me.” (Ryan Hunter-Reay)

The incident left his #28 DHL Honda car stalled on the infield and a lap down.

Ryan finished 16th in Fontana and sixth overall in the championship standings.

“Was hoping to end the season on a higher note but, nonetheless, I have to thank all the fans for the support this season as well as everyone at DHL and Honda,” he said after the race. “We’ll come back stronger than ever in 2015.”

Looking ahead, when Hunter-Reay returns to the Verizon Indycar Series next season, he’ll have two trusty partners at his side once again:  Andretti Autosport recently announced Hunter-Reay would return to the team through 2015 and beyond to pilot the DHL car. In addition, DHL and Andretti Autosport have extended their partnership, which dates back to 2011.

"To think back on my career and how far it has come, I know that DHL and Andretti Autosport have been instrumental in great achievements,” Ryan said at a recent press conference announcing the partnership extension.

“I'm happy to call both organizations family and proud of how we have grown together over the past years.” (Ryan Hunter-Reay)

This season, Hunter-Reay won the prestigious Indy 500 and was awarded the second Best Driver ESPY of his career. In his career, Hunter-Reay has completed 168 Indycar races, which includes 14 race wins and a thrilling championship title in 2012.

"Having a driver as dedicated as Ryan and a partner as supportive as DHL is what every IndyCar team strives to achieve,” said Andretti Autosport team owner Michael Andretti. “I'm happy to have shared the last few years with them and look forward to all of the success that will no doubt be in our future together."

For more on DHL’s involvement in the world of motorsports, including Formula 1 and the brand-new all-electric racing series Formula E, check out the motorsports steam of InMotion.