Last month, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing announced that it had purchased an IndyCar charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 2027 season.
It was the first such sale since IndyCar introduced the charter system a couple years ago, and validated the premise that an entry on the grid could hold tangible value.
The charter transfer gives what has been RLL’s third entry to DRR to run a full season, but there appears to be more to the deal.
Speaking at the Portland race weekend, Graham Rahal confirmed that there will be a partnership between the two teams as well.
“Not that much [of a change] for us, because I think we’ll be working very closely with DRR,” said Rahal.
“First off, the Dreyer and Reinbold folks I’m very close with. Dennis means a lot to me, gave me opportunities when nobody else would back in 2010.
“Obviously I drove [for DRR] in Indy a couple years ago, but even beyond that Dennis and I were very close for many years and share a lot of similarities both in racing and in business with our car dealerships. To go with them was the perfect fit.
“That conversation started a long time ago. I’ll admit, I had no clue it was still going on because I thought the conversation had died off. I got the news quite late.
“The reality is, there is a lot of positives for both. For them to go back full time racing and lean on us, and for us to get some of the info from Indy because they’ve been very strong in Indy.
“There’s going to be a great partnership there. We’re going to work closely together in every regard. I’m very excited about that.”
Value in charters
A dollar amount was not announced for the charter sale, but this initial foray into IndyCar’s business of owning race entries is more than a single transaction.
With DRR and RLL working together from 2027, each side is able to restructure in a way that suits their best interests.
“It was the right time from the team perspective,” continued Rahal. “My personal opinion is that we’ve been a little over our skis. An opportunity like this is big.
“From a family perspective, I remember when the charters were announced and I made a comment about what a blessing it was for a family like mine, who have committed and lost millions of dollars in this sport, to have the charters because it solidified value in that.
“It validated that there is value in this. It gives value to the business. For us, that was a very impactful thing.
“I think it’s going to be a wonderful partnership. I’m super pumped to have DRR right next to us.”
RLL will field just two full time entries for the 2027 season for the first time since 2021.
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