Dreyer & Reinbold Racing have announced that J.R. Hildebrand will take the second seat at the team for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500.
Hildebrand will once again have the incumbent Sage Karam as a team-mate for the prestigious event, the team will continue to use Chevrolet as their engine supplier.
The 2009 Indy Lights champion will also be using the #48 on the car to honour the late Dan Gurney.
“Last year, we had a great relationship with Dennis Reinbold’s DRR team in our initial Indy 500 effort,” said Hildebrand. “I started my IndyCar career with Dennis back in 2010 when he brought me up to the big leagues in IndyCar Racing.
"We have always had a great rapport over the years. I have always been impressed with the speed in the race of the DRR team.
"I’m thrilled to have Salesforce back on our race car, and also honouring the great Dan Gurney with the No. 48 this year. Dan was one of my racing heroes, by saluting him in this year’s Indy 500 and campaigning his famed No. 48. Dan’s No. 48 won the 1975 Indy 500 with Bobby Unser driving.
"Now, we’ll celebrate Dan’s great racing achievements with the No. 48 car."
"I’m very pleased to bring back J.R. to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway again this year,” added team owner Dennis Reinbold.
"Last year, we expanded to two cars with J.R. and Sage and the combination worked very well. J.R.’s experience at Indy brings our team a lot of background to develop the cars quickly in practice and prepare for qualifying.
"With J.R. and Sage, we have two very talented young drivers who can compete for the win on May 26. Plus, running the No. 48 in honour of Dan Gurney is exciting for me and our team. Dan was one of my heroes as a kid and it will be great to have the No. 48 back at IMS.”
Hildebrand narrowly missed out on winning the 2011 Indy 500 after crashing in the final corner while trying lap traffic. The late Dan Wheldon subsequently won the race with Hildebrand powering to the line to finish second.
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