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INDYCAR: RHR To AGR
Written by: Robin Miller   
11/04/2009
Indianapolis, IN
 
Hidden in Thursday's press conference to officially announce IZOD as IndyCar's title sponsor is the fact Ryan Hunter-Reay looks like he's going to land on his feet thanks to his association with the clothing company.
After years of being coveted by Michael Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay is expected to be confirmed at AGR on Thursday, giving the team owner three American drivers under the same tent. (LAT) ยป More Photos

SPEEDtv.com has learned that Hunter-Reay, the face of IZOD's television and advertising campaign the past two years with his personal services deal, is closing in on the fourth seat at Michael Andretti's team for 2010.

The 28-year-old veteran has been negotiating with Andretti for the past several weeks and is expected to sign a contract. Contacted earlier this week at his Florida home, Hunter-Reay could only say: "Something good is on the horizon but it's not done yet and I can't talk about it."

Andretti, who is taking over the team co-owned by Kim Green and Kevin Savoree since 2002, acknowledge two weeks ago that RHR was on his "short list" for next season, if sponsorship could be found.

A winner in CART, Champ
Car and IndyCar, Hunter-Reay has been on Andretti's radar for the past several seasons.

Attempts to reach Andretti for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Sources say IZOD is committing $5 million a year to marketing and promotion, $100,000 per car to IndyCar owners and providing seven-figure sponsorship for Hunter-Reay.

After an 11th hour deal to drive for Tony George in 2009, RHR lost that ride when the IRL founder couldn't secure sponsorship so he finished out the season as Vitor Meira's replacement at A.J. Foyt's team.

IZOD has always maintained that having Hunter-Reay in a competitive situation was a priority and joining Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti and Danica Patrick could benefit RHR, as well as the once powerful team that went winless in '09.

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEEDtv.com, SPEED, FOX, or NewsCorp.
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