Now with Arrow McLaren in 2026 and behind the wheel of the No. 31 car, Hunter-Reay will return to the number he used in his IndyCar debut — then in the CART Series — in 2003, driving for American Spirit Team Johansson.
A proven winner at Indianapolis
Ryan Hunter-Reay of Andretti Auto Sport celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk in Victory Circle after winning the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race
Photo by: Michael C. Johnson
Hunter-Reay, who will turn 45 next December, brings more than two decades of experience to the papaya squad, with 395 career starts, 18 victories and 47 podiums since his arrival in IndyCar.
“This is an incredible opportunity in so many ways. I’d like to express my gratitude to Zak, Tony and the rest of the Arrow McLaren management team for pursuing this partnership and making it a reality”, Hunter-Reay said. “It is an honor to represent and drive for one of the most iconic teams in motorsports history, an organization that spares no effort or resource in the pursuit of being the at the pinnacle of the sport and of course, winning the Indy 500. After coming so agonizingly close to a shot at the win in last year’s 500, I am beyond primed and ready to make the absolute most of this partnership.”
Team principal Tony Kanaan, who captured the Indy 500 in 2013 and now leads the Arrow McLaren effort, said Hunter-Reay’s track record makes him the ideal addition to the team’s expanded entry.
“Ryan is a great addition to the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and just who we want in that fourth car this coming May alongside Pato, Nolan and Christian. He’s an Indy 500 champion – and if you look at our history at McLaren – that’s the reason we field a fourth car, to have one more contender in the mix. He is a proven winner, and we know he will have a strong chance to win this historic event. Ryan is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, and we’re very excited to get started with him and have him part of our team into next May.”
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