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Late comedian Rodney Dangerfield’s signature saying was that he didn’t get any respect. That could also pertain to IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, whose success in open-wheel racing has gone largely unnoticed by the top teams.
Instead, one of America’s best racing talents has had to make the most out of lesser rides, like he did last year in winning the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen with Rahal Letterman Racing. It was the first victory for the former Indianapolis 500-winning team since 2004.
“My whole goal, my whole involvement, is to just punch above my weight,” Hunter-Reay said last week during a teleconference. “Every lap, push as hard as I can and put the team and myself in the best possible position. That’s all I can do, and when you go about it that way, I think good things happen.”
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Although he has proved his worth time and again, Hunter-Reay has lived a roving existence in his open-wheel career, having competed with six different teams in five seasons of racing. In the past year alone, the Boca Raton, Fla., resident has driven for three teams, including A.J. Foyt-owned ABC Supply Racing, which he joined three weeks ago.
“Unfortunately, I have been used to jumping in different race cars at the last minute,” Hunter-Reay said.
Hunter-Reay struggled to find another ride despite bringing with him a marketable personal sponsor in IZOD. The upscale clothing line had already committed to a multimillion dollar IndyCar-related marketing campaign, complete with television ads featuring Hunter-Reay.
With just two races together, Hunter-Reay is still going through an adjustment period and searching for the right chemistry with his newest team. After running six straight oval-track races, a string of five road-course venues in the next six events, beginning with Watkins Glen, will go a long way toward establishing that rapport.
“I definitely am looking forward to turning left and right again,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back to Watkins Glen.”
