Hunter-Reay is set to make a comeback behind the wheel of the No. 23 Chevrolet, the same car he drove to an 11th-place finish last year. Concurrently, Daly is set to take charge of the team’s No. 24 entry.
The announcement also signifies the extension of the partnership between Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Cusick Motorsports. The two entities joined forces for the first time last year as part of Stefan Wilson’s program.
Notably, Wilson’s unfortunate injury in a practice crash led to Graham Rahal, who had failed to qualify for the Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, being called in as a late substitute.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 winner and 2012 IndyCar Series champion, expressed his satisfaction. “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing since joining them in 2023,” he said. “I’m thrilled to be back and ready to build on where we left off last year. We had a very strong showing at the 500 last year, and if it were not for a failed front wing adjuster early in the race, I truly feel we would have been fighting in the top 5 to the finish.”
He also acknowledged the challenges ahead due to the latest car regulation changes but expressed confidence in the team’s passion and dedication, stating, “The passion and dedication of this team are truly inspiring, and I am confident that together we can achieve success at the greatest spectacle in racing.”
Daly, with a best finish of sixth in the Indy 500 in 2022 while driving for Ed Carpenter Racing, brings his experience with DRR from Nitrocross events last summer.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, he shared, “When Dennis first called me, he told me he believed I could win the Indy 500, and all he wanted going into 2024 was the best chance to win as a team. As a driver, what more could you want?”
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Daly added, “I’m extremely thankful for the belief that Dennis has in me and the chance to drive one of his cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
To be teamed up with a champion like Ryan (Hunter-Reay) as well, I believe, truly makes us a threat in the month of May.” Daly also praised the team that Dennis has built and expressed eagerness to start the season, saying, “I love the team Dennis has built already, and getting to know the guys at the shop has been a true pleasure. I cannot wait to hit the ground running at the test in April!”