For the first time since IndyCar introduced its charter system in 2025, one of the 25 available charters has been sold. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is selling one of its three charters to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, which will return as a full-time IndyCar team for the first time since 2012.
After Dreyer & Reinbold Racing owner Dennis Reinbold died in June, the team has continued operations and worked to become a full-time team, which Reinbold was working toward before his death. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing CEO Derek Reinbold worked with RLL’s ownership group of Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan and David Letterman to complete the deal.
“I want to thank Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan, David Letterman, and (RLL president) Jay Frye for the way they approached this from our very first conversation,” Reinbold said in a news release. “They treated this as a partnership between two organizations that want to see each other succeed, and this announcement today reflects that.
“The NTT IndyCar Series is in the strongest position it has been in for decades, and that is a direct result of Roger Penske’s stewardship and leadership. The growth of this series, on the track and off, made this the right moment for our team to return to full-time racing. My dad built Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and poured his life into it, and our family has been part of the Speedway for four generations. Competing for a full season again is the truest way we can honor his legacy, and we intend to make him proud.”
Dreyer & Reinbold has competed in the Indianapolis 500 every year despite not being a full-time team, and it will now be the 11th team in the paddock in 2027. RLL has not announced which drivers will return next year, as the team’s current lineup consists of Graham Rahal, Louis Foster and Mick Schumacher.
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will be first team to sell charter
Reporting by Zion Brown, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Zion Brown, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
