Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) announced July 22 that the team has purchased one NTT INDYCAR SERIES charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL).

The transaction is subject to INDYCAR approval. With the possession of a charter, DRR will return full time to NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition beginning in 2027 with a one-car entry.

DRR’s return to full-time competition comes shortly after the passing of the team’s founder and owner, Dennis Reinbold, who died June 13 at 65. The last season of full time INDYCAR competition for DRR was in 2012.

“I want to thank Bobby Rahal, Mike Lanigan, David Letterman and Jay Frye for the way they approached this from our very first conversation,” said Derek Reinbold, DRR chief executive officer. “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.”

RLL was granted three of the 25 charters that the INDYCAR SERIES distributed to full season teams in late 2024. The charter system was created to generate immediate value for NTT INDYCAR SERIES team owners and their entries and is expected to grow over time as the sport continues its upward trajectory.

“I have always had tremendous respect for Dennis Reinbold, both as a fellow team owner and as a fellow automobile dealer,” RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “His dedication to INDYCAR and the legacy he built over many years earned the respect of everyone in the paddock. As we evaluated the long-term direction of our organization, we made the strategic decision to return our full-time program to two cars beginning in 2027. We believe this positions our team to be able to maximize our level of competition while allowing us to focus our resources as we prepare for the introduction of the new car.

“Dennis had expressed interest in acquiring a charter from the time the charter program was established, and we had several discussions with him before his passing. We're pleased we were able to complete this transaction, and we can't think of a more deserving organization to receive the charter. It reflects Dennis's longstanding commitment to the sport and helps ensure that legacy continues."

DRR, based in Carmel, Indiana, competed in its 27th Indy 500 in May with the 100-year legacy of the Dreyer and Reinbold families at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, dating back to DRR team owner Dennis Reinbold’s grandfather, the legendary Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, serving as a mechanic for the Duesenberg team in the 1920s. DRR has qualified 57 cars for the Memorial Day weekend motorsports classic.

DRR will announce the full program details at a later date, including driver and partners for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

“The first transfer of an INDYCAR charter is an important milestone for the INDYCAR charter system and demonstrates that the system is working as intended,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment president and CEO. “The charter system provides teams with a valuable asset encouraging their continued investment in the long-term growth of the sport while also providing new ownership groups with a clear pathway into the series. It’s another step in strengthening the long-term foundation of INDYCAR.”