Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is gearing up for reentry into the IndyCar Series, slated for 2027, with an ambitious strategy unveiled by team principal Dennis Reinbold.
Having established a presence within the IndyCar paddock and being best known for its part in the Indianapolis 500, DRR has not functioned as a full-time team since 2012. The 2027 season offers a promising new start with new car and engine regulations. Reinbold deems this the ideal moment to re-engage fully, aligning with the sport's upcoming changes.
"If we're going to go full-time, that's the time to do it, is when everybody starts from ground zero and builds from there," Reinbold told Motorsport.com.
Founded in 1999, DRR carries a rich legacy. Originating from Reinbold's family history tied to motorsport dating back to the 1920s, when Reinbold's grandfather worked on the prestigious Duesenberg team, DRR has been a staple in the motorsport community. This legacy in racing has seen the team achieve strong successes, including their first win in 2000 with Robbie Buhl, and a history of fielding prominent drivers such as Al Unser Jr., Sarah Fisher, and Ryan Hunter-Reay. DRR's involvement has been largely part-time in recent years, with a focus on the seasonal highlight, the Indy 500.
Preparing for a full-time return, DRR is planning a major team restructuring focused on resources and personnel to tackle the complexities of a full IndyCar season. Reinbold admits that limited finances have previously restricted their participation.
"Why we haven't done it is just budget-related. We haven't had the budget to be able to do a full season, so we just focus on Indy only," he explained.
A significant aspect of DRR's plan is the timing of the overhaul of car and engine regulations in 2027. This timing is crucial as it allows DRR to embrace changes and potentially leverage them to their advantage.
Moreover, DRR will navigate the newly adopted IndyCar charter system, which guarantees race spots for charter holders until 2031, excluding the Indy 500. Reinbold discussed the movement towards this system and its implications:
"At that point in time, the charter becomes an issue."
With Prema joining this exclusive group in 2025, only 10 teams currently hold these charter entries. For DRR, successfully integrating into this system is critical for their full-time return, ensuring a longstanding competitive position.
Despite this, the traditional format of the Indianapolis 500 remains untouched, which holds personal significance for Reinbold.
"I like the purity of that, the history and nostalgia of that aspect of the Indy 500. Just the traditions in general, it's such a great place to go to and be part of. It's an honor to be part of that program," he reflected.
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