Hunter-Reay to switch to #1 for 2013 IndyCar season

Hunter-Reay secured his first IndyCar title after beating Penske rival Will Power to the crown in the final race of the season at Fontana.

The Andretti Autosport driver has traditionally used #28 on his cars to recognise the estimated 28 million people living with cancer. The American also created the Racing for Cancer organisation to raise awareness.

Hunter-Reay admitted switching numbers was not an easy call.

"The decision to switch to the #1 for the 2013 season was very tough," he said. "The #28 has so much meaning to so many, but we recognised that our team, partners and sponsors have all earned the right to carry the #1 - we worked hard together and it's something they all deserve.

"Racing for Cancer's number one goal is to beat cancer and we realised that running the #1 with the #28 incorporated into the design, a very important detail to me personally, would provide us with an opportunity to strengthen the message and cause of beating cancer while at the same time recognising our partners and sponsors dedication to excellence on, and off, the track."

The last time #1 was used in IndyCar was when Michael Andretti ran it at the Indianapolis 500 in 2006 - the year after the team had won the championship with the late Dan Wheldon.

Scott Dixon was the last champion to use #1 for a full season in 2004.

Andretti Autosport confirmed Marco Andretti and James Hinchcliffe will use #26 and #27 respectively next year.