Hunter-Reay to test for HVM
Ryan Hunter-Reay has moved a step closer to securing HVM Racing's second IndyCar Series seat after being added to the team's line-up for the forthcoming test at Barber Motorsports Park
The 28-year-old American, who won at Watkins Glen last year, has been on the sidelines since his previous team Rahal Letterman Racing lost its main sponsor. His presence in the series is considered important because he is the face of clothing company IZOD's major IndyCar-based promotional campaign.
Hunter-Reay previously drove for HVM in Champ Car in 2004, taking a dominant victory at Milwaukee. The team has already re-signed EJ Viso for the 2009 season but had always hoped to expand to a second entry. Viso and Hunter-Reay will alternate in a single car at the Barber test, which commences on Sunday.
In an interview with Indianapolis radio station 1070 The Fan last Thursday, Hunter-Reay said he was reaching a critical point in his efforts to secure a drive in time for the St Petersburg season opener on 5 April.
"It's a tough time for a lot of us, but there has been some progress in the last couple of weeks," he said.
"It's going to be a thrash job to get to St Pete if this thing goes through, but I'd rather have it that way than not at all.
"If this was my first year in professional racing I'd be extremely optimistic that it was going to happen. But I've seen a lot of deals fall through, I've seen things that are obvious completely fall apart, so I'm not really putting any percentages on it.
"I'm just doing everything I can and working with the people I need to work with to make this thing happen. The next week will be critical."
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