(CARMEL, IN.) – In a move that reshapes the future of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) announced Wednesday that it has acquired a charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), paving the way for the Indianapolis-based team to return to full-time competition beginning with the 2027 season.
The agreement gives DRR one of the coveted INDYCAR charters that guarantees entry into every championship event and provides additional commercial and financial benefits under the series’ charter system.
The team has competed on a part-time basis in recent years, focusing primarily on the Indianapolis 500, where it has remained one of the event’s most recognizable independent organizations. Team owner Dennis Reinbold said the purchase marks the beginning of the next chapter for the organization.
“We’ve always wanted to bring Dreyer & Reinbold Racing back to full-time INDYCAR competition, but it had to be done the right way,” Reinbold said. “With the charter secured, we now have the stability to build a competitive program for 2027 and beyond.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
For Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, the sale comes as the organization restructures its long-term operations while continuing to field multiple entries through the 2026 season. Team co-owner Bobby Rahal called the decision difficult but beneficial for both organizations.
“This transaction allows us to focus our resources while giving another respected Indianapolis team the opportunity to grow,” Rahal said. “Dennis and his group have a strong history in INDYCAR, and we look forward to seeing them back on the grid full-time.”
DRR plans to spend the 2026 season expanding its engineering staff, investing in new equipment, and preparing a full-season operation. The organization expects to announce its driver lineup and technical partnerships later next year.
Industry observers have long speculated that DRR was exploring a return to full-time competition as the value of INDYCAR charters increased and the series continued to experience strong manufacturer and sponsor interest.
The team’s last full-time INDYCAR campaign came in 2013 before transitioning to selected events, most notably the Indianapolis 500, where it has remained a regular contender.
With the charter now in hand, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing joins the growing list of teams committed to INDYCAR’s long-term future, setting the stage for a full-time return in 2027 and adding another familiar name to the championship grid.
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