The landscape is changing in the NTT IndyCar Series team. A team is selling a charter and setting up another to compete on a full-time basis.
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According to a Wednesday announcement, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has reached an agreement to purchase a charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. If approved by IndyCar, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will begin competing full-time during the 2027 season with one entry.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has provided seats for numerous drivers over the years while competing in select events. This includes Conor Daly, Jack Harvey, Graham Rahal, Al Unser Jr., Ryan Hunter-Reay and Townsend Bell among others.
This team won its first event at Walt Disney World Speedway in 2000, and it qualified for every Indianapolis 500 that it attempted.
The team will announce its driver and sponsors for the 2027 season at a later date. Meanwhile, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will move forward with two of its three original charters.
This move follows the passing of team owner Dennis Reinbold at the age of 65.
"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."
I am so happy for this team! They put it so much effort all year round and absolutely deserve this chance! Dennis would be so proud and is no doubt smiling down ❤️ congrats @DreyerReinbold 👏🏻 https://t.co/hHW3lY1MXW
— Jack Harvey (@jack_harvey93) July 22, 2026
Back in September 2024, the open-wheel series announced the creation of a charter system. Much like in the NASCAR Cup Series, these charters would guarantee entry into races. The Indianapolis 500 would serve as the lone exception.
IndyCar offered the charters to teams competing full-time over span of two seasons. Team owners could only own a maximum of three charters, but their entries would be eligible for the IndyCar Series Leaders Circle program. This program compensated the top 22 finishers in the championship standings.
This inaugural charter system runs through the 2031 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."
