Veteran Davey Hamilton Pleased With First Practice Runs Thursday

INDIANAPOLIS - (May 7, 2009) Davey Hamilton, one of the most experienced racers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, returned to his favorite track Thursday when practice finally got underway for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Hamilton, who suffered severe foot injuries in 2001 at Texas, was pleased with his first day of practice in the pretty No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara after sitting out Wednesday's planned practice runs due to rain showers on the racing surface.

Hamilton, looking to qualifying for ninth Indy 500 this weekend, was able to complete 37 laps Thursday with a best speed of 221.624 miles per hour, 19th fastest of the day among 32 drivers.Hamilton is one of four Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entries this year at Indy, as the Eagle, Idaho, veteran joins John Andretti, Mike Conway and Milka Duno in the DRR lineup. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing joins Andretti Green Racing as the only teams with four drivers entered in the 2009 Indy 500. Hamilton, whose best Indy 500 finish is fifth in 1998, is logged more laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway than any driver after his longtime job of driving the Indy Experience two-seater for sponsors and fans for the last seven years.

Hamilton returned to the Indy 500 in 2007 after sitting out the Brickyard six years due to his injuries in 2001. Hamilton, 46, continues to compete in sprint car and midget races throughout the country on a regular basis. In addition, Hamilton served as the racing analyst for the IndyCar Series radio network to play-by-play host Mike King. Hamilton is also a race promoter at the Terre Haute Action Track dirt half-mile oval.

What they have to say...

DAVEY HAMILTON, No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara

"I'm really happy. We ran a decent speed in the end. At first I was a little disappointed in the speed and the setup that we had earlier in the day, so we came back and made some changes and now I'm really happy with where we are. We didn't want to make too many changes and risk it, so we are taking it step by step and I'm really happy with where we ended for today. Tomorrow we need to start trimming the car out for qualifying. I know it's going to be hard, but I think we have a shot at the top eleven."

About Dreyer and Reinbold Racing

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing enters its 10th season of full-time competition in 2009, making it one of the longest-tenured teams in Indy Racing League competition. Current co-owners, Dennis Reinbold and Robbie Buhl, first teamed in full-time competition at the Walt Disney World Speedway in January of 2000. With Buhl behind the wheel, the two owners tasted victory in their debut race. The 2009 IndyCar Series season-opener on the streets of St. Petersburg on April 3-5 will mark Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's 200th series start. In its history, the team has boasted a championship list of alumni drivers. Besides Buhl, the team has run Indianapolis 500 winners Al Unser Jr., Buddy Lazier, and Buddy Rice, along with IndyCar Series race winner Ryan Briscoe. The team has one of the longest lines of heritage in American open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 as Dennis Reinbold's grandfather, "Pop" Dreyer, built leading roadsters that raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.