SPEEDWAY, INDIANA (MAY 18, 2024) – Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Cusick Motorsports had a strong showing during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying session, with veteran driver Ryan Hunter-Reay securing a spot in the coveted Fast 12. Hunter-Reay, driving the No. 23 VensureHR/Four Sixes Ranch Beef/101 Studios/Chevrolet car, clocked an impressive average speed of 232.385 mph over his four-lap run. This performance has positioned him for the Fast 12 Shootout, where he will compete for a front-row start in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.“It was pretty exciting four laps from behind the wheel and that is how it should be, to grab eleven spots in one run is pretty phenomenal,” said Hunter-Reay. “I believe experience is everything around here. Tomorrow we will go over quite a bit of data and try to figure out we will achieve consistency.”
Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 champion, demonstrated his experience and skill, delivering a consistent and smooth performance that thrilled fans and team members alike. His top 12 finish underscores the team’s competitive edge and strategic prowess in this year’s event.
Conor Daly Secures Spot in the Field
Meanwhile, Conor Daly, driving the No. Polkadot Chevrolet 24 car for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Cusick Motorsports, also secured his place in the starting grid. Daly qualified with an average speed of 231.243 mph, earning him the 29th position. While not in the Fast 12, Daly’s performance ensures his participation in the race, where he will aim to leverage his skill and race craft to advance through the field on race day.
“We have a great car and it has been great all day after a somewhat difficult Fast Friday,” said Daly. “However, I have all the confidence in the world now. I am ready to get back into race trim and we are capable of much more.”
Daly’s qualification run was marked by consistency and determination, showcasing his ability to handle the pressures of Indy 500 qualifying. His experience and familiarity with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be crucial as he prepares for race day, where anything can happen.
Team Outlook
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Cusick Motorsports is poised for a strong showing in the 2024 Indianapolis 500. With Ryan Hunter-Reay in the Top 12 and Conor Daly firmly in the field, the team is well-represented and ready to tackle the challenges of race day. As the Fast 12 Shootout approaches, all eyes will be on Hunter-Reay as he strives for a prime starting position. Concurrently, Daly and the team will be fine-tuning their race strategies to ensure they are competitive and ready to make significant moves when the green flag drops.
The 2024 Indianapolis 500 promises to be an exciting event for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Cusick Motorsports, with both drivers eager to make their mark and vie for victory in motorsport’s most prestigious race.
About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing was founded in 1999 by Indianapolis car dealer Dennis Reinbold. The legacy of the Dreyer and Reinbold family dates back to the 1920s with Reinbold’s grandfather, the legendary Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, a former Indian factory motorcycle racer. Dreyer served as a crewman and mechanic on the famed Duesenberg team. Dreyer went on to build Indy 500 cars in the 1930s, many of which started on the front row. In addition, Dreyer constructed championship-winning sprint cars and midgets. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing captured its first win in 2000 with driver Robbie Buhl at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, FL, and has fielded a variety of drivers including Al Unser Jr., Buddy Rice, Buddy Lazier, Sarah Fisher, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and J.R. Hildebrand. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has successfully qualified 48 drivers for the Indy 500 in its history. DRR competed in Rallycross for the first time in 2015 and captured the 2016 Lites rallycross championship. The team competed in the Nitro RX series with a 1-2-3 Championship win in the 2022-23 Nitro RX Group E class with Robin Larrson, Andreas Bakkerud, and Fraser McConnell. The following year, the team won the championship for the second year in a row with Robin Larsson in the newly rebranded, Nitrocross series.
About Cusick Motorsports
Cusick Motorsports, founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Don Cusick, was created to make the racing industry more accessible to all. Cusick Motorsports creates bespoke programs for its partners and creates unforgettable experiences that help drive meaningful relationships and business. The threshold for getting into the industry has not been easy for most individuals and companies. As an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry for over 40 years, Don Cusick saw the opportunity to make the motorsports industry more accessible for all, and Cusick Motorsports was founded.