Ryan Hunter-Reay's break-through opportunity in IndyCars last year with Andretti Autosport, highlighted by his victory at Long Beach, was shaken by the decision of IZOD late last year to end its sponsorship of Hunter-Reay's car, and although the American was subsequently re-signed for 2011, his sponsorship plans remained unclear. Today, however, the Andretti squad announced that express delivery and logistics company DHL has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Andretti Autosport and will serve as a co-primary sponsor of Hunter-Reay's car and an associate sponsor for the car driven by the team's newest member, Mike Conway.

Additional elements of the sponsorship include VIP hospitality platforms for DHL and its customers in major U.S., Canadian and Latin American markets, image and advertising rights as well as opportunities to provide shipping and logistics services in support of Andretti Autosport's global operations.

“Andretti Autosport has a history of success grounded in the same attributes required to be the First Choice among logistics providers for our customers – speed, reliability, and a 'team' spirit focused on putting the 'fans' – our customers – at the center of everything we do," said John Giehl, senior vp for corporate branding marketing of DHL. "We're pleased to sponsor this winning motorsports team which provides an excellent opportunity to promote the DHL brand and align with Andretti Autosport in U.S. and global markets.”

Added John Lopes, the team's senior vp and chief marketing officer, “We are very excited to welcome DHL into our sponsor family at Andretti Autosport. This is a partnership that was born out of our great, long-standing relationship with DHL's North American supply chain division, Exel. As a global industry leader, DHL is a brand that we are proud to add to our portfolio. We look forward to developing this relationship and helping DHL strengthen its brand presence and international specialty positioning.”

The car's new DHL color scheme will feature bright yellow, red and white, according to the team, and will be unveiled at the DHL regional headquarters in Plantation, Fla., on Tuesday, March 8. The IZOD IndyCar Series opens March 27 in St. Petersburg, Fla.