Ryan Hunter-Reay has move dfrom Vision Racing to A.J. Foyt Enterprises for the rest of the IndyCar Series season.
Foyt's original driver Vitor Meira sustained back injuries during the Indianapolis 500 and is unlikely to return until the final rounds of this year's championship. Paul Tracy filled in for him at Milwaukee, but Foyt and the former Champ Car champion parted company after one unsuccessful race. Foyt's grandson A.J. Foyt IV was then drafted in for Texas last weekend.
Hunter-Reay, left without a drive when Rahal Letterman Racing failed to find the funding to continue full-time, signed for Tony George's Vision team on the eve of the 2009 season and started strongly with second place in St. Petersburg. But he has been a long way off the pace at all the oval events, and Vision will cut back to a single car for Ed Carpenter now that Hunter-Reay has joined Foyt.
"I have always had the highest respect for both Tony George and AJ Foyt, so when they asked me to drive the ABC Supply car while Vitor recovers, I was happy to accept," said Hunter-Reay. "Vitor is a friend and I know all of the drivers are wishing him a speedy recovery. I am really looking forward to this new partnership with A.J. Foyt Racing and I will do my absolute best to help deliver the results we are all hoping to achieve."
George originally offered Hunter-Reay to Foyt prior to the Texas race, and said he felt the move was the best solution for both parties.
"We all feel Ryan will be able to contribute to their program and provide continuity for the rest of the season while they await Vitor's return," said the Vision Racing and Indy Racing League boss.
Hunter-Reay's deal with Foyt covers the rest of the IndyCar season, so Meira will drive a second car if he is fit enough to return for the final rounds.