Hunter-Reay still networking

Posted by Iannucci | 2/05/2009 | 8 comments »
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From the braintrust at TrackSide Online.

With (Robert) Doornbos not going to HVM as originally rumored (back in the fall), there have been concerns over that team's ability to run a second car, but our sources indicate that the team is actively trying to fill that seat. This time of year, you can always presume that a lot of unsigned drivers are talking to a lot of teams, but we found it mildly interesting that Ryan Hunter-Reay has been reportedly spotted at the HVM shops recently.

We know that RHR has been out trying to put together the sponsorship to stay in the league and HVM would be an interesting place for him if the financial part can come together.

It's just a rumor for now, but it sounds to us like Hunter-Reay is trying to work all available options so he can go racing in 2009.
It's great to hear there's still the faintest gilimmer of a possible chance that Babe Hunter-Reay might be racing in the IRL in 2009, because if a guy can get his mug on a giant billboard in Times Square then he might be worth keeping around. Oh, and he's not too shabby behind the wheel either.

But Ryan, are you honestly ready to have an inhuman machine like EJ Viso as a teammate?

8 comments

  1. John in Speedway // February 05, 2009 10:53 AM  

    Apparently I'm the only one that is an E.J. Viso fan. He's fun to watch and he reminds me of Scheckter, who was formerly my favorite driver. He's a good example of a road racer who has really come to enjoy and appreciate ovals...he said so himself. He's a contreversial figure and he creates storylines, which is what the series needs. If RHR joins that team, they will officially be my favorite team.

  2. Anonymous // February 05, 2009 11:14 AM  

    Well, HVM (as Herdez) and RHR do have a history. RHR lead the entire race won at the mile in 2004 for them.
    Here's hoping they can put something together. RHR + Viso = formidable duo and definitely exciting to watch.

  3. Anonymous // February 05, 2009 11:15 AM  

    Wow, that one missed my grammar check...uggh. RHR led the entire race and won at the Mile in 2004.

  4. Thecrookedcap // February 05, 2009 12:28 PM  

    You're not the only guy who likes Viso. I was impressed by his charging at Kansas last year - I liked that he wasn't afraid to push for position and not just "get experience" running passively. He got a lot of flack for his aggression, but you can calm an aggressive driver better than you can teach a passive one to push more (for proof, see Briscoe, Ryan).

    RHR is a steady hand and I think they'd be a great duo.

  5. Carrie // February 05, 2009 1:28 PM  

    I'm an EJ fan, John. And I'd be tickled pink to have two guys on one team to root for!

  6. Anonymous // February 05, 2009 1:41 PM  

    RHR and EJ would be a riot.

  7. Allen Wedge // February 05, 2009 2:22 PM  

    I'm a big E.J. fan, he's got true passion and he's not made up by a PR machine, and hes a good driver.

    p.s. John, speaking of Scheckter, did anyone else notice Panther take a little shot at him in their Q&A today?

  8. SS Minnow // February 05, 2009 3:01 PM  

    Are they remaking Baywatch in Spain?