Hunter-Reay confirmed for Indy 500 return with Arrow McLaren

Credit: Matt Fraver

Ryan Hunter-Reay will compete in the Indianapolis 500 for a 17th time in 2026, after confirmation that the 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner will race with Arrow McLaren for the 110th Running of the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'

Hunter-Reay almost stole the headlines in May last year after an unorthodox fuel strategy had the American just 25 laps from taking a shock Indianapolis 500 win until his fuel tank ran dry and Hunter-Reay was forced to retire in pit lane. Hunter-Reay has been confirmed to drive the No.31 - the first number he used in Champ Car.

“This is an incredible opportunity in so many ways.  I’d like to express my gratitude to Zak, Tony and the rest of the Arrow McLaren management team for pursuing this partnership and making it a reality," said Hunter-Reay. " It is an honour to represent and drive for one of the most iconic teams in motorsports history, an organization that spares no effort or resource in the pursuit of being at the pinnacle of the sport and of course, winning the Indy 500. After coming so agonizingly close to a shot at the win in last year’s 500, I am beyond primed and ready to make the absolute most of this partnership.” 

After retiring from full-time racing in 2021 and taking an off-year the following year, Hunter-Reay has competed in an Indy-only effort with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing (DRR) which has included a surprise Fast 12 appearance in 2024 and his close call to victory last season. The team have already confirmed Jack Harvey as one of their two drivers for 2026, with Conor Daly expected to return to the team next May.

McLaren have continued their trend of putting high-profile drivers in an additional entry at the '500' with Hunter-Reay's confirmation. Now two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson attempted 'the Double' in 2024 and 2025 with the team, as he attempted the prestigious feat of completing 1100 miles of racing in one day. However, Larson stated last May that would be unlikely to return to the race until after his full-time career in the NASCAR Cup Series was over.

Prior to Larson, 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan competed in his final IndyCar race with the team in 2023, whilst 2000 and 2015 Indianapolis 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya was the additional entry in 2021 and 2022. McLaren's return to IndyCar in 2020 saw two-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso attempt to complete 'the Triple Crown.'

“Ryan is a great addition to the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and just who we want in that fourth car this coming May alongside Pato, Nolan and Christian," said Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan. "He’s an Indy 500 champion - and if you look at our history at McLaren - that's the reason we field a fourth car, to have one more contender in the mix. He is a proven winner, and we know he will have a strong chance to win this historic event. Ryan is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, and we're very excited to get started with him and have him part of our team into next May.”

Hunter-Reay, who will be 45 come May, has been an Indianapolis 500 staple since he made his debut in 2008. 'Captain America' has achieved six top 10 finishes at the race to date including when he won the race in 2014 after a daring pass on Hélio Castroneves below the white line on the run to Turn 3.

The announcement also brings up the confirmed number of driver for next year's race to 30 after Harvey's confirmation at DRR, whilst Castroneves stated last May that he would return in 2026. DRR are likely to field Daly in their other entry whilst Ed Carpenter remains likely to return to his own team.

Marco Andretti retired from racing meaning that his usual Indy-only entry at Andretti now remains vacant, whilst Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing have not confirmed any plans, but had Takuma Sato test for the team at the Speedway recently.

The 110th Running of the Indianapolis takes place on May 24th 2026, with one more entry filled of the 33.