Verizon IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay is "signed, sealed and delivered for three more seasons with Andretti Autosport and sponsor DHL," according to Bruce Martin of FOXSPORTS.com. Hunter-Reay "signed the contract extensions" yesterday prior to the ABC Supply Wisconsin 250 at the Milwaukee Mile. He said, "To get it done before the end of the season is massive to me. I think of all those years wondering what we were going to do next season. I’m just thrilled to be continuing with Andretti Autosport and DHL." Team Owner Michael Andretti said, "Ryan is one of the top drivers out there and he is important to our family so it’s important to get him locked down. To have the stability of a three-year deal is huge in this day and age. It says something about the series and a blue-chip company like DHL to invest in the series for another three years is a positive sign." DHL Express U.S. CEO Mike Parra said the decision to renew as the primary sponsor was "not a difficult one." Parra: "This is big for us. It's been an ideal fit for us." Meanwhile, Martin noted driver James Hinchcliffe earlier yesterday morning said that he is "very close to renewing his contract with Andretti Autosport and sponsor United Fiber and Data" (FOXSPORTS.com, 8/17). The AP's Genaro Armas noted Hunter-Reay, who has been with Andretti since '10, "last signed an extension" in '12. Hunter-Reay said, "It's one thing off the mind. To go into the offseason knowing that I've got a three-year commitment is excellent." DHL said that Hunter-Reay's Indianapolis 500 victory in May "was a big factor in extending its sponsorship agreement" (AP, 8/17).
