2012 IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay has signed up for this year’s Race Of Champions in Bangkok.
The American secured his maiden IndyCar title at last month’s dramatic season finale in Fontana, overcoming rival Will Power when the Australian crashed out.
He will now represent his nation at the annual end-of-year event, which this year takes place in the Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand’s capital on December 15-16. He will go up against the likes of German multiple Formula 1 champions Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel who have already committed themselves to the competition.
“After a career best season culminating in an IndyCar Series Championship, I could see no better way to cap off 2012 than representing the USA and IndyCar, competing against the best drivers from other top level championships around the world at ROC,” said Hunter-Reay. “It has always been a goal of mine and I’m honoured to be one of the few invitees to compete in the Race Of Champions.”
Organiser Fredrik Johnsson added: “We are delighted that Ryan will be joining us for ROC in Bangkok. He has had a fantastic season in the IndyCar Series and he proved his worth by coming out on top in such a thrilling finale. Now we’ll all be very interested to see how he gets on against the best drivers from around the world. He will also race for Team USA, which has a great history of its own in the ROC Nations Cup, and is overdue another victory.”
