Deserves it's own thread.......INDY 500/IRL Champ with full time ride!!!

[numrounofan]

"Buddy Lazier, who won the first Indy race held under the IRL's banner, was confirmed as the full-season driver for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Lazier drove in six IRL races last season, all for Panther Racing, but hasn't had a full-time ride since being released from Hemelgarn Racing late in the 2003 season."

[Indycarjunkie]

Great news! One of my favorite drivers on one of my favorite IRL teams.

[SLKRR]

Good news. Not sure how well D&R will be able to compete this year, but it's great to see Lazier with a full-time ride.

[Defender]

GREAT hire.

[badart]

I really doubt that Buddy would take the ride if he didn't feel it would be competitive the whole season. He has basically sat out since 2002 waiting for a competitive opportunity (see Panther Racing in 2005). This is the best news I could have had. I was already excited about the season, I'm so happy my schedule will allow me to see the most races I've ever seen in a season this year!!!

Go Buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[skypigeon]

It's gonna be a GOOD year.

In fact, that statement deserves the BAF treatment:

It's gonna be a GOOD year.

[mrrebel36]

When I read that I couldn't help but jump up and down.....OK someone tell me they did the same thing...cause....holy cow...ITS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!!!!

[Ren Butler]

I've been a Buddy fan since '96 (even named my cat after him), but this is good news ONLY if he is competitive. His last year with Hemelgarn was painful, if you'll recall.

Go Buddy!

[ND500BARB]

I predict that this is the year that Dreyer & Reinbold show that they are one of the class teams. FINALLY they have the total package! They are a GREAT team that has, in the past, been burdened with "dog motors"....now they will be able to get out there and compete!

PROUD OF THEM!

[homeslice]

Killer. Awesome to hear that Buddy and DRR are back in the saddle, allegedly.

[IndyMJH]

Finally, a driver who DESERVES to be in the IRL.

Way to go D & R!!!!

[Racemind]

I hate to be the Voice of Caution again....

TSO is eerily silent about this. Not even a hint of rumor from them yet.

Has any other source confirmed the Indy Star mention yet?

[bdg25]

Cavin's very solid when it comes to stuff like. You can count on it! With Buddy and Eddie in tow can Mike Groff and Dr. Jack be far behind? Seriously though, it's great news!

[Bombardier R142]

So, who's the sponsor? I'm assuming he brings Byrd Bros. money with him, but is that enough to run a car? I'm still hoping that Purex comes back.

[GlennH]

Great news!!!

1 Lazier taken care of--1 to go.