Jack Harvey Signs Multi-Year Deal with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Jack Harvey’s next chapter in the NTT IndyCar Series will be with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The team announced Monday morning that Harvey will pilot the No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda as part of a multi-year deal.

After spending five seasons with Meyer Shank Racing, Harvey is excited to join an organization that’s won two Indianapolis 500s (2004 and 2020).

“I’ve been working towards this moment for my entire career and I’m so honored and thankful for the trust Bobby, Mike (Lanigan), David (Letterman) and Piers (Phillips, President of RLL Racing) have placed in me,” said Harvey.

“Hy-Vee has massively committed to elevating INDYCAR as a series and I’m honored to be representing their brand on track in the No. 45. I’m eager to get to work with Graham (Rahal) l the entire team. We have common goals of competing for wins and championships, and I’m confident we’ll be contending from the drop of the green flag next year. This is an exciting next chapter, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

This past season, the British racer had his career-best start of second at St. Petersburg along with six top-10 finishes in MSR’s No. 60 Honda. Harvey has one podium back in the 2019 Indy Grand Prix, finishing two spots behind race winner Simon Pagenaud, who’ll take over Harvey’s old ride.

For Bobby Rahal, his eye on Harvey goes back to his Indy Lights career where he scored six career wins, including the 2015 Freedom 100.

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to welcome Jack to our team. I first heard of him during his time in Indy Lights. He has a great record of success over the years in all forms of racing so I’m pleased that he agreed to join our team,” said Bobby. “He and Graham will work well together and be a strong foundation for our driver lineup that will raise not only the level of each driver individually but of the team as a result.

“I respect and appreciate his commitment and work ethic to racing on and off the track which is so key. And I also respect the way he deals with people – friendly and respectful. I think we’re going to have a lot of success together and I very much look forward to having him with us.”

Hy-Vee also unveiled its first of three liveries Harvey will drive in 2022, beginning with a black and red look.

The brand have expanded their interest in INDYCAR with not only sponsoring a car, but also being the race title sponsor for the Iowa Speedway doubleheader.

Hy-Vee’s Chairman of Board, CEO and President Randy Edeker has seen that and thrilled about 2022.

“Our ongoing partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing continues to be a success. Over the past two years, we’ve enjoyed being a part of a sport that continues to see its fan base grow substantially year after year,” said Edeker. “Now, as we look ahead to the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season, we look forward to hosting our own doubleheader event at the Iowa Speedway and seeing the No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda take the track in the nationally televised event.”

At the moment, Harvey and Rahal are the only drivers confirmed. Takuma Sato, who drove the No. 30 Honda the last four seasons, won’t be returning next season.

For Harvey’s No. 45 machine, it competed in nine of 16 races with three different drivers. In those nine starts, Christian Lundgaard and Oliver Askew were able to put the car into the Firestone Fast Six. Santino Ferrucci’s pair of sixth-place finishes in the 105th Indy 500 and Belle Isle Race No. 1 were the best race outings.