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Vision Racing of the IndyCar series announced Tuesday that it has hired Ryan Hunter-Reay to drive for it in the 2009 season.

Hunter-Reay, 28, joins fellow American, Ed Carpenter, on the team’s driver roster.

Hunter-Reay, who won on the road course at Watkins Glen International last season and claimed IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2007 after just six starts, will drive the team’s No. 21 Dallara/ Honda/ Firestone machine.

Hunter-Reay is the only driver to have won races under each of the CART, Champ Car and Indy Racing League banners. He has three career wins which were earned on each of the different disciplines that IndyCar racing provides; road course win at Watkins Glen (2008 IndyCar), oval win at Milwaukee (2004 Champ Car),and street course win in Surfer’s Paradise (2003 CART).

Vision Racing co-owner Tony George is pleased with the opportunity to add Hunter-Reay.

“While the timing and circumstances surrounding Ryan’s arrival at Vision Racing have been less the ideal given that we are just a few days from the season-opener at St. Pete, the opportunity to welcome such a proficient driver and individual to the team was more than favorable,” George said.

The series kicks off its season this coming weekend in Florida with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

“The accomplishments that Ryan has achieved in the short time that he’s driven in the IndyCar Series, speaks to the kind of talent and ability he possesses,” George said. “Rather than have him watching from the sidelines or driving against us, it only made sense to bring him into our operation for the 2009 season. With Ryan now joining Ed, we have a driver lineup that is more than capable of helping the team grow in its fifth season and capture the team’s first victory.”

While currently a resident of Dana Point, Calif., Hunter-Reay claims Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. as his hometown.

“This is a huge opportunity on so many levels,” Hunter-Reay said. “I am very grateful to Laura and Tony George for their confidence in me and making this a reality. Throughout the off-season.”

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