Dreyer& Reinbold sign Wilson and Conway

Justin Wilson

Mike Conway

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing is excited to announce that British drivers, Justin Wilson and Mike Conway, will join the team’s full-time IZOD IndyCar Series effort for the 2010 season.

Not only does the duo bring an extensive amount of talent to the table, but combined they create an exceptionally strong pairing. Conway will continue to ride the momentum from his rookie year at DRR into the coming season. His 2009 campaign marked his first year in IndyCar competition. Conway proved his versatility in the off-season as he successfully completed three days of Formula One testing for the now named Mercedes Benz GP team. After spending six years in U.S.-based-open-wheel racing, Wilson will bring his veteran experience to DRR. The 32-year-old quickly showed that he was an established winner, when he won his first IndyCar race in 2008 at Belle Isle and again last year at Watkins Glen.

“We are excited to be able to put a deal together, for both Mike and Justin. They are both really talented drivers and we believe that they will be great teammates. We made a number of productive changes over the off-season and as we continue to build our team we feel that we are making Dreyer & Reinbold Racing more and more competitive," commented Dennis Reinbold, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner.

Justin Wilson will be joining the Indianapolis-based squad for the first time. Wilson’s success in open-wheel racing includes two back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2006-2007 Champ Car World Series, along with four wins and six poles. He soon would turn heads again in his debut in the 2008 IndyCar Series by earning his first victory at the Raceway at Belle Isle in Michigan. Wilson finished the season eleventh overall. That momentum would carry into the 2009 season, when he made the move to Dale Coyne Racing, giving the team its first win. He recorded three top-five and seven top-10 finishes, started from the front row at three road/street course events and led a total of 129 laps, finishing the season 9th in the overall championship.

“Obviously I’m very excited to join Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. I think that they are a great team and I really like the direction that DRR is headed in. They have put a lot of work in over the winter and that is very encouraging. I believe that we will be very competitive and my aim is to win the championship. I know it may seem steep, but I feel that we have a very good chance and I’m ready to win some races. I also think that its great that Z-line Designs has chosen Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and I really look forward to working with them for a second year. It’s going to be a good season," stated Wilson.

Not only is Wilson coming on board for the first time with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, but so is Z-Line Designs. The 32-year-old native of Sheffield, England will field the No. 22 Z-Line Designs entry. "With Justin Wilson driving the Z-Line Designs/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing IndyCar this year the competitive promise is very high, exclaimed Jim Sexton, CEO and founder of Z-Line Designs. "Justin's overall talent will only improve in 2010 as the series balances road courses and ovals. I think he's ready for a break out year, and I can't thank Justin enough for continuing to represent Z-Line Designs," said Sexton. Z-Line looks for off-track results as well. "Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is also well positioned to help us drive value for our retail partners and the Z-Line brand. The IZOD IndyCar Series is gaining steam, and we are very pleased to mix it up with such fast company," continued Sexton.

Z-Line Designs is a leading import manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture in a range of materials from solid American oak, birch, and maple to mixed media combinations of wood, metal, and glass. With manufacturing plants in China and Taiwan, Z-Line Designs is one of the most innovative manufacturers of computer desk systems, computer workstations, computer armoires, file/storage products, and a large variety of television, audio, and entertainment centers. Products are distributed primarily through mass merchants, office superstores, and department stores.

As Dreyer & Reinbold Racing continues to build competitive entries, helping them to get the job done is Mike Conway, who has re-signed with the team for a second season. The 26-year-old joined DRR in 2009, earning his first podium position in US-open-wheel competition at Infineon Raceway, and the team’s first since 2006.

“I'm very excited to re-sign again with DRR for the 2010 season. Last year there was a lot to learn and was a tough season, but now I'm more prepared and looking forward to the season ahead. Over the winter the team has been striving to build a better team and from what I have seen it all looks very exciting. I'd like to thank all of my sponsors for all their continued support and can't wait to get out and win races this year," said Conway.

Conway spent the majority of his career in the European formula car ladder. In 2004, he won the Formula Renault UK Championship, and in 2005, he was recognized twice by the British Racing Drivers’ Club for his achievements in Formula 3. Driving for Raikkonen Robertson Racing in 2006, he won the British Formula 3 title as well as the famed Macau Grand Prix. In 2007 and 2008, Conway drove in the GP2 Series, winning a round at the historical Monte Carlo street circuit in Monaco in 2008.

For the second consecutive season, Conway will pilot the No. 24 Dad’s Root Beer/ Roll Coater entry. Both partners are extremely excited to have the Brit back on board. “We are excited about resigning Mike and continuing to build on the equity we established in 2009. We are looking for good things in 2010 and Dad’s Root Beer is excited and happy to be a part of it," stated Keith Hedinger, President & CEO of The Dad’s Root Beer Company, LLC.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Roll Coater, Bob O’Neal, stated the same feelings as Hedinger, “We are excited about the upcoming season and to have Mike back on board. As I’ve told Robbie before, it’s good to be affiliated with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and to be able to bring customers and clients to the races. Our relationship with DRR has allowed great business for us over the years and we are excited about this announcement and can’t wait for the 2010 season to get underway."

Feeling the same enthusiasm as the rest is co-owner Robbie Buhl. “I’m as excited as I’ve ever been. I think this is the best focus we’ve had in years. It’s been a long time since we’ve been in a position to have two very competitive entries and we couldn’t be happier. We are ready to win some races and really feel that we can do it with Justin and Mike. They are exceptional drivers and we are thrilled to have them on board with us. It’s also great to have Z-Line join us and to have all of our valued and loyal sponsor partners back with us this season," commented Robbie Buhl, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be on track February 24th and 25th for the IZOD IndyCar Series open test at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama with Mike Conway piloting the No. 24 Dad’s Root Beer entry, and Justin Wilson behind the No. 22 Z-Line Designs machine. For more info on the team please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.