Dreyer and Reinbold Racing with Cusick Motorsports Stefan Wilson says that while Sunday’s result in the Indianapolis 500 wasn’t what the team wanted they can take a lot of positives away from the experience.
Stefan missed the race after fracturing his vertebrae in a practice accident last Monday but was at the track on Sunday to show his support to the team and Graham Rahal who subbed for him.
The finish of the 2023 Indianapolis 500 was disappointing, but there are a lot of positives to take away from this year. “I think the performance that we showed in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Cusick Motorsports CareKeepers Chevy for most of the month was really encouraging. There are a lot of positives that I take away from my side as well on the driving front. I am looking forward to getting through this recovery process and focusing on next year and the 2024 Indy 500. The goal for me is to get back to being fully fit and making a return next year. Obviously, it was disappointing to not be out there on race day representing all the partners that made this year possible. I think Graham did a great job stepping in for me, but I’m already excited about the prospect of returning next year and taking the next step with this incredible team and group of partners we have.”
Rahal’s race was compromised at the start due to a faulty battery but he fought back from a 33rd place grid spot and going two laps down to finish 22nd.
Speaking following the action, Rahal said:
First, I’m very thankful to get the opportunity to race at the 500 and thank you to Dreyer & Reinbold and Cusick Motorsports for allowing me to be here and be a part of the 500 with them. “Obviously, a tough start to the day. We never really got going. We actually had a decent day from there on moving forward up until the very end as I filled in for Stef. We just didn’t get to see it through after the battery issue. Again, I’m thankful and lucky to have been here, but I’m certainly already eager to come back next year and have a shot at winning this race. It was great to spend time with Stef before the race.”
Cusick Motorsports founder and CEO Don Cusick said:
This past week has been an emotional rollercoaster unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. “While our primary concern remains on Stefan’s recovery, we are so proud of the effort put in by Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Graham Rahal to make the most of a very difficult circumstance. The No. 24 CareKeepers car fought back hard after going two laps down at the start, but you just can’t make that up in such a competitive field. But despite the setbacks, we’ve built some fantastic relationships with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and our partners over the last few weeks. And we will be back.