Tony Kanaan

By Andrew Cutler
February 23 2011

There were two major developements on the driver/team sponsorship front yesterday. On the positive side, Andretti Autosport announced that global logistics giant DHL has signed on to a multi-year deal to be a 'co-primary sponsor' of the #37 car, driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay.  

While this is DHL's first foray into AOWR, they are a long-time supporter of motorsports as a whole, having been a sponsor on both the ALMS and F1 (with Jordan F1).

The other 'co-primary sponsor' for Hunter-Reay's car is thought to be the soft drink giant Dr Pepper-Snapple Group, although this has not yet been made official.  

On the negative side, former IndyCar Champ (in 2004) Tony Kanaan has told reporters that his previously announced deal to drive for de Ferran Dragon Racing has fallen apart; the culprit being a funding shortfall. TK found some sponsorship help in a deal with Itaipava, a Brazilian brewery, but it was not enough to run a full program.

"It's hard to take, especially a month before the championship starts," he told reporters. "It's sad, but I'm going to keep fighting and go find something to drive."

Kanaan's departure leaves de Ferran Dragon without a driver for 2011, and the squad's future may be in doubt unless they find one - with sufficent funds - quickly.