Hunter-Reay disappointed at Rocketsports decision.

Ryan Hunter-Reay has expressed his disappointment at the news that Rocketsports Racing is to bring in sportscar racer Michael McDowell to replace him for the final two races of the Champ Car World Series season.

The 20-year-old, who drives for the Finlay Motorsports team in the Grand-Am Rolex Series, will drive the #31 Lola-Cosworth at Surfers Paradise and in Mexico City in a move which sees Hunter-Reay dumped on the sidelines ahead of two races where he has gone well in the past, the Gold Coast event in particular bringing back fond memories for Hunter-Reay who secured his maiden win in the race back in 2003.

"Apparently, I will not be driving for Rocketsports Racing in the final two races of the 2005 Champ Car World Series," Hunter-Reay said. "While Paul [Gentilozzi - team boss] has made a commercial decision for his team I am, naturally, disappointed to miss the Surfers Paradise race where I took my first Champ Car victory in 2003, as well as Mexico where I qualified fifth last year and posted the fastest race lap in my inaugural race there.

"After the last two years where I have had some great results it has been a very frustrating season as I thought I was going to be in a situation where I could build on these previous successes.

"I apologise to all my fans in Australia and Mexico that I won't be driving there for them to cheer on this year however, I have an incredible fan base that have supported me throughout my Champ Car career and I look forward to celebrating great results with them in the future.

"I will now focus my efforts on securing a competitive drive for 2006."