Dreyer & Reinbold to return with Lazier.

Amidst fears that the last remaining 'original' IRL teams would disappear in 2006, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing have confirmed that they will be participating in 2006 with none other than old-school IRL fan favourite Buddy Lazier.

Despite not having yet secured primary sponsorship for its newly numbered #5 Dallara-Honda, team boss Dennis Reinbold and co-owner Robbie Buhl were able to confirm that the popular 1996 Indy 500 winner and 2000 IRL Champion had not been lost to the series.

Dreyer & Reinbold's announcement coupled with Vitor Meira's late signing for Panther Racing and Eddie Cheever's return to the series means that there should be 20 cars ready for the series opener at Homestead.

"We've had continuing discussions with Buddy since he drove for us in 2004," Reinbold said. "Robbie (Buhl) and I are thrilled to have his championship calibre rejoin the team because we know he's committed to succeeding and that he's willing to drive the wheels off of the race car to do it."

Lazier's hiring is one of a number of changes the team plans to unveil this season. Also included are a new number, a new paint scheme and a number of additional personnel.

"We wanted to shake things up this year for a fresh start, so changing and improving things to meet the stiff competition has been our focus," Reinbold said.

Lazier will make his debut with the team at the IndyCar Series open test at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Thursday.

"I've enjoyed my past relationship with Dennis, Robbie and everyone at DRR," Lazier said. "We have almost a month of hard work until our first race and ample time to test at Homestead this weekend to reacquaint ourselves. We look forward to a strong season and ramping up to build podium finishes on a regular basis."

Returning for its third season with DRR is Indianapolis-based Roll Coater, which coats steel for multiple industrial uses. Also joining the team is Escort Radar Detectors. "Racing for Kids", for whom Buhl has served as national spokesman since 1989, will also partner with the team.

"Buddy's successful driving record speaks for itself," said Buhl. "He clearly knows his way around the racetrack, and I look forward to him joining our pre-race hospital visits on behalf of Racing for Kids."

Among the league's most experienced drivers, Lazier has started 91 IndyCar Series races, with eight wins, a pole, and 26 top-five finishes. Last season, he made six starts for Panther Racing with a top finish of fifth at the Indianapolis 500.