Ryan Hunter-Reay will be campaigning in this years Indycar Series but not in the long rumored HVM seat, but in a second Vision Racing car.

The 28-year-old American, who won at Watkins Glen last year, has been without a ride since his previous team Rahal Letterman Racing lost its main sponsor. His presence in the series is considered important because he is the face of clothing company IZOD's major IndyCar-based promotional campaign.

IZOD signed Hunter-Reay to a personal services contract and with the IRL after last May's Indy 500. 

IZOD's Indycar Series marketing campaign is scheduled to start before the season opener in St. Pete with a national TV commercial, print ads in Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, and The New York Times, as well as other marketing events involving newspapers, billboards, movie theatres, and a clothing line at Macy's.

Ryan Hunter-Reay quickly became one the most popular American drivers in the Indycar Series with a large fan base clamoring for his return to the series. When it became apparent that no seat was going to be available IRL Chairman, Tony George stepped up and signed the Boca Raton, Florida resident to his Vision Racing Team.

Expect the formal announcement this weekend.