NTT INDYCAR SERIES team Arrow McLaren has named Ryan Hunter-Reay as its new sporting director.

In his new role with the Indianapolis-based team, the 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2012 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion will be tasked with maximizing on-track performance while contributing to the team's commercial success, serving as a bridge between competition, engineering, the driver lineup and commercial efforts, the team said.

In addition to contributions to optimizing car performance, race strategy and driver development, Hunter-Reay will act as an ambassador for the team, strengthening its high-performance culture and supporting partner engagement and business growth initiatives under the direction of team principal Tony Kanaan, team representatives said.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to join Arrow McLaren as Sporting Director. After 23 years competing at the highest level of American open wheel racing, I'm eager to bring my experience, passion and insight to contribute pushing this ambitious team forward, and I'd like to thank [McLaren Racing CEO] Zak Brown, Tony Kanaan and Arrow McLaren board members for this opportunity," Hunter-Reay said. "Arrow McLaren has shown tremendous potential and possesses all the ingredients necessary to continue fighting for championships and Indy 500 wins as well as the coveted Triple Crown that McLaren Racing is aiming to achieve once again. Together with the talented drivers, engineers and crew, I will work relentlessly to help elevate our performance and deliver the results this iconic team, its fans and partners deserve."

"Some of my best memories in racing go back to my time working together with Ryan in 2010. He played a big role in helping get that team pointed in the right direction and building a group that could compete for championships," said Kanaan. "We're at a similar point now, and I'm excited to welcome him in this official role to help lead the team as we continue pushing this organization forward."

For more information, visit mclaren.com.

Image courtesy of Arrow McLaren