Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - Ryan Hunter-Reay will drive the No.14 A.J. Foyt Racing car in place of the injured Vitor Meira for the remainder of the 2009 IndyCar Series season, beginning with the June 21 race at Iowa Speedway, the team announced Friday.

Hunter-Reay began the season driving the No.21 entry for Vision Racing, but the team has ceased operations. Vision secured primary sponsorship from IZOD for only the May 24 Indianapolis 500 and the June 6 race at Texas.

According to a news release from Foyt, Vision assigned Hunter-Reay's driving services to Foyt in a deal struck Thursday afternoon.

"Following the Texas race, it became clear that this could be a reasonable solution to a number of challenges and it needed consideration," Vision team owner Tony George said in a statement. "A.J. Foyt and I spoke candidly about what Ryan had to offer. We all feel Ryan will be able to contribute to their program and provide continuity for the rest of the season while they await Vitor's return."

Foyt's team is currently 18th in the point standings with a season-best finish of ninth coming at St. Petersburg. Hunter-Reay is 10th in points.

"We're glad to welcome Ryan to our team," Foyt said. "It's been a tough year for us losing Vitor, but we're looking forward to working with Ryan. We know how good he is because he beat us at Watkins Glen last year."

Hunter-Reay captured his first career IndyCar victory last July at Watkins Glen, NY while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing. Prior to this season, Rahal Letterman suspended its efforts in IndyCar competition due to lack of sponsorship. Hunter-Reay finished second in his debut with Vision in this year's season-opener at St. Petersburg, FL, giving the team its best finish in the organization's five-year history.

"I have always had the highest respect for both Tony George and A.J. Foyt, so when they asked me to drive the ABC Supply car while Vitor recovers, I was happy to accept," Hunter-Reay said. "Vitor is a friend, and I know all of the drivers are wishing him a speedy recovery. I am really looking forward to this new partnership with A.J. Foyt Racing, and I will do my absolute best to help deliver the results we are all hoping to achieve."

Meira suffered two fractured vertebrae in his back during a horrifying crash in the closing laps of the Indy 500. Paul Tracy (Milwaukee) and A.J. Foyt IV (Texas) have substituted for the Brazilian driver. Meira is projected to return for the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October. Foyt is expected to field two entries for that race.

Vision will continue to operate its No.21 entry with driver Ed Carpenter.