Hunter-Reay began to drive for Rahal Letterman Racing in the No. 17 Honda for the final six races of the season as a replacement for the released Jeff Simmons. Hunter-Reay made his series debut at the Honda 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In his debut Hunter-Reay started 10th and finished 7th. At the following race, the Firestone Indy 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Hunter-Reay started 12th in the race and had to make a pit stop to replace his damaged helmet. He would finish in 6th place and would be the last car on the lead lap. Hunter-Reay's best start of the season was a 5th at the Detroit Indy Grand Prix presented by Firestone at Belle Isle State Park, where he finished 18th (last) due to clutch problems after 24 laps. Hunter-Reay would finish 7th after starting 12th at the season-ending Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. Despite only competing in six races, Hunter-Reay was able to finish 19th in points with 119 points and would win the series rookie of the year award, setting the record for fewest starts in a season by a driver who won the award.