TransSystems joins RLL
“All along I have said that one of our goals is to attract the best companies in the world to our team and TranSystems certainly qualifies as one of them," said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan.
“Having met with Brian Larson, their CEO, on several occasions it’s clear that this is a well-led company being directed by a guy with a passion for his business and what the future can bring. We look forward to working with him to achieve the goals that he has set forth in this program. We welcome TranSystems with open arms and look forward to working with them for many years to come."
“It’s a pleasure indeed to join forces with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing," added Brian Larson, CEO and Chairman of the Board of TranSystems “RLL brings exactly what we were looking for to craft a partnership in the racing world: a storied history, a forward lean, a commitment to both ALMS and IndyCar and, with Mike Lanigan, a solid understanding of our business world. Those synergies are what drove us to join RLL."
Larson went on, “You know, it was Bob Whyte," (CEO of Integrated Performance Technology), "who introduced me to Scott Atherton," (President of ALMS,) "as we looked to expand our motorsports footprint. Bob was instrumental in helping us maximize our investment to cover both ALMS and IndyCar as well as identify several strong B2B opportunities. Our nine year association with IndyCar has seen tremendous benefits including a partnership with Racing For Kids that has raised over $250,000 and the Team USA Scholarship led by Jeremy Shaw and the Road Racing Driver's Club. With RLL we'll be augmenting all of those efforts – business and social; it's a natural fit all around."
In November 2012, the team announced that Graham Rahal, 24, had signed a multi-year contract to compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series for the team. TBC Retail Group, who has sponsored Graham since 2010, is the primary sponsor of the No. 15 Honda-Dallara-Firestone entry while Valvoline is a major associate sponsor. Since then, the team has announced partnerships for the IndyCar Series program with Norm Reeves Honda Superstore and Battery Tender, the addition of an Indy car entry for Mike Conway in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and announced a full season IndyCar Series program on February 5 for James Jakes that will be sponsored by Acorn Stairlifts.
The 10-event 2013 American Le Mans Series season begins on March 16 with the 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway. BMW Team RLL will attempt to earn their third consecutive GT class victory this year. The 16-event IZOD IndyCar Series season begins on March 24 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Graham Rahal became the youngest winner in IndyCar Series history when he won the event in 2008. He came back the next year to become the youngest pole winner in series history at the same event.