Formula BMW gaining momentum under RLR

The Formula BMW Americas series is preparing for its sixth season of competition in the United States, which will be its first under the guidance of three-time Indy Car champion Bobby Rahal and Rahal Letterman Racing, and preparations continue unabated for the 2009 campaign.

Rahal Letterman Racing assumed the stewardship of the series from Lapwing Motorsports late last month, and while Lapwing has recently closed its doors, preparation for the 2009 Formula BMW Americas season is still on track and forging toward its March 21 season opener in Puebla, Mexico.

The team has had success in a number of open-wheel formulae in the last 10 years including race wins and podium finishes in Champ Car, IndyCar, Toyota Atlantic and Indy Lights, and is looking ahead to the challenge of running one of the world’s top junior open-wheel series in the Formula BMW Americas.

“We are genuinely excited about the opportunity to guide tomorrow’s open-wheel driving talent through a quality series such as the Formula BMW Americas championship," said Rahal Letterman Racing co-owner Bobby Rahal. “We want to assure everyone out there that is interested in the series that, despite the closure of Lapwing Motorsports, the Formula BMW Series will be stronger than ever, and still affords one of the finest training and proving grounds anywhere in the world for the young driver with open-wheel racing aspirations.

“We encourage anyone to contact us with any questions, whether they be from an established team or from a parent wanting to give their children an opportunity to grow their skills," Rahal continued. “We are looking forward to a great season in 2009 and many more to come in the future."