INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 16, 2012) — IZOD IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal is taking his TBC Retail Group sponsorship to a new team next year, albeit one with a familiar name and owner: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, co-owned by his father, Bobby Rahal.
Just 23, Graham Rahal is entering his sixth season in IndyCar racing, including the last two under TBC Retail colors as part of the Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing, based in Indianapolis.
Starting in 2013, Graham Rahal will be driving RLL Racing's No. 15 Dallara-Honda sporting TBC Retail and Valvoline Oil colors for the duration of a multi-year contract. Financial terms of the sponsorship deal were not disclosed.
"It's extremely exciting for me to join Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing fulltime. It's something that I thought really wouldn't happen this early in my career but, at this point, it absolutely makes the most sense for us," Graham Rahal said.
RLL Racing Co-Owner Bobby Rahal said, "I think this is a great moment for our family, for the team and for the sport and I thank TBC Retail Group and Valvoline for making it possible…. I think we can create an environment that will allow him to fulfill (his) potential.
Graham Rahal drove for his father's team once before, at the 2010 Indianapolis 500.
"We are excited to sponsor Graham again this year in partnership with Valvoline," said Orland Wolford, CEO TBC Retail Group, Service Central. "He is an exceptional ambassador for our brands. Not to mention, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has the equipment and expertise to keep him running in the front of the pack."
Tom Gerrald, vice president of Valvoline Installer Channel, said, "This opportunity solidifies our great working relationship with TBC Retail, We're thrilled to be a part of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and continue our Valvoline racing heritage by working with Graham Rahal."
In five part and full-time IndyCar seasons, Graham Rahal has one win and 19 top-five finishes in 91 starts. His lone win, at the 2009 St. Petersburg Grand Prix, came in his first IndyCar Series start at the age of 19, making him the series' youngest winner ever