Mike Lanigan – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Announces Strategic Partnership for 2025 Season

Mike Lanigan is a pivotal figure in the world of IndyCar racing as co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Before joining forces with racing legend Bobby Rahal and late-night TV icon David Letterman, Lanigan started his career with Mi-Jack Products in 1973. His business acumen and passion for motorsport helped transform Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing into one of the most respected teams in the IndyCar paddock.

After a stint with Newman/Haas Racing, Lanigan joined Rahal Letterman Racing in December 2010, prompting the team to adopt its current name. The partnership has proven fruitful, with the team claiming championships in both INDYCAR and IMSA competition. Recently, Lanigan returned to the paddock after overcoming a significant health scare, demonstrating the same resilience that has defined his career in racing.

As co-owner of the LANCO Group of Companies based in Chicago, Lanigan brings substantial business expertise to complement Rahal’s racing pedigree and Letterman’s high-profile enthusiasm. Together, they’ve built a racing operation that consistently challenges for wins at the Indianapolis 500 and throughout the IndyCar season.

Founding and Leadership

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) has a storied history in American motorsport with three notable figures at its helm. The team was originally founded in 1992 by Bobby Rahal, the three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner.

The team expanded its ownership group when late-night television personality David Letterman joined the fold. Letterman, the former CBS Late Show host, brought his passion for racing and additional prominence to the organization.

In December 2010, the team underwent another significant change when Mike Lanigan became a co-owner. This addition transformed the organization into what we now know as Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Lanigan wasn’t new to racing leadership. Before joining RLL, he was co-owner of Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing alongside Carl Haas and actor Paul Newman. His experience and business acumen made him a valuable addition to the RLL ownership group.

The team operates from its base in Zionsville, Indiana, where they’ve built a state-of-the-art racing headquarters. This facility represents the team’s commitment to excellence in the racing world.

Recently, RLL bolstered their leadership team by bringing on Jay Frye as Team President, further strengthening their management structure for future racing endeavors.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Overview

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has established itself as a powerhouse in American motorsport, competing at the highest levels of both open-wheel and sports car racing. The team, co-owned by racing legend Bobby Rahal, entertainment icon David Letterman, and business magnate Mike Lanigan, has built a reputation for excellence across multiple racing disciplines.

IndyCar Series Involvement

RLL Racing has been a fixture in the IndyCar Series (now known as the NTT IndyCar Series) since its inception. The team was founded by three-time IndyCar Champion Bobby Rahal, who brought his racing expertise to the ownership side after a successful driving career.

Over the years, RLL has fielded cars for numerous talented drivers, competing at iconic venues like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Their IndyCar operation is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana, strategically positioned near the heart of American open-wheel racing.

The team claimed the IndyCar championship in 1992, establishing early credibility that has carried through decades of competition. RLL’s IndyCar program continues to evolve, with a strong technical staff led by experienced management including VP of Operations Derek Davidson and Team Manager Grant.

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Presence

Beyond open-wheel racing, RLL has made significant waves in sports car competition as BMW Team RLL in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This partnership has produced impressive results in GT competition.

The team has been particularly strong in endurance racing, with notable performances at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona. Their sports car program showcases the team’s versatility and technical prowess across racing disciplines.

In 2019, BMW Team RLL captured the Michelin North American Endurance Championship, adding another prestigious title to the organization’s trophy case. This achievement highlighted their ability to excel in the grueling demands of sports car endurance racing.

Significant Racing Achievements

The trophy cabinet at RLL Racing speaks volumes about their competitive success. Beyond their 1992 IndyCar championship, the team also claimed IMSA championships in 2010 and 2011, demonstrating excellence across racing categories.

The team’s ability to attract and retain major manufacturer support, particularly their longstanding relationship with BMW in sports car racing, underscores their technical capabilities and professional operation.

RLL’s achievements include victories at some of racing’s most challenging venues against world-class competition. Their success stems from a combination of engineering excellence, strategic race management, and the leadership of their ownership trio.

The organization continues to evolve, balancing their dual programs while maintaining competitive entries in each series they contest.

Notable Team Achievements

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has established itself as a powerhouse in American open-wheel racing with significant victories and championship glory. The team’s legacy includes multiple Indianapolis 500 wins and series championships across decades of competition.

Victories at the Indianapolis 500

RLL Racing has twice conquered “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” with dramatic victories. Their first Indy 500 triumph came in 2004 when Buddy Rice took the checkered flag in a rain-shortened but action-packed race. Rice’s victory marked a stunning comeback for the team at the legendary 2.5-mile oval.

Sixteen years later, lightning struck again when Takuma Sato delivered the team’s second Indianapolis 500 win in 2020. The Japanese veteran held off Scott Dixon in a thrilling finish that cemented his place in motorsports history.

These Indianapolis victories represent the pinnacle achievements for any IndyCar team. They showcase Mike Lanigan and his partners’ ability to prepare cars capable of conquering the most challenging race in American motorsports.

Championship Titles

Beyond their Indianapolis success, RLL Racing’s trophy case includes the coveted 1992 IndyCar championship. Bobby Rahal, both driver and team principal then, demonstrated the organization’s excellence with consistent performances throughout that season.

The team has continuously built upon this championship foundation across multiple decades. By early 2025, RLL had accumulated an impressive 30 wins, 37 poles, and 112 podium finishes in IndyCar competition.

Their success extends beyond open-wheel racing. In sportscar competition, the team captured back-to-back Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance race victories in 2019 and 2020, demonstrating their versatility across racing disciplines.

The 2025 season marks the team’s 34th year of competition, with Lanigan and his partners still hungry to add more achievements to their already remarkable racing legacy.

Current and Former Drivers

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has fielded an impressive roster of driving talent throughout its history. The team co-owned by Bobby Rahal, David Letterman, and Mike Lanigan has attracted both established stars and emerging talent across multiple racing disciplines.

IndyCar Roster

The current IndyCar lineup at RLL showcases a mix of experience and fresh talent. Graham Rahal, son of co-owner Bobby Rahal, remains one of the team’s cornerstone drivers, bringing years of experience and multiple race wins to the organization.

Christian Lundgaard, the talented Danish driver, has proven to be a strong addition to the team, demonstrating impressive pace and race craft since joining. His development has been one of RLL’s bright spots in recent seasons.

Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi, represents the next generation of a storied racing family. His addition to the team brought both talent and racing pedigree.

Throughout its 34 years of competition, RLL has fielded numerous notable IndyCar drivers including Bobby Rahal himself, who pulled double duty as both team owner and driver early in the team’s history.

SportsCar Standouts

RLL’s sports car program has featured some exceptional driving talent. The current lineup includes international stars like Augusto Farfus from Brazil and Philipp Eng from Austria, who bring extensive European racing experience to the team.

The sports car division has been a significant part of Lanigan and his partners’ motorsports strategy, allowing the team to compete in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Notable former sports car drivers for the team have included factory-backed professionals from major manufacturers. These drivers have helped RLL secure important class victories and podium finishes in endurance racing.

The team’s ability to attract top talent across both IndyCar and sports car racing demonstrates the respect the organization has earned in motorsports under the leadership of Rahal, Letterman, and Lanigan.

Team Operations and Sponsorships

The business backbone of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing combines strategic sponsorships with technical innovations. Mike Lanigan’s business acumen has helped secure valuable partnerships while maintaining focus on performance development.

Primary Sponsorship and Partners

WWEX Group recently joined RLL Racing as a key sponsor for the No. 15 entry driven by Graham Rahal, announced in January 2025. This partnership demonstrates Lanigan’s continued ability to attract major backers to the team.

The team’s sponsorship portfolio includes Haven Steel, which serves as an associate sponsor. These relationships don’t materialize by accident—they’re the result of Lanigan working alongside co-owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman to create value for partners.

Bobby Rahal Automotive Group also maintains connections with the racing operation, creating cross-promotional opportunities that benefit both entities. This integration of business interests has become a hallmark of Lanigan’s approach.

Technical and Strategic Development

The recent appointment of Jay Frye as Team President marks a significant development in RLL’s operational structure. Frye reports directly to team ownership, including Lanigan, streamlining decision-making processes across technical and business operations.

This leadership addition reflects Lanigan’s commitment to strengthening the team’s competitive position through strategic personnel moves. The timing couldn’t be more crucial as the team prepares for the 2025 season.

Driver selection remains heavily influenced by sponsorship considerations. Bobby Rahal has explicitly noted that “sponsorship is key” to determining the team’s 2025 driver lineup. This highlights how Lanigan’s business development efforts directly impact on-track strategy.

Technical innovation continues under Lanigan’s co-ownership. Investments in engineering talent and equipment reflect the team’s performance-first philosophy.

Team Impact and Legacy

Mike Lanigan’s partnership with Bobby Rahal and David Letterman has transformed Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing into a powerhouse within American motorsports. Their collaboration has created a lasting imprint on racing culture while maintaining competitive relevance year after year.

Influence on IndyCar Series

Lanigan’s business acumen and strategic mindset have significantly strengthened RLL Racing’s position in the IndyCar Series. Since joining as co-owner, the team has secured multiple victories at prestigious events including the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, demonstrating their competitive edge in street circuits.

The team’s impressive headquarters in Zionsville, Indiana has become a technological center that’s raised the bar for racing operations. This 115,000-square-foot facility represents Lanigan’s commitment to excellence and innovation in motorsport.

Under Lanigan’s co-ownership, RLL has attracted top-tier talent both behind the wheel and in engineering roles. The team’s recent hiring of industry executive Jay Frye as president in April 2025 further demonstrates their serious approach to dominating the series.

Contribution to Motorsports Culture

Mike Lanigan has helped transform RLL Racing into more than just a competitive team—it’s become a cultural institution in American motorsports. His background with Mi-Jack Products and the LANCO Group brought valuable business connections that expanded the team’s commercial appeal beyond traditional racing audiences.

The team’s performances at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have created memorable moments that resonate with fans. RLL’s approach combines old-school racing values with modern technology and sponsorship innovations that have influenced how other teams operate.

Lanigan’s partnership with television legend David Letterman added mainstream visibility to the team while maintaining competitive credibility. This unique ownership combination helped RLL stand out in a crowded motorsports landscape.

His steady leadership alongside Rahal has established a team culture built on professionalism, technical excellence, and sustained performance rather than flash-in-the-pan results.

Digital Presence and Media Coverage

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has evolved its digital strategy to connect with fans across multiple platforms while securing valuable media partnerships that extend the team’s reach far beyond race day.

Television Broadcasting and Streaming

RLL Racing has built a strong presence on major motorsport broadcasts, particularly through NBC’s comprehensive IndyCar coverage. The team receives substantial airtime during race weekends, with NBC regularly featuring interviews with Mike Lanigan and the other team principals. Since 2021, all IndyCar races have been available on NBC and its streaming platform, Peacock Premium, giving RLL unprecedented visibility.

The Lanigan-owned team has benefited from special feature segments during pre-race coverage, particularly at the Indianapolis 500 where their historical significance often warrants extended coverage. NBC’s commitment to showcasing team strategies and behind-the-scenes operations has helped RLL build its brand recognition among casual viewers.

Technical partnerships have also enhanced RLL’s broadcast presence. In-car cameras and real-time telemetry displays keep fans engaged throughout race broadcasts.

Online Marketing and Fan Engagement

RLL Racing has implemented an aggressive digital strategy focused on direct fan interaction. Their social media presence has grown substantially, with Louis Foster becoming a digital fan favorite through the team’s robust social media approach.

The team’s partnership with Digital Ally has revolutionized fan access, providing unprecedented digital content during the Indianapolis 500 and other major events. This collaboration delivers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage directly to fans’ devices.

RLL’s website maintains transparency with a clear Cookie Policy while serving as a hub for team news, driver profiles, and sponsor information. Content partnerships with digital outlets like Yahoo have extended the team’s reach beyond traditional motorsport audiences.

The team regularly produces digital content showcasing their facilities and technology, appealing to both hardcore racing enthusiasts and casual fans interested in the engineering aspects of motorsport.

Privacy Practices and User Data

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing takes user privacy seriously while balancing data collection needs for team operations and fan engagement. The organization implements several measures to protect user information across its digital platforms.

Handling of Personal and Geolocation Data

When visiting Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s website, users should be aware that both personal data and anonymous traffic information are collected. The team gathers IP addresses and search data primarily for improving user experience and content delivery.

Their privacy policy outlines how they handle sensitive information, including geolocation data that might be collected through mobile applications or when accessing race information. Users can adjust privacy settings to limit data sharing, particularly for personalized advertising and content measurement purposes.

The team requires explicit consent before collecting certain types of personal information. This approach allows them to conduct audience research while respecting user privacy preferences.

Website Security and User Authentication

Security is paramount for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s digital presence. The team employs robust authentication protocols to verify user identities when accessing exclusive content or member areas.

Various security measures protect user data from unauthorized access. Encryption is a key component of their data protection strategy. These systems are regularly updated to address emerging threats.

The authentication process helps prevent spam and bot activities that could compromise the integrity of user interactions. For team partners like Securitas Technology, these security protocols are especially important.

User data helps drive services development. It enables the team to refine race information delivery and fan engagement tools. This data-driven approach balances security requirements with the need for an engaging digital experience.