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2012 Indy 500, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Team Profile

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will put Michel Jourdain, Jr., behind the wheel at this year's Indianapolis 500.

The Rahal/Jourdain combo has had success in the past. Rahal Letterman Lanigan won the 2004 Indy 500, and Jourdain, Jr., gave the team a pair of IndyCar wins in 2003.

The team, based in Ohio, is co-owned by Bobby Rahal (three-time IndyCar champ and 1986 Indy 500 champion); Mike Lanigan (co-owner of Mi-Jack); and David Letterman (yes, that David Letterman).

Rahal, who had a storied racing career, founded the team in 1992, and has earned the respect of Jourdain. From an April Auto Week article:

"I am extremely happy about this new opportunity," said Jourdain, 35. "My best years professionally came with Bobby Rahal. I have been working out harder than ever to make sure I am as fit as possible. I know it is a huge challenge, to drive at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after so long and with this type of car, but I hope that I will feel at home in a few days."

The team has compiled 22 victories as well as a pair of series championships in 1992 and 2010.

Letterman became a co-owner in 1996.

For more on the Indy 500, check out this SB Nation Cleveland story stream or the SB Nation racing page. SB Nation's YouTube is on it as well:

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.