The Theodore Racing name will race once more around the streets of Long Beach as well as the two races at Indianapolis after partnering with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Theodore Racing will team up with full-time driver Graham Rahal for the first time at this weekend’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, while they will also be present at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the 100th edition of the Indianapolis 500 in May for Rahal and Spencer Pigot.
It will be the first time in 31 years that Theodore Racing have a presence in IndyCar, with Teddy Yip Snr supporting a number of drivers in the series between 1977 and 1984, including 1983 Indy 500 winner Tom Sneva.
Now under the leadership of Teddy Yip Jr, who has had success himself in GP2, GP3 and Formula 3, the partnership will see Rahal’s car entered under the ‘Rahal Letterman Lanigan with Theodore Racing’ name.
“Indy car and American racing was extremely important to my father and in many ways it was his second home,” said Yip Jr. “This year’s Indy 500 marks an important anniversary, and it’s fitting that the Theodore name is an active part of the celebrations.
“Partnering with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing makes perfect sense. Bobby knew my father and much like myself, Graham is part of a new generation hoping to continue a legacy and make his own mark in the history books.
“The IndyCar Series is certainly on the up and many European teams and drivers are now looking across the pond to the series. We’ve achieved some success in Asia and Europe so I’m very excited to be America’s latest import and work with such a professional team and talented driver.”
Team owner Bobby Rahal is excited to be partnering with Theodore Racing for some of the biggest races in motorsport, with this year’s Indy 500 the thirtieth anniversary of his 1986 Indy 500 victory.
“What an honour it is to have Theodore Racing back in Indy car racing and with us at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said Rahal. “We are so appreciative to Teddy Yip Jnr and his staff for entrusting the historic legacy of the Theodore name with our team.
“I knew his father and while I never actually drove for him, many of the greatest drivers that went on to Formula One, Formula 5000 and other categories, did drive for Teddy Yip Snr and Theodore Racing.
“We are really thrilled to have Teddy Jnr bring Theodore Racing back to North America, and especially for them to have selected our team to do it with.”
