IndyCar: Old-school sponsor returns with Rahal

A storied sponsor is returning to racing with one of IndyCar's most recognizable teams. D.A. Lubricant will be Graham Rahal's associate sponsor for the 2015 Verizon IndyCar series and primary backer for next month's inaugural show at New Orleans.

"It's exciting to have somebody come back into the sport and D.A. Lubricant was a storied name at Indianapolis, so we're proud to carry their colors," said Bobby Rahal, who co-owns the Indianapolis-based team along with David Letterman and Mike Lanigan. "With Mike's heavy equipment company (MiJack) and the business opportunities D.A. is looking for it's a match made in heaven and has the potential to grow and grow."

Originally located on West 29th Street in Indianapolis, D.A. Lubricant is now based in Lebanon, Ind., and last competed as a sponsor at Indianapolis in 1958.

Cal Niday carried the D.A. colors in the 1955 race while '55 Indy winner Bob Sweikert finished sixth in the D.A. Lubricant Special in 1956. Johnny Thomson qualified the bright yellow car in 1957 and 1958 (LEFT) – winning four dirt shows in '58 and the owner's title.

"It's painted in the old colors and looks cool, kind of a throwback," said Rahal, whose 26-year-old son is embarking on his ninth season and will again be powered by Honda.

When Tom Binford, owner of D.A. Lubricant at the time, became USAC president in 1959 he decided to no longer sponsor Indy cars because he considered it a conflict of interest.

A year ago, RLL Racing was sitting pretty with National Guard sponsorship but that went away when racing sponsorship was pulled so Rahal & Company have been scrambling.

"It's been tough but we stayed the course and I think the team is in good shape right now," said the 1986 Indy winner. "We made some changes in the team and I think it's made us stronger."

As for being the only other full-time, single-car operation in IndyCar besides Bryan Herta, Rahal says: "Would I prefer to be a two-car team? Absolutely. But we've had good runs with only one car in the past and there's something to be said for simplicity and focusing on one driver."
Rahal said he'd like to run two cars at Indy and is talking to drivers "with and wihout" funding.