Rahal exploring WEC LMP2 program

Bobby Rahal is pursuing the addition of an FIA WEC LMP2 program to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing's future activities.

Along with RLL's title-contending Verizon IndyCar Series effort, its championship-winning ALMS/IMSA GT program run on behalf of BMW in North America, and a new Global Rallycross project, Rahal says expanding into the WEC, possibly in the LMP2 category, is an ongoing priority.

"We love endurance racing; I see us involved in it for a long time, and going to Le Mans and other circuits that are held in similar regard is important for us," he told RACER. "It takes sponsorship, and I don't see us going to Le Mans with BMW because they'd use one of their European teams, which makes total sense. But I also see us looking at the WEC, and there's opportunities there on an international scale that's of interest. We're going to see what we can put together."

Rahal has targeted Le Mans as the introduction point for RLL.

"Racing at Le Mans is our first priority, and whether we'd do that on our own or in partnership with another team is another question," said the 1986 Indy 500 winner. "There's advantages and disadvantages to both. I was fortunate to drive at Le Mans, and think it's an event that's on par with the Indy 500 in its grandeur and international following. We're working hard to realize that race in the years to come."

"I think the P2 class is pretty attractive," he said. "The costs to do a season there are, frankly, pretty inexpensive. The [WEC's] cost controls make that possible. You're hard-pressed to say you're going to win overall at Le Mans in P2, although that almost happened this year.

"And you hear the rumors about Porsche pulling out, and if they do, would Toyota still want to be involved, so I think the P2 class is looking pretty smart right about now. I think the P2 class is going to have a strong voice in the future."