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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Make Changes

Following a disappointing first 13-races to the season, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has began making changes to their IZOD IndyCar Series programs.

Neil Fife, a former Dragon Racing engineer with Sebastien Bourdais among many other past positions, has been hired on engineer Graham Rahal's five remaining races. Fife has had previous stints with Goodyear, Vision Racing, Dale Coyne Racing and RLLR where he won with Ryan Hunter-Reay at Watkins Glen in 2008.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Graham and also work with old friends at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said Fife. “Graham is one of the young, talented drivers that make watching the IndyCar Series exciting.  Bobby has always been committed to running at the highest levels of racing and you can see that in each of his teams and their competitive efforts.  It is truly a challenging and competitive time in the IndyCar Series this year and together I think we can elevate the success of Graham and the team.”

Mitch Davis joins the team after holding the team manager position until last May for Chip Ganassi Racing's second program with Charlie Kimball and previously Graham Rahal the last two seasons. Davis will crew chief both Rahal and Jakes' entries and is responsible for preparing the Dallaras. Davis' lengthy racing career consists of posts with Jack Roush, Patrick Racing, Galles Racing, Team Cheever, Heritage Motor Sports, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing and Dale Coyne Racing.

“What a great opportunity this is for me to join Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said  Davis. “I have raced against Bobby my whole career and also raced alongside Graham. One of my lifetime goals was to work with (former RLL COO) Scott Roembke again after we first worked together in 1990 and 1991 at Patrick Racing. We lost Scott last year but this is a great opportunity for me with RLL, Graham and the young talent Bobby has put together with the drivers and crew.”

Joining RLLR in March 2011, Gerry Hughes has been promoted to Head of Development for the organization's 2-car IZOD IndyCar Series program.

Rahal and Jakes are 17th and 18th in points.

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