Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced Wednesday that its partnership with United Rentals Inc., the largest equipment rental company in the world and a team partner in the Verizon IndyCar Series, has produced a total donation just shy of a half-million dollars for its Turns for Troops program to benefit SoldierStrong since its 2016 inception.
United Rentals donated $50 for each lap completed by RLL driver Graham Rahal in the 17 races this season, plus the laps completed by teammates Takuma Sato and Oriol Servia in the INDYCAR Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 in May. In addition, Graham Rahal reinstated his charity golf tournament in May, with the Graham Rahal Foundation splitting proceeds from the tournament between Turns for Troops and another team partner, CSU One Cure, with each group receiving a $100,000 contribution.
Donations from the public, along with merchandise sales and other contributions, increased the total in support of SoldierStrong to $247,767 this year. It nearly equaled the amount raised in the first two seasons combined, making for a total of $499,767 to SoldierStrong since 2016.
“It’s awesome to see what we’ve been able to achieve and the effect that we can have on such worthy causes,” Graham Rahal said. “We have to give all of the credit to United Rentals, even in regard to my golf tournament. Together, we’ve raised a lot of money for Turns for Troops and One Cure. We’re going to work together again next year, when we’ll complete the maximum laps possible, hold another golf tournament and hopefully continue to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans.”
SoldierStrong transforms the lives of military veterans by providing them with cutting-edge medical technology and access to rehabilitation. The Turns for Troops program will be acknowledged at the annual SoldierSalute Gala on Thursday at The Union League of Philadelphia.
“Our partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is succeeding in making a difference for military veterans who need medical assistance – a cause that has been at the heart of our culture at United Rentals for many years,” said Chris Hummel, chief marketing officer for United Rentals. “It’s been exciting to see the level of support rise so rapidly this year. These donations are a source of pride for our company, and it’s our privilege to participate again in 2019.”
‘BORN RACER’ to debut in Dixon’s native New Zealand
“BORN RACER,” the documentary film tracing the 2017 racing season of INDYCAR driver Scott Dixon, was scheduled to make its New Zealand premiere Wednesday evening in Auckland, with Dixon, wife Emma and daughters Poppy and Tilly in attendance.
Dixon, who claimed his fifth Verizon IndyCar Series championship this season, is a New Zealand citizen. His parents, Ron and Glenys Dixon, were also expected to attend the premiere. The film will be released for purchase in New Zealand on Thursday.
The worldwide premiere of “BORN RACER” took place last month in Indianapolis. It is available now in the United States on DVD and digital download. For more information, visit BornRacerMovie.com.
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports names Kiel as GM to replace Phillips
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced Wednesday that Piers Phillips has left his position as the team’s general manager in a joint decision with co-owners Ric Peterson and Sam Schmidt. SPM has promoted 31-year-old Taylor Kiel from the team manager position to replace Phillips.
“Both Ric and I are very thankful to Piers for the impact he has had on the team for the last three years and for helping us to get to where we are today,” Schmidt said in a team statement. “We wish him nothing but the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”
Grand Prix of Long Beach tickets on sale
Tickets for the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the fourth race on the 2019 IndyCar Series schedule, are on sale now. The April 12-14 race weekend will mark the 35th consecutive year that Indy cars roar around the streets of the Southern California city on the iconic circuit.
Ticket prices remain unchanged from this year, starting at $33 for a Friday general admission ticket to $147 for a three-day ticket that includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Prepaid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, IndyCar Series paddock access passes, Super Photo tickets and an array of VIP Club packages.
“We are looking forward to another great lineup of family entertainment in 2019,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “And ticket prices remain the same as in 2018. So, America’s No. 1 street race plus the concerts, Lifestyle Expo and all that the City of Long Beach has to offer makes our event the best entertainment value in Southern California.”
Ticket orders may be placed at gplb.com or by calling 888-827-7333.