Rahal enters Vasser for Indy 500.

Rahal/Letterman Racing and primary sponsor Miller Lite have officially entered driver Jimmy Vasser in the 2002 Indianapolis 500.

Surprisingly, the entry marks the first time that the open wheel racing team owned by 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal and television talk show icon David Letterman has entered a car in the May classic. Vasser will drive the #19 Dallara-Chevrolet combination in the event, backed by long-time Team Rahal sponsors Miller Lite, with Shell, Hewlett-Packard and Timken also participating in the programme.

"I have raced in the Indianapolis 500 and there isn't another event like it in the world," Vasser said, "The chance to race at Indy and represent, not only a great company like Miller Brewing, but a great team like Rahal/Letterman Racing is an honour. I think Bobby and Dave have assembled the elements to be successful this May."

The Californian, who also drives the Shell car for Team Rahal in the CART FedEx Championship Series, has recorded two fourth-place finishes in his six Indianapolis 500 starts. The 36-year-old has, however, won a pair of 500-mile events during his open-wheel racing career, with victories at the 1996 US 500 at the Michigan International Speedway and the 1998 Marlboro 500 at the California Speedway.

"The Indy 500 is an American tradition and we are very proud to return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway again with Miller Brewing," said Rahal, "Miller also has been a tradition at the Speedway and bringing them back, as well as David, to this hallowed ground is very special. Having a tremendous driver like Jimmy behind the wheel for our team and Miller Lite means we will be among the top contenders for the coveted Borg Warner Trophy."

The 2002 season marks the 30th year that Miller Brewing has been a sponsor in open-wheel competition, dating back to 1973 in the United States Auto Club (USAC) and the Indianapolis 500. Since its first involvement in open wheel competition, Miller Indy and Championship cars have won 17 races, including the 1985 Indy 500 with Danny Sullivan, 19 pole positions and two CART season championships - with Danny Sullivan in 1988 and Rahal himself in 1992. The 'Indy 500 Pit Stop Contest' also was sponsored by Miller for 18 years.

"Miller Brewing is pleased to return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2002," said director of sports and event marketing Steve Lauletta, "It's the world's most famous auto race and having Rahal/Letterman Racing and Jimmy Vasser in the race gives our Miller Lite
brand an outstanding opportunity to win this prestigious event. Miller has a great heritage at the Indy 500 and we believe that Bobby, Dave and the whole Rahal/Letterman organisation will make it 'Miller Time' this May in Indianapolis."

For talk show host Letterman, the chance to run a car at Indianapolis marks the realisation of a childhood ambition.

"To be part of a team racing at Indianapolis is the kind of thing I dreamed about as a kid," he confirmed, "I couldn't hope to be in better company than Bobby Rahal. This is what springtime in Indiana is all about."

As part of the preparation for the 2002 Indianapolis 500, Rahal/Letterman Racing and Vasser will participate in the upcoming Indy Racing League event at California Speedway on 22-24 March.