IPS: Rahal Letterman to partner Andersen.

Rahal Letterman Racing and Andersen Racing have announced a partnership that will allow the two teams to field multiple entries in the 2007 Indy Pro Series.

The deal will enable RLR to expand its current driver development programme and will also give Andersen Racing the chance to access support both on and off the race track from the Indy Racing League outfit.

"We feel this programme is an important component to our IndyCar Series program and we feel it is important for our team to be involved in all levels of the IndyCar Series," RLR co-owner Bobby Rahal said. "We have been involved in developmental series programs in the past and that has certainly paid dividends in allowing us to groom the next generation of driver. I have a lot of respect for Dan Andersen and his organization.

"I saw first hand in 2005, when my son Graham ran for his team in Star Mazda, their approach to fielding a feeder system entry. Their team has shown a passion for the sport and they have the right approach in making sure things are done professionally and correct the first time. This is the manner in which we run our IndyCar and ALMS programs and it was vitally important for us to find an IPS partner with the same approach."

Dan Andersen, who runs Andersen Racing with brother John, said he was equally delighted to go into partnership with the Rahal Letterman squad and added he was now keen to try and use the deal to help younger drivers make it from the Indy Pro series into the Indy Racing League.

"Andersen Racing is delighted to be affiliated with Bobby Rahal, David Letterman and Rahal Letterman Racing," he said. "I greatly respect Bobby as a person and as a businessman and his record of success in the sport and outside the sport is well documented. This partnership allows me to fulfil a key component of my vision for Andersen Racing, which is to take young, talented drivers through our ladder system and allow them an opportunity to be seen by IndyCar teams in the IPS and hopefully land an IndyCar ride.

"Rahal Letterman Racing's involvement will elevate our programme and provide opportunities for our young drivers to work with one of the top teams in IndyCar today."