The Steak ‘n Shake bow tie server-themed firesuit is back from the dry cleaners in plenty of time for Graham Rahal to wear it in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series’ season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing co-owner Bobby Rahal announced that Steak ‘n Shake will return as the primary sponsor of the No. 15 Honda at five races in 2016. Maxim Magazine branding also will continue to be prominently featured on the race car driven by Graham Rahal.
“We are very pleased that Steak ‘n Shake will be back with us in 2016,” Bobby Rahal said. “The 2015 season was a great one for us both on track and off and our partnership with Steak ‘n Shake was one of the many highlights. We are looking forward to building on that success together in 2016.”
Graham Rahal earned two victories among six podium and 10 top-10 finishes in the 16 races, and was a championship contender entering the season finale at Sonoma Raceway. Rahal, 26, of New Albany, Ohio, placed a career-high fourth in the driver standings.
"The whole team clicked," Bobby Rahal said. "As a one-car team, we were sort of the giant killers going up the four-car teams of Ganassi, Penske and Andretti. We kind of liked that position of being the spoiler. We were the best Honda most of the year. There really wasn't one highlight; the whole season was a highlight. Where we're starting for '16 we're so much further ahead than a year ago and I'm very much looking forward to the season.
"I think we'll be strong again. I think Honda is doing a great job, so we're anxious to get going."
Among the races that the Steak ‘n Shake branding will be prominent on the No. 15 entry is the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2016. Bobby Rahal won the race in 1986.
"I'm not a betting man but I might go to Vegas," he said. "(Graham) won his SCCA National Championship 30 years after I won mine. He won at Mid-Ohio this year 30 years after my first win at Mid-Ohio. This is 30 years at Indy coming up; I think I'm going to place a bet."
Rahal also co-drove to the overall victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2011 -- 30 years after his father co-drove the winning entry.
Spencer Pigot, the 2015 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires champion, will drive a Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing car for at least three races, including the Indy 500.
Steak ‘n Shake began its racing involvement as the primary sponsor for six races at five venues in 2015 as well as an associate sponsor for the full season. The company added primary sponsorship for the penultimate rounds of the season.
In-store fan events, social media engagement and a signature Steak ‘n Shake milkshake, which Rahal drank after each podium finish and incorporated a charity element, were part of the partnership.
The 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season begins March 13 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. (12:30 p.m. ET on ABC).