INDYCAR.com
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato will return to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 25, team officials announced March 12.
AMADA AMERICA, Inc., a leading global machine tool manufacturer and supplier in the sheet metal industry, again will be the primary sponsor for 2017 and 2020 Indy 500 winner Sato’s No. 75 Honda-powered entry, continuing its backing from 2024.
Sato competed in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for RLL in 2012 and from 2018-21, as well as last year’s Indy 500. He has earned six NTT INDYCAR SERIES wins, four with RLL, including the team’s second Indy 500 win in 2020. Sato competed in oval races with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 and returned to RLL in 2024 for the Indy 500. He set the second-fastest qualifying speed of Honda-powered drivers in 2024, his 15th time to participate in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and sixth with RLL.
“I’m very excited to return to the 109th Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” Sato said. “Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Bobby (Rahal), Mike (Lanigan), David (Letterman) and the entire organization for this incredible opportunity. I’m also deeply grateful for the continued support from AMADA as the primary sponsor, alongside Panasonic Automotive Systems, Niterra, Deloitte Tohmatsu, NAC, Honda, HRC, and all our loyal sponsors.
“The new No. 75 car carries over RLL’s historic design with a refreshed and dynamic new livery – it looks absolutely stunning. Last year was an incredible experience, reconnecting with the team, and this year, even more familiar faces have joined the effort, which makes this moment even more special and gives me great confidence. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Said Bobby Rahal, team co-owner: “We are excited to have Takuma part of our Indy 500 program again. His experience, talent and bravado at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in particular, is evident by his two wins. The work ethic he brings, in addition to his attention to detail, adds immeasurable value to our program
“We are thrilled to have AMADA return as the primary sponsor for the entry. They continue to be an integral part of our racing programs, not only for the Indy 500. We utilize their equipment on a daily basis and couldn’t be happier with our partnership.”
