Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced that D-A Lubricant Co., a heavy duty and industrial lubricant compounder/blender, will be the primary sponsor of the No. 15 Honda driven by Graham Rahal in the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana April 10-12 at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, La. In addition, D-A Lubricant Co. has joined the team as a multi-year, major associate sponsor.

The partnership marks a return to Indy car racing for D-A Lubricant Co., based in Lebanon, Ind., which sponsored entries in the Indianapolis 500 from 1955-58 with a highest finish of sixth in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 1956 with driver Bob Sweikert. D-A-sponsored cars also ran in the USAC Championship Car series during that period, earning one win in 1957 and four wins in 1958.

"I am incredibly pleased to bring D-A Lubricant Co. back to IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a 50-year absence through our partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said Mike Protogere, chairman and CEO of D-A Lubricant Co.  “This is a prime example of a business-to-business relationship that will allow us to immediately identify and open new business channels, and get our name in front of IndyCar audiences in markets throughout North America. RLL is comprised of talented individuals, and I can't wait to see them perform this season carrying the D-A Lubricant Co. name."

Added team co-owner Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time CART champion: “Those who are familiar with the history of Indy car racing know that D-A’s involvement goes back to the 1950s. I certainly remember their car with its distinctive livery so it’s wonderful to be able to welcome them back to Indy car racing. In meeting with them, I was so impressed with how they go about their business. Their expertise in the lubricants area will help us get a technical advantage and we look forward to working closely with them during this process. We’re excited to have them on board.” 

The relationship provides a business-to-business opportunity with the LANCO Group of Companies, whose president is RLL co-owner Michael Lanigan.

“I am happy to welcome D-A Lubricant Co. to the team,” Lanigan said. “I also look forward to using their products in all of our heavy equipment and to promote their vast selection of oils, lubricants and other products in the industries the LANCO Group of Companies are involved in.”