Pappas joins RLLR as race engineer for Graham Rahal

[Source: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing PR]

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (October 31, 2013) – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Bill Pappas will join the team as race engineer for Graham Rahal’s IndyCar Series program beginning November 1. Pappas has over 25 years of racing experience after working with teams such as Roush Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Walker Racing, Panther Racing, and others. Most recently he was the race engineer for Justin Wilson at Dale Coyne Racing from 2012-2013.

“I’m very pleased that Bill is joining us,” said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. “His track record and experience is really second to none and I feel that he can provide a big benefit to the team and Graham.”

Pappas is widely regarded as one of the most respected engineers in open-wheel racing. After graduating from Purdue University with a mechanical engineering degree in 1983, Pappas’ first racing job opportunity came when he was hired by Jack Roush in 1985 to work at Roush’s Livonia, Mich.-based company as a design engineer performing research and development activities for various Roush contracts. He became involved in the team’s SCCA program but chose a move to open-wheel racing rather than to Roush’s new NASCAR Cup Series team and joined Patrick Racing late in 1988 until 1992. Stints at Hall Racing (1993-1996), Walker Racing (1997-1999), Chip Ganassi Racing (2000-2005), Panther Racing (2006-2007), Michael Waltrip Racing (2008), Dale Coyne Racing (2009), KV Racing Technology (2010-2011) and Dale Coyne Racing (2012-2013) followed.

“I’m very honored to be offered an opportunity to be a part of Rahal Letterman Lanigan, working for Bobby and helping Graham reach his potential,” said Bill Pappas.

“I’m excited that Bill is joining the team,” added Graham Rahal, who earned a 2013 season-high finish of second place at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and won the heat race for the Iowa Corn Indy 250. “He brings not only a wealth of experience, and Indy 500 wins as well as others, he can really help take our team and engineering staff to the next level. I’ve known Bill a long time. We have had opportunities to work together before but it just didn’t fall into place until now.”

The 2014 IndyCar Series season will mark the 23rd year of open-wheel competition for RLL. The team will attempt to add to their 20 wins – including the 2004 Indy 500 from pole with Buddy Rice — their 29 poles, 80 top-three podium finishes and 1992 series championship.