Sun May 25 16:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the text you provided:

**Summary:**

David Letterman, the former late-night TV host, has a deep-rooted love for the Indianapolis 500. His connection dates back to his childhood in Indianapolis. He’s been a co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) since 2004, a partnership born from his admiration and friendship with Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal. RLL has tasted victory at the Indy 500 twice. Letterman fondly recalls his early experiences with the race, including a memorable first attendance in 1966 with a suitcase full of beer. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will field four drivers in this year’s race.

**News Article:**

**Letterman’s Indy 500 Passion Endures: RLL Racing Ready for 109th Running**

INDIANAPOLIS – For David Letterman, the roar of the engines and the spectacle of the Indianapolis 500 remains as captivating as ever. The former “Late Show” host, a native of Indianapolis, will be back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend as co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), a partnership he forged with racing legend Bobby Rahal in 2004.

Letterman’s connection to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” dates back to his childhood, listening to the race on the radio with his family in 1955. His passion led him to follow the career of Bobby Rahal, eventually developing a friendship that blossomed into a business partnership.

“I saw every weekend this kid named Bobby Rahal running up front. I started following him and was attracted to ‘the guy,’ not so typical of the drivers I was familiar with as a younger person. When he won in ’86, he came on (Late Night with David Letterman), and that was the beginning of our acquaintance, and it developed into a friendship, and I would attend races around the country when I had time off. From that, he was nice enough to let me come in and be a bit of a partnership on the team.” Letterman told the Indianapolis Star in a recent interview.

RLL has celebrated victory at the Brickyard twice, with Buddy Rice in 2004 and Takuma Sato in 2020. Letterman has said that it has been a pleasure to be part of the winning team at The Brickyard in 2004 and 2017. RLL will have four drivers competing in Sunday’s 109th running of the Indy 500.

Letterman also fondly recounted his first in-person experience at the Indy 500 in 1966, a college escapade involving a suitcase full of beer.

As race day approaches, Letterman’s enthusiasm is palpable.

Read More