IRL News - Sharp Signs Up With Rahal Letterman16/11/2006

Scott Sharp will race for the Rahal Letterman team in the IRL IndyCar Series in 2007. Sharp, a nine-time winner in the IndyCar Series, raced for Delphi Fernandez Racing in 2006. He was joint champion in the IRL’s debut season in 1996.

“I’m so fortunate to have this opportunity with those guys. I couldn’t be more excited right now,” said Sharp, who has started the last 121 IndyCar races.

“It’s a big opportunity for me, and I’m excited at Bobby’s commitment level. They’ve won races with six or seven different drivers. This is a team that is used to running at the front. I sensed their hunger level, and that’s exciting for a driver.

“And personally, Bobby has always been one of the drivers I aspired to when I was growing up.”

Sharp joins Jeff Simmons, who raced for Rahal Letterman in 2006, replacing the departing Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice.

Rahal himself is excited. “What I like about both of my drivers is that they’re very professional. I think they will really motivate this team. We’ve got two guys now that can provide that leadership.”

Team mate Jeff Simmons is also looking forward to Sharp’s arrival: “I was at the Iowa test, listening to him on the radio, and picking things up already from him. I’m excited to get to work with him.”

The 2007 IRL IndyCar Series, which runs on Firestone Firehawk tyres, starts on March 24, at the Miami Homestead Speedway in Florida.