Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing filed a lawsuit Monday in Marion County, Indiana, targeting companies tied to 5-hour ENERGY, the energy drink brand that backed their No. 30 entry last season. The suit alleges the sponsors failed to pay roughly $3.2 million owed under a contract for driver Pietro Fittipaldi's car. RLL claims the defendants, including Living Essentials and Innovation Ventures, backed out after promising full funding through the season.
Court documents paint a picture of broken promises that strained the small team's operations mid-year. The No. 30 car struggled on track partly due to cash flow issues from the sponsor shortfall, forcing RLL to scramble for alternatives. Team principal Bobby Rahal expressed frustration in a statement, calling the dispute a distraction from their core mission of competitive racing.
Legal filings detail attempts to resolve the matter out of court before escalating. RLL seeks the full amount plus interest and fees, arguing the sponsors' sudden withdrawal disrupted preparations for 2025. As the case unfolds, it spotlights the financial tightrope indie teams walk in IndyCar's high-stakes sponsorship game. One ruling could ripple through the paddock.
