Tough break for Panther Racing who will lose one of the best sponsorship packages in IndyCar racing as the National Guard have decided to switch to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 2014 season.
National Guard had been closely associated with the Panther Racing squad since 2008 and its sponsorship has reportedly been anywhere from $10-13 million per year.
National Guard bids its contract annually and it is believed several teams, including Sam Schmidt, Andretti Autosport, Rahal/Letterman/Lanigan and Panther all submitted proposals for 2014.
Rahal/Letterman/Lanigan Racing is currently a two-car team with James Jakes and Graham Rahal but this new deal figures could allow Bobby Rahal to look for a top driver Justin Wilson, James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Briscoe or, even Oriol Servia to join his son.
![IndyCar Ryan Briscoe Panther Racing](/ArtImages/160773/indycar-national-guard-panther-inli.jpg) |
National Guard on Ryan Briscoe's Panther Racing car. (Photo: IndyCar) |