May 24, 2024
Graham Rahal
What do construction and car racing have in common? They both involve dangers to manage. To help ensure the well-being of crews and drivers, working safely as a team is critical. United Rentals, Stamford, Conn., and Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) Racing plan to broadcast this message in a unique way at this year’s Indianapolis 500.
Fans of #15 driver Graham Rahal will notice a bright orange addition to his normally blue and white fire suit. The suit was designed by Rahal and his primary sponsor, United Rentals, to look like he’s wearing a high-visibility safety vest on top. A reporter from Speedway Today called it, “the best driving suit in the world.” The pit crew will wear the same suits.
As a company, United Rentals emphasizes safety at every turn, and at the May 26 race, so will Rahal’s personal protective equipment.
“With safety the number one priority on worksites, we and our longstanding partner RLL wanted to find a way to highlight its importance during the sport’s biggest race,” said Cristina Madry, vice president of health, safety and employee relations at United Rentals. “Safety vests are essential in the construction industry, and the fire suit design recognizes the hard work teams do every day while bringing the safety message to a large audience.”
RLL jumped onboard the safety theme during a joint brainstorming.
“For both companies, performance starts with safety,” said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of RLL with David Letterman and businessman Mike Lanigan. “Just as United Rentals puts safety first for its employees and customers, we put safety first for our drivers and crew, taking every step possible to protect them.”
Graham Rahal is excited to wear the fire suit as he puts the pedal to the metal.
“I have racing in my veins, and it’s not for the faint of heart,” said Rahal. “I’m proud to be with a team that makes safety a top priority, and proud to wear a suit that symbolizes that commitment. When I’m in the cockpit, I’m 100 percent focused on speed, but getting home to my wife and two young daughters is what matters most.”
Whether on the job site or on the racetrack, safety is a team effort, one that pays off in fewer injuries and more wins. With the new Indy 500 fire suit, United Rentals and RLL shine a spotlight on the “safety first” principle for spectators far and wide.
