RLL Racing to Field McLaren Entries Under New Multi-Year IMSA GTD PRO Collaboration
Sometimes, a partnership just makes sense. You look at two names, and you can practically hear the engines revving. That’s exactly the feeling you get seeing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) and McLaren Motorsport join forces. This isn’t just another team announcement.
It feels like the start of something big for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Starting in 2026, RLL is coming back to the GTD PRO class, and they’re doing it with the formidable McLaren GT3 EVO.
For folks who’ve been around the sport for a while, seeing these two titans of motorsport team up brings a particular kind of excitement. It’s a multi-year deal that feels less like a business arrangement and more like a statement of intent.
Why This RLL and McLaren Partnership Matters
Let’s be honest: the GTD PRO class is a shark tank. You’ve got factory-backed efforts from Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Porsche, you name it. It’s one of the toughest, most competitive categories in all of sports car racing.
For McLaren to jump back in, they needed a partner with a rock-solid foundation and a history of winning. They found that in RLL. And for RLL, this marks a new era. After a very long and successful 17-year run with BMW, which saw them win races and championships and even compete at the top-tier GTP level, they’re turning a new page.
It’s a bold move. They could have taken an easier path, but RLL has never been a team to back down from a challenge. Teaming up with McLaren shows they are dead serious about getting back to the front of the GT pack.RLL is a team that knows how to build a winning program from the ground up.
They did it with BMW, and they’ve been a force in INDYCAR for decades. Bobby Rahal’s name is synonymous with American motorsports, a legacy built on grit, smarts, and an unquenchable thirst for victory. He’s not just a team owner; he’s a racer through and through. You can feel that passion when he talks about this new venture.
A Legacy of Speed Meets Modern Muscle
McLaren is a name that commands respect. From their legendary victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 with the F1 GTR to their current success with the GT3 EVO in series like the FIA World Endurance Championship, they build cars designed to do one thing: win.
The McLaren GT3 EVO is a proven weapon. It’s been racking up wins across Europe and other major championships. Bringing that car to IMSA under the RLL banner is a recipe for excitement. You’re combining McLaren’s engineering prowess with RLL’s strategic, race-proven operational excellence. That’s a powerful combination.
It’s also a homecoming of sorts. RLL has a rich history in sports car racing that predates its long partnership with BMW. They’ve campaigned Porsches and even an Aston Martin. This is a team that understands GT racing’s unique DNA. It’s about more than just speed; it’s about endurance, strategy, and wrestling a car for hours on end at iconic tracks like Daytona, Sebring, and Road Atlanta.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The team isn’t wasting any time. They’re already set to hit the track for the IMSA test at Daytona next week. That tells you everything you need to know about their commitment. They’re not just showing up in 2026.
They’re preparing to fight for wins from the drop of the green flag at the Rolex 24. While the drivers for the No. 59 RLL Team McLaren haven’t been named yet, you can bet they’ll be top-tier talent. This program is designed to attract the best in the business.
Final Thoughts
For fans of sports car racing, this is just fantastic news. Another legendary manufacturer is throwing its hat into the GTD PRO ring, backed by a powerhouse American team. It’s going to make the on-track battles even more intense and the championship fight even more meaningful. When you see papaya orange or whatever colors they choose, mixed with the best in the world, you’ll know you’re watching something special. This is how you build a legacy.
