Rahal cements deal with Argent Mortgage.

Team Rahal has announced that its nascent Toyota Atlantic programme will be backed by the Argent Mortgage Company as primary sponsor in 2003.

The company's logo will appear on the car of Rahal's newest driver, Danica Patrick, as the 20-year old Illinois native graduates to the Champcar feeder series after running five Barber Dodge Pro Series events in 2002.

"The opportunity to partner with a world-class racing team like Team Rahal, and a talented young driver like Danica, is a one of a kind opportunity for Argent Mortgage Company," said Wayne Lee, company president, "Danica is certainly a unique individual in the world of motorsports, and we are looking forward to having her represent Argent both on and off the track."

Team Rahal is now in its second decade as one of the leading open-wheel racing teams in North America, and plans to run at least one car in the Atlantic series from 2003.

"We are pleased to join in this partnership with Argent for the upcoming season," said three-time CART champion and team co-owner Bobby Rahal, "In my conversations with Wayne Lee and his people, I have found them to be a dedicated and driven group of individuals that have formulated aggressive plans for the continued growth of their company. These are the kind of like-minded partners that we seek here at Team Rahal."

Patrick returned to the United States in 2002 to contest selected events in the Barber Dodge Pro Series after a couple of mixed seasons in the UK. The highlight of her British campaign was a podium finish at the prestigious Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, where she finished behind BAR F1 test driver Anthony Davidson.

"The chance to drive for Team Rahal has allowed me to advance my career as a driver," she said, "Certainly, being able to work with a great champion like Bobby, and to be part of a championship calibre team, is a dream come true for me. Now I have a chance to work with another world-class organisation in Argent Mortgage Company. Being able to represent both Team Rahal and Argent on track and as a corporate spokesman is a wonderful opportunity for me both professionally and personally."

The Argent deal completes a successful week for the Rahal operation, which confirmed its full-time participation in the IRL with Kenny Brack next season, and sponsorship from the Miller Brewing company and Pioneer Electronics.