IndyCar: Christian Lundgaard talks ‘cool connection’ with new partnership

Rookie Christian Lundgaard is set to run a new HUB livery on his #30 Honda for the upcoming Honda Indy Toronto IndyCar race.

Hub International Limited (HUB), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, announced a new sponsorship agreement with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to serve as the primary sponsor of rookie Christian Lundgaard’s #30 Honda in the upcoming Honda Indy Toronto IndyCar race.

The race weekend is scheduled to take place from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17. IndyCar has not raced at the 11-turn, 1.786-mile (2.874-kilometer) temporary street circuit on the streets of Exhibition Place since July 2019, as the race was called off in 2020 and 2021 as a result of COVID-19-related restrictions.

Take a look at Lundgaard’s new livery below.

Lundgaard spoke to Beyond the Flag about the opportunity to run this new livery in the 17-race season’s 10th race.

“We’ve had a few HUB people at the track throughout the season,” he said. “Everything kind of came together that way. And as they do insurance, they actually insure me, which is a cool connection as well.

“Obviously, they love racing like we all do. So it was a good opportunity, they have a big presence in Canada. So why not at Toronto? I think it’s a good partnership for both parties. We’re both looking very much forward to a good result.”

He also spoke about some of the parallels between an insurance brokerage and IndyCar racing.

“I think we all want to get the best for everyone,” he added. “Everyone works hard together, in whatever business you’re in, you want the best for everyone. Obviously, you want the best for yourself. It’s sort of a team, if you can say it like that. So I think there are certainly different types of parallels between the two, but it’s a good opportunity for both of us.”

Here is what Larry Lineker, HUB Executive Vice President and a member of HUB’s Executive Management Team, had to say in the official release.

"“The orchestrated intensity of how a pit-stop comes together is the perfect metaphor for how HUB supports its customers throughout North America, and in Canada where we are the largest brokerage in the country. Much like our insurance and risk advisors, the drivers are essential – however, there are dozens of people behind the scenes acting as unsung heroes working together to make the driver’s results and our customers outcomes a success.“HUB has a strong affinity for RLL and their ‘team-first’ mantra, as well as the unwavering commitment to success that Bobby Rahal and his drivers exemplify. We are thrilled to be involved with RLL and Christian, a driver full of potential who we are all excited to work with and continue watching as his career takes off.”"

Here is what Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, had to add.

"“Our team takes great pride in our relationship with HUB, and we could not be more excited to see this partnership continue to grow. Outside of our shared love for racing, the HUB team has played a crucial role in the auto industry, supporting the evolving risks of dealers. This is protection that people and organizations like us cannot function without, and we are grateful for their efforts both on and off the track.”"

The Honda Indy Toronto is set to be shown live on Peacock beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 17.