Graham Rahal has been winning races since his very first race in the NTT IndyCar Series back when he was only 19 years old. That was a long time ago and his winning ways have been on hiatus for a while too. A super talented guy like that doesn’t forget how to drive fast and win. This series is super competitive and everything has to be perfect (or you have to be super lucky) to get on the podium these days. We had the opportunity to talk with Rahal at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach about the challenges of going through the non-winning times and how he deals with it while also working to motivate those around him. He also talks about how he works with his teammates on set-up and balance of the race car. Being a family man (married to drag racer Courtney Force), Rahal also talks about balancing his life outside of racing. Enjoy!
NOTE: Graham Rahal finished 12th at Long Beach after qualifying 24th. The real drama came on bump day at Indianapolis where his teammate Jack Harvey bumped him out of the race! The next day, Stephan Wilson crashed and broke his back at the Speedway and Rahal was tapped to fill in for the “500.” Although he started last in 33rd, he finished 22nd. On a more positive note, Rahal qualified on the front row for the race at Mid-Ohio on July 2nd. Unfortunately, a stuck wheel during a pit stop slowed his momentum yet he still finished in the top ten (7th).
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason
Graham Rahal waves to the fans while contemplating just how much work he has to do to move up from a 24th starting position immediately prior to the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Graham Rahal works his United Rentals race car through Turn 9 in front of his sponsor’s banner on the wall.
Rahal’s car is spotless as he hustles it through the ever-tricky Turn 10 early in the weekend.
Rahal places his car perfectly at the apex of the Aquarium of the Pacific fountain turn showing his precision.
Tight quarters during the race shows the intensity of the battle through the fountain Turn.
Only a little while later, Rahal is still in the heat of the action as he works his way through the quick Turn 6. Although he qualified behind all of his teammates he led them home in 12th, 13th and 14th.
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason