Latest news with #BobbyRahal
Forbes
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
IndyCar Legend Bobby Rahal Will Be Honored At Mid-Ohio IndyCar Race
Driver Bobby Rahal when he was honored before the 1998 CART Miller Lite 200 at Mid-Ohio with his ... More family, including young Graham Rahal (blue shirt in the middle). He will be honored once again on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport One of the legendary names in racing history at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Bobby Rahal, will be honored at the July 6 Honda Indy 500 at Mid-Ohio on the 40th anniversary of his first win at the historic track. Rahal is the 1985 and 1986 IndyCar race winner at the legendary Ohio track and will serve as the honorary grand marshal of The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport on Sunday, July 6. As grand marshal, Rahal will announce the most famous words in racing, "Drivers, start your engines" as well as participate in pre-race ceremonies for the 90-lap NTT IndyCar Series race at Mid-Ohio. The race will broadcast globally with live coverage nationally starting at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on FOX. Rahal's Ohio Roots Rahal was born in Medina, Ohio, and later a Dublin, Ohio, then New Albany, Ohio resident, Rahal's connection to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course runs deep and is long-standing. In addition to his two IndyCar wins at the track, the three-time IndyCar Series champion finished on the podium a remarkable eight of his 16 career starts on his home circuit including in his last two races in 1997 and 1998. Rahal has also won at Mid-Ohio as a team owner in 2015 with his son Graham Rahal taking the checkered flag at The Honda Indy 200 for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing shop was once located in nearby Hilliard, Ohio in the same building which formerly housed Truesports Racing. Rahal drove for Truesports when entering the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series in 1982 and won the Indianapolis 500 with the Jim Trueman-owned team in 1986. The multiple motorsports hall of fame inductee is in a very select group of individuals who have won the Indianapolis 500 both as a driver and as an owner/entrant (2004 and 2020 as an owner). 'It's a great honor to be the grand marshal for The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. Mid-Ohio played an important role in my personal and professional life," Rahal said. "I went to the first ever race there with my father in 1962 and made annual trips there after that, sometimes twice a year. 'I got my first win at Mid-Ohio in my SCCA class in 1974, won both IROC races I competed in there, won the Lumberman's race and of course the two INDYCAR races in 1985 and 1986.' But Rahal's connection with Mid-Ohio was deeper at personal. The owner of Mid-Ohio was Jim Trueman, who was also Rahal's team owner. 'Being by (Jim) Trueman's side when he bought the track in 1980 and winning the IMSA race with him in 1983 as well as winning the IndyCar races there and seeing Graham win there in 2015 are some of my greatest memories at one of my favorite tracks,' Rahal said. 'It was a privilege to drive on such a great circuit all those years.' Bobby Rahal in 1982. (Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images) Additionally, Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president, Manufacturing Management Center of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America (HDMA), will be this year's honorary starter, waving the green flag to start the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. Paul Dentinger, senior vice president, Purchasing & Supply Chain Center of HDMA, will be the trophy presenter to the podium finishers for post-race ceremonies. 'We are honored to celebrate Bobby Rahal's many racing accomplishments and his tremendous legacy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course by naming him this year's grand marshal. He's a true motorsports icon from the Buckeye State,' said Craig Rust, president of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. 'Thank you to Paul Dentinger and Jun Jayaraman for also joining us to serve in these honorary positions. Mr. Jayaraman, Mr. Dentinger and the thousands of associates from the nearby manufacturing and R&D facilities joining us next weekend will make this another memorable Honda gathering.' The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport on July 4-6 marks the 42nd running of Ohio's biggest racing event. The NTT IndyCar Series headlines the weekend of nine races across five different racing series. The full development ladder of the sport's rising stars will be on display with INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire, USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire and USF Juniors Presented by Continental Tire all competing on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course. The event will also feature its annual off-track Fourth of July celebrations. On Saturday, July 5, campers are encouraged to decorate their sites in red, white and blue as part of the Camping with Honda tradition. Honda-powered NTT IndyCar Series drivers will begin to tour the campsites in the late afternoon after the IndyCar qualifying session, followed by a fireworks display just after dusk. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, that includes 380 acres and features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary race track configurations: 2.4-mile, 15-turn or 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. It is located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield. The natural terrain road course is commonly referred to as the 'Most Competitive in the U.S.' and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned race events for amateur, club and professional drivers and riders. It is also home to The Mid-Ohio School, featuring over 20 driving and riding courses, for teenagers to professional racers using Honda vehicles. Opened in 1962, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has been owned and operated by Green Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC since 2011, just the raceway's third private ownership group in its history. And Bobby Rahal will have reason to celebrate with his latest honor at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Graham Rahal in the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Indy car during the Honda Indy 200 on July 3, 2022 at ... More the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Photo by Graham Stokes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Fox Sports
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Bobby Rahal Named Grand Marshal of Mid-Ohio Event
INDYCAR Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced June 25 that Bobby Rahal, the 1985 and 1986 INDYCAR SERIES race winner at the Ohio road course, will serve as the honorary grand marshal of The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport on Sunday, July 6. As grand marshal, Rahal will announce the most famous words in racing, 'Drivers, start your engines!' and participate in pre-race ceremonies for the 90-lap NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at Mid-Ohio (1 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network). Ohio native Rahal's connection to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course runs deep. In addition to his two INDYCAR SERIES wins at the track, three-time INDYCAR SERIES champion Rahal finished on the podium a remarkable eight of his 16 career starts on his home circuit, including in his last two races in 1997 and 1998. 'It's a great honor to be the grand marshal for The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio,' Rahal said. 'Mid-Ohio played an important role in my personal and professional life. I went to the first-ever race there with my father in 1962 and made annual trips there after that, sometimes twice a year. I got my first win at Mid-Ohio in my SCCA class in 1974, won both IROC races I competed in there, won the Lumberman's race and, of course, the two INDYCAR races in 1985 and 1986.' Rahal also has won at Mid-Ohio as a team owner in 2015 with his son, Graham Rahal, taking the checkered flag at The Honda Indy 200 for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing shop was once located in nearby Hilliard, Ohio, in the same building which formerly housed Truesports Racing. Rahal drove for Truesports when entering the INDYCAR SERIES in 1982 and won the Indianapolis 500 with the Jim Trueman-owned team in 1986. Rahal is in a very select group of individuals who have won the Indianapolis 500 both as a driver and as an owner/entrant (2004 and 2020 as an owner). 'Being by (Jim) Trueman's side when he bought the track in 1980 and winning the IMSA race with him in 1983, as well as winning the INDYCAR races there and seeing Graham win there in 2015, are some of my greatest memories at one of my favorite tracks,' Bobby Rahal said. 'It was a privilege to drive on such a great circuit all those years.' Visit for ticket information for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport on July 4-6, the 42nd running of Ohio's biggest racing event. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES headlines the weekend of nine races across five different racing series, including INDY NXT by Firestone. Children 12 and under receive free general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. recommended
Fox Sports
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Droplight To Sponsor Louis Foster, RLL for Rest of 2025 Season
INDYCAR Droplight will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 45 Honda driven by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing rookie Louis Foster for the remainder of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, team officials announced June 10. The sponsorship is part of a strategic partnership between RLL and Droplight for the rest of the 2025 season. Droplight is a full-throttle venture studio recognized for its bold brand strategy, media expertise and innovation-driven approach to market growth. Droplight will collaborate with RLL on its broader marketing, brand and social media strategy, fueling a dynamic and modern engagement model for fans, sponsors and media. 'We're excited to welcome Droplight into the RLL family,' said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with David Letterman and Mike Lanigan. 'Their team brings a rare combination of energy, vision and execution that aligns perfectly with where we want to take this program. This isn't just a sponsorship – it's a platform for growth.' Droplight's ecosystem includes investments and partnerships across entertainment, technology, media and consumer brands. New brand campaigns, media activations and strategic collaborations will roll out throughout the remainder of the 2025 season. 'The names Rahal, Letterman and Lanigan stand for more than racing – they represent a legacy of discipline, vision and leadership that has shaped generations of talent and performance,' Droplight CEO Joseph Anderson said. 'We're honored to support Louis Foster and the No. 45 team and to play a role in building on that foundation. This is more than a partnership; it's the next chapter in an ecosystem of innovation and impact.' The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, June 15 (FOX, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network). recommended in this topic
Fox Sports
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Droplight To Sponsor Foster, RLL for Rest of 2025 Season
INDYCAR Droplight will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 45 Honda driven by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing rookie Louis Foster for the remainder of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, team officials announced June 10. The sponsorship is part of a strategic partnership between RLL and Droplight for the rest of the 2025 season. Droplight is a full-throttle venture studio recognized for its bold brand strategy, media expertise and innovation-driven approach to market growth. Droplight will collaborate with RLL on its broader marketing, brand and social media strategy, fueling a dynamic and modern engagement model for fans, sponsors and media. 'We're excited to welcome Droplight into the RLL family,' said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with David Letterman and Mike Lanigan. 'Their team brings a rare combination of energy, vision and execution that aligns perfectly with where we want to take this program. This isn't just a sponsorship – it's a platform for growth.' Droplight's ecosystem includes investments and partnerships across entertainment, technology, media and consumer brands. New brand campaigns, media activations and strategic collaborations will roll out throughout the remainder of the 2025 season. 'The names Rahal, Letterman and Lanigan stand for more than racing – they represent a legacy of discipline, vision and leadership that has shaped generations of talent and performance,' Droplight CEO Joseph Anderson said. 'We're honored to support Louis Foster and the No. 45 team and to play a role in building on that foundation. This is more than a partnership; it's the next chapter in an ecosystem of innovation and impact.' The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, June 15 (FOX, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network). recommended in this topic
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How to watch 2025 IMSA Laguna Seca on NBC, Peacock: Streaming info, start times and daily schedules
Bobby Rahal is getting using to his BMW 8 Hybrid V8 cars being at the forefront of IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship races this season. So it's fitting the U.S. auto racing legend will kick things off for the Monterey SportsCar Championship on Sunday, May 11. Advertisement Rahal will be the grand marshal for the fourth round of the IMSA season, giving the command to start engines for two-hour, 40-minute race (3 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock) around the historic road course on the Montnerey Peninsula. "It's a great honor and privilege to be the grand marshal at obviously what is one of my favorite tracks," said Rahal, who made his Laguna Seca debut in 1976 with a Formula Atlantic race. "There's been a lot of success here, both as a driver and as an owner. It's a real thrill to have part of the racetrack named after you. Going out to Laguna, one of the crown jewels really of American road racing circuits, it was a thrill then, and it's a thrill even today." IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship The straightaway at Laguna Seca leading to its famous Corkscrew turn was renamed more than a decade ago in honor of Rahal, who will be at the track on multiple race weekends in 2025 with his IndyCar and IMSA teams. Advertisement It's been a swift start for the No. 24 BMW M Team RLL M Hybrid V8, which has won the Grand Touring Prototype pole position in three consectuive races with driver Dries Vanthoor to start the 2025 season. After lagging through the first two years of IMSA's revamped premier hybirid prototype category, Rahal's cars have improved in a critical season. But some driver, team and tactical errors have contributed to an absence from vcitory lane as the Porsche Penske Motorsport No. 7 963 has swept the first three races. "Unfortunately, we haven't been able quite put it all together," said Rahal, who hinted the BMW teams have tweaked their pit stops for Laguna Seca. "Come race day, we've had on-track, but lapped traffic at Daytona and Sebring hurt our chances at the end of the race. Looking at Long Beach, we got held up in the pits a little bit and that's all it took, I'm afraid. IMSA Long Beach results, points: Nasr, Tandy stay perfect for Porsche Penske in 2025 season Advertisement The No. 7 963 has won the first three IMSA races this year. "So, we've got to hopefully complete the job this time around. We were pretty quick there last year, so we have a reasonable chance. ... We've learned more about the car this year. The Laguna track, especially since they repaved it (in 2023), that's kind of come into our wheelhouse a bit." There is a sense of urgency for Rahal, whose sports car teams have been racing BMWs in GT and prototype classes since 2008. It's a contract year for RLL with the German manufacturer, and multiple outlets have reported that BMW has been considering options with other teams for 2026. "I don't want to get into the specifics of that, but we're obviously hoping to continue this long relationship that we've had with BMW that's dated back to 2008," Rahal said. "I know you see some of these articles and a lot of guessing and a lot of speculation, but there's three quarters of the season left. For us and BMW Motorsport, it's the same thing. Everybody's just really focused on this coming race and the race after that and after that and after that. Auto Racing: Rolex 24 At Daytona What's next for Felipe Nasr after second Daytona dandy? Le Mans awaits ... and maybe more Advertisement With a win in France, the Porsche Penske Motorsport star could earn history and a career springboard. "We go win some races, and that solves a lot of problems. So that's what we're intending to do." But the competition is very stiff in IMSA's top class, which will feature 11 entries and five manufacturers at Laguna Seca. Acura, Cadillac and Aston Martin will be battling BMW to detrhone the unbeaten Porsche. "It speaks volumes about IMSA the number of manufacturers that are involved in all classes," Rahal said. "It's phenomenal how many of all types are involved in in sports car racing and IMSA today compared to years ago. And the complexity of these cars is, in some respects, they may be more complex than a Formula 1 car. It's just at a different level. Advertisement "I think the GTP category but IMSA as a whole is just in a phenomenal place right now, and we haven't seen anything like this maybe ever." Here are the start times, daily schedules and streaming info for the 2025 IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship at Laguna Seca: 2025 IMSA Laguna Seca SportsCar Championship WHEN: Sunday, May 11 at 3 p.m. DISTANCE: A two-hour, 40-minute race on the 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course in Monterey, Califiornia. FORECAST: According to Weather Underground, it's expected to be 47 degrees with a 4% chance of rain at the green flag. ENTRY LIST: Click here to see the 36-car field in the GTP, GTD Pro and GTD classes for the 2025 IMSA Monterey SportsCar Championship at Laguna Seca. How to Watch IMSA at Laguna Seca TV/STREAMING: The Monterey SportsCar Championship at Laguna Seca will be televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock from flag to flag beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 11. Advertisement The NBC Sports broadcast will feature announcers Brian Till and Calvin Fish. Dave Burns, Chris Wilner and Matt Yocum are the pit reporters. RADIO: All sessions live on SiriusXM live race coverage begins May 11 at 3 p.m. (SiriusXM channel 206, Web/App 996) IMSA Laguna Seca SportsCar schedule, start times Here's a rundown of the IMSA schedule this week at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (all times are ET): Friday, May 9 11:25-11:45 a.m.: Mustang Challenge practice 12:10-1:10 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice 1:25-2:10 p.m.: Lamborghini Super Trofeo practice 3:10-3:40 p.m.: Mustang Challenge practice 4-5 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge practice 5:20-6:50 p.m.: WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice 7:10-7:55 p.m.: Lamborghini Super Trofeo practice 8:10-8:25 p.m.: Mustang Challenge qualifying 8:40-9:15 p.m.: Michelin Pilot Challenge qualifying Saturday, May 10 11-11:35 a.m.: Lamborghini Super Trofeo qualifying 11:50 a.m.-12:35 p.m.: Mustang Challenge Race 1 (Peacock) 12:55-2:25 p.m.: WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice 3:45-5:45 p.m.: Michelinn Pilot Challenge WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 120 (Peacock) 6:15-7:25 p.m.: WeatherTech SportsCar Championship qualifying (Peacock) 7:45-8:35 p.m.: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race 1 (Peacock) Advertisement Sunday, May 11 11:25 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Mustang Challenge Race 2 (Peacock) 12:35-1:25 p.m.: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race 2 (Peacock) 3:10-5:50 p.m.: Monterey SportsCar Championship (NBC, Peacock) 2025 SEASON RECAPS ROUND 1: Porsche Penske's Felipe Nasr closes Rolex 24 at Daytona win for second conseuctive year ROUND 2: Porsche Penske Motorsport sweeps top two spots at Twelve Hours of Sebring ROUND 3: Nasr, Tandy stay perfect with Porsche in victory at Long Beach
