If there s any truth to the adage, Like father .. Like son then 18 year-old Champ Car World Series driver signing Graham Rahal is bound to be an International crowd favourite at this year s Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast from October 18-21.
Rahal, son of former Champ Car ace and three-time Gold Coast podium claimer Bobby, has signed a lucrative contract with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing and will contest his rookie season alongside current Vanderbilt Cup titleholder Sebastien Bourdais.
Even more exciting for the young American is the chance to emulate the feats of his legendary father on the streets of Surfers Paradise, which included a second placing in the inaugural event back in 1991 then again in 1995, plus a third placing in 1992.
“I visited Australia with dad one year and it was fantastic, ” said Rahal Jnr.
“It is certainly one of the highlights of the year and a place all the drivers continually talk about.
“The race is going to come at that time of the season where a lot of the younger drivers have almost a season of experience under their belts.
“I can t wait to get down there. ”
Having cracked into the elite ranks of Champ Car World Series at such a young age, Rahal also has the opportunity, over the next two seasons, to become the youngest ever winner of the Lexmark Indy 300.
That feat was achieved just last year by reigning Gold Coast titleholder Nelson Philippe who claimed the crown as a 20 year-old.
Bobby Rahal is proud to see his son creating his own path in the Champ Car World Series and is confident his young protégé will enjoy his maiden appearance at the Lexmark Indy 300 later in the year.
“It will be great to see Graham racing in Australia, ” said Rahal Snr.
“The first thing I did was check the schedules to see if I could some down, but unfortunately I have a race meeting here that weekend.
“It is a tough place, but beautiful place and I have fond memories of the Gold Coast.
“Graham will just have to have a good time without me this year. ”
In what has been a procession of Champ Car driver announcements over the past few days there was also confirmation that 2002 Australian winner and last year s Lexmark Indy 300 runner-up Mario Dominguez will join Paul Tracy at Forsythe Championship Racing.
Dan Clarke and Robert Doornbos have been named to drive for the newly-christened Minardi Team USA which is co-owned by Australian Paul Stoddart.
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