Despite starting 26th, Graham Rahal eying Indy 500 win
Graham Rahal isn’t going to be a sexy pick to win the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
Most drivers don’t take the checkered flag starting 26th, the spot where Rahal wound up after a subpar day of qualifying Sunday. But that spot hasn’t deterred Rahal in his belief that he can still do what his father, Bobby, did 30 years ago by winning the prestigious event Sunday.
“Qualifying, we just struggled; we couldn’t get a balance out of the car for whatever reason,” Rahal said. “But I’ll say this — my race car yesterday in final practice I thought was the best car out there as far as anyone I was around.
“I genuinely feel we have a good shot. I know a lot of people won’t think about us and count us out, starting back where we do. But I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re in the hunt there at the finish.”
I genuinely feel we have a good shot. ... I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re in the hunt there at the finish
Graham Rahal
Rahal made those comments after an appearance at Texas Motor Speedway on Tuesday, honoring thousands of local elementary school students who participate in the track’s “Speeding to Read” program. He also promoted TMS’ IndyCar race next month, the Firestone 600, on June 11.
Rahal pointed to his success in making significant charges to the front in previous Indy 500s. He started 30th and finished third in 2011, his best Indy 500 finish to date. He went from 17th to fifth last year.
More than anything, though, Rahal understands how special the Indy 500 is and what it can do to somebody’s career. He saw firsthand what having that type of victory meant for his father.
“I’ve definitely thought about it,” Rahal said. “I know how much it changed my dad’s life and our life as kids. For me, it would be awesome. But you try not to think about it too much. I’ve got a job to do on Sunday. If all things go well, if it’s our day, it’s going to be our day.”
Bell on Busch
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Christopher Bell joined Rahal at the event, and offered interesting insight into driving for reigning Cup champion Kyle Busch.
Bell is in his first full season driving the No. 4 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports, and Bell is appreciative of having a hands-on boss who knows the sport as well as anyone.
“I always tell people it’s like a double-edged sword,” Bell said. “You know you’re on one of the best teams and in the best truck that week. On the other side of it, you’re driving for Kyle Busch. You know he can win, so you better win too.
“It’s cool to have him as a boss and also nice to have him as a mentor. He’s so involved with all of his young drivers. Any question you have you can always ask him.”
Indy 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
11 a.m. Sunday, WFAA/8
Firestone 600
Texas Motor Speedway
7 p.m. June 11, NBCSN
This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Despite starting 26th, Graham Rahal eying Indy 500 win."