Three-time IndyCar Champion and Indianapolis 500 Winner, Bobby Rahal, has been named grand marshal of the Monterey SportsCar Championship IMSA race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, scheduled for May 9-11. The IndyCar veteran expressed his excitement over this significant appointment, underlining his lasting connection to the sport.
In addition to being a legendary figure in racing, Bobby Rahal co-owns Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, a prominent team in both IndyCar and International Motor Sports Association competitions. Notably, his son, Graham Rahal, races under the same banner, continuing the family legacy in motorsport.
Bobby Rahal enjoys a storied history at the raceway where he will serve as grand marshal. Regarding his new role, he shared his enthusiasm, demonstrating the deep pride he takes in his accomplishments and heritage in the racing world. Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca, remarked that it is an honor to have Rahal involved with the event.
Graham Rahal, who has been making strides in his racing career, is married to Courtney Force, a former drag racer. The couple, who tied the knot in 2015, understands the pressures of racing, thanks to their similar backgrounds. Bobby Rahal noted that their shared experiences foster a stronger bond between them.
As parents to two daughters—Harlan Ann Rahal, born in 2020, and Tinley Leighton Rahal, born in 2022—the Rahals are further cementing their family’s legacy in motorsport. Both Graham and Courtney have competed for racing teams founded by their fathers, with Force racing for John Force Racing and Graham Rahal driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
In a 2016 interview with the New York Times, Graham Rahal discussed the challenges and expectations that come with their unique positions in the racing community. Currently, he ranks 17th in the NTT IndyCar Series Championship, holding 45 points, as he strives to honor his family legacy while navigating the competitive racing landscape.
The significance of Bobby Rahal’s appointment as grand marshal not only highlights his achievements but also shines a light on the continuing family legacy in motorsport, particularly that of Graham Rahal. The legacy keeps driving forward, inspiring the next generation of racers while celebrating the iconic history of the sport.
