Graham Rahal expressed his admiration for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s BMW squad after their impressive 1-2 finish at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event on August 3 at Road America. This significant achievement came despite the surprising announcement that RLL and BMW will end their partnership after 17 years by the conclusion of the season.
During the race, drivers Philip Eng and Dries Vanthoor secured first and second place respectively in the #24 RLL BMW car, marking the team’s first victory of the year. This triumph was also BMW’s first win since September 2024 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, underscoring the team’s strong performance as they approach the end of their longstanding collaboration.
Details of RLL BMW’s Recent IMSA Victory
The Road America race on August 3 highlighted a remarkable day for the RLL BMW team. Philip Eng claimed the top spot, with Dries Vanthoor closely following in second, delivering a dominant 1-2 finish. This result was celebrated within the motorsport community, especially given the previously announced departure of BMW from the team after nearly two decades together.
Graham Rahal took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the racing outfit on their success, praising the team’s resilience and effort amid significant organizational changes. The victory also enhanced BMW’s standing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as the manufacturer looks to close out the season on a strong note.
Graham Rahal’s 2025 Season Performance Overview
Rahal has experienced a season of steady results in 2025, although he has yet to reach the podium. Early in the year, he qualified 18th at the Thermal Club Grand Prix on March 23 and finished that race in 11th place. More recently, at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto race in late July, Rahal started fifth and crossed the line in seventh.
His most notable qualifying effort this season came at the Sonsio Grand Prix on May 10, where he earned second on the grid and placed sixth at the finish line. Currently, Rahal stands 19th in the drivers’ championship standings, having accumulated 213 points so far.
Rahal Addresses Criticism in the Lead-Up to Mid-Ohio
Before the 2025 Mid-Ohio race, Graham Rahal openly confronted critics who question his capabilities as a top-tier driver. At a press event alongside his father and team co-owner Bobby Rahal, he responded strongly to comments suggesting his success was due to family connections rather than skill.
“Yeah, I think I am, well, look at the qualifying results. They speak for themselves,” Graham Rahal replied (via ASAP Sports). “I’m sick and tired of hearing, ‘He can’t drive. He’s only there because of his dad’… all this bullshit. It gets old because the reality is (that) the performance and qualifying, in particular, speak for themselves.”
Despite a challenging past few seasons, Rahal has demonstrated consistency, frequently finishing within the top ten in recent races. His commitment to proving his talent continues to be a driving force in his racing career.
Implications of BMW’s Departure from RLL and Future Outlook
The end of the partnership between BMW and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing signals a major shift in the IMSA racing landscape, given their 17-year history together. The team’s recent success serves as a high note before this transition, highlighting the competitive spirit and skill of the drivers and crew alike.
As BMW exits, the team will face new challenges ahead, requiring adjustments in strategy and partnerships. Meanwhile, drivers like Graham Rahal remain focused on improving their standings and delivering strong performances in upcoming races to maintain momentum through the transition period.
