Graham Rahal was among 34 drivers participating in the Indy 500 open test, raising eyebrows over IndyCar’s refresher course rules. Despite Takuma Sato, Rahal’s teammate for the Indy 500, previously winning the iconic race, he was required to take the refresher course at the test. Rahal, surprised, pointed out the inconsistency as Helio Castroneves, another seasoned driver, was exempt from this requirement.
The open test on April 23 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was structured into three sessions. The second session focused on the refresher course and rookie orientation, designed for drivers who hadn’t competed at the oval since the last Indy 500 or were new to the series. It allowed them to gradually build speed and complete various phases. Notable drivers like Kyle Larson, Marco Andretti, Takuma Sato, Devlin DeFrancesco, and Callum Ilott participated in the refresher course. Meanwhile, rookies such as Louis Foster, Robert Shwartzman, and Jacob Abel were part of the test.
Interestingly, neither Helio Castroneves nor Ryan Hunter-Reay, who also hadn’t raced since the 2024 Indy 500, were required to participate in the refresher course. Rahal expressed his surprise about this decision, questioning why RLL driver and former winner Sato had to take the test. It was later revealed that Castroneves and Hunter-Reay’s participation in the post-season test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway exempted them from the refresher course requirement.
As a veteran with 17 Indy 500 races under his belt, Graham Rahal is familiar with the challenges of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Yet, even the experienced driver faced difficulties during the open test. Rahal misjudged Turn 3 at the IMS, causing the car to brush against the wall as he attempted to straighten it for the next turn. The car’s rear became unstable, resulting in a light tap against the barrier, followed by a more significant impact that damaged the rear right suspension.
Despite the broken suspension, Rahal demonstrated his skill by maneuvering the car safely back into the pits, avoiding a severe crash. He concluded the day ranked as the 14th fastest driver, achieving an average speed of 222.919 mph. Rahal’s experience and his questioning of the refresher course rules add an intriguing dimension to the ongoing discussions about IndyCar’s regulations as the 2025 season unfolds.
As fans await the next developments, the anticipation for the upcoming Indy 500 and the rest of the IndyCar season continues to build. Stay informed with the latest updates on the 2025 IndyCar schedule, standings, and results, along with comprehensive coverage of series news and race events.
