You wouldn't really know it by looking at his popular Twitter account, but the news is starting to come out in earnest that Graham Rahal will finally drive for father Bobby's team, Rahal Letterman Racing, in this year's Indianapolis 500.
Rahal posted to Twitter last night, "Everyone check out USA Today tomorrow, news flash." USA Today racing reporter Gary Graves first reported the deal between father and son, and now both the driver's site and the team site confirm it.
Rahal's car will carry No. 30, likely in reference to the No. 3 car that won the 1986 running with Bobby Rahal behind the wheel. Originally, the car was recognized on the entry list as No. 17.
Graham Rahal ran three races earlier this season for Sarah Fisher Racing, with a best finish of 9th at St. Petersburg. Last year, driving for Newman/Haas, he finished 7th in points, with third place finishes at Richmond and Motegi his best showings. His last win came in 2008 at St. Petersburg.
Rahal Letterman Racing has not competed full-time in the IZOD IndyCar Series since 2008, when they won at Watkins Glen with Ryan Hunter-Reay. Last year they only contested the 500, with Oriol Servia qualifying 25th and finishing 26th due to mechanical issues. The team won the race in 2004 with Buddy Rice. Its best points finish since joining the IRL also came with Rice in 2004, when they finished third overall.
Sponsorship for the car has not yet been announced, but is expected to be in place before cars first take to the track on May 16.
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