Tiongson Talks With...Graham Rahal, Young Gun IndyCar Racing Star

When you look up the definition of "rising star" in a motorsports dictionary, the name Graham Rahal will most likely come up. After all, this 20 year-old second-generation racer has shown his potential and prowess on some of the world's most premier asphalt venues.

He's got all the makings of a true motorsports star. There's no question in the talent department, having won in his first start in the IndyCar Racing ranks at St. Petersburg last year and finishing seventh in this year's championship chase.

Just like his father, he has that Rahal coolness on the track and off, with a confidence that is cunning and precise. Simply put, he's not just one of America's greatest open wheel drivers, but he's also one of the best young guns competing in racing today.

Make no mistake, Rahal realizes the hardships of the sport as well as his place amongst his competitors that he competes against, no matter the layout, or duration of the race.

There's a tremendous amount of respect and admiration that he has for the sport, as well as the fact he's living the dream of many racing fans who long to know the sensation and rush of these machines.

I interviewed Rahal via email and found out he's quite a cool, collective, and good humored individual. No doubt, he's got the makings to be quite the racing icon in the future wherever this sensational star competes in at any given series and facility.

Rob Tiongson: Your second year in the IndyCar series was pretty solid, with nine top-10s in 17 races. What was your personal season highlight of 2009?

Graham Rahal: I think the highlight must be the podium in either Motegi or Richmond. Both were great finishes for us and showed we could prominently run on the ovals courses.

RT: Now to some fans, just a glance at the IndyCar and the car from your previous series, the Champ Car Series, and they might think it's identical. But are there some differences in terms of how they drive? Which car do you prefer?

GR: They drive very similar. The Champ Car had a little more power and a little more downforce so naturally it was slightly quicker. At the same time, it was more difficult to follow so the IndyCar chassis is better for road racing in that sense. I would say both are great cars to drive. The speed of the Champ Car made it a joy, but the racing in an IndyCar is much more fun.

RT: Being a second-generation racer, do you sometimes feel the pressure to live up to some expectations, particularly given that your father Bobby was a three-time champ and Indy 500 winner?

GR: I think it's something you get used to. Yes there is pressure, but everyone that is in the sport knows it takes time. No matter who you are, you're not going to jump in and dominate everything. The name is a double edged sword, it helps, and it hurts at times.

RT: It's been going on for years, but why do you think there's not a lot of Americans racing in the open wheel ranks?

GR: I think it's because there isn't enough sponsor backing from American companies. There are some good American drivers, but sometimes they forget the effort it takes to truly be competitive at this level of racing, and how hard it is to get to the top.

RT: Having raced on a wide array of circuits internationally, what is your favorite track as a fan and as a driver?

GR: I would say the Indianapolis Motor Speedway cannot be beat! The history, the adrenaline...it's amazing.

RT: So the open wheel series is unified, the IndyCar political structure is changing. What do you think the series needs to do to become as popular as NASCAR?

GR: It needs to show the stars. The stars are the drivers, and we know we have the best product out there. But we need some more big sponsor to join the likes of McDonalds, Target, Phillip Morris, 7-Eleven, Motorola, etc. We know we can compete with NASCAR any day. Now we need to make the stars even bigger!

RT: Do you see yourself pursuing a career in the IndyCar ranks or do you envision racing in other series in the future?

GR: I am currently pursuing that, so I would say yes, I'm happy where I am and I intend on staying put.

RT: Outside the track, what do you like to do for fun? Any particular place you enjoy being at?

GR: I love cars, so lots of time enjoying my toys. I spend a lot of time training, and lots of time in Indy with my girlfriend so that splits up my time fairly well.

RT: You certainly have the talent to win a championship in any racing league. But just how much percentage would you place between driver/equipment when it comes to the winning factor?

GR: I would say equipment is a lot. Currently, there are two teams that are far and away the best but lots of teams are catching up quickly. I think we should be a team in the near future to really put up a big fight.

RT: Alright, Graham. It's time for some Free Association. Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind with the following:

Young gun.

GR: A young and promising star in any sport.

RT: Favorite TV show.

GR: Any OSU Football or Columbus Blue Jackets game.

RT: Indy 500.

GR: Best sporting event ever, PERIOD!

RT: Success.

GR: Takes a lot to achieve it, but means so much when you do.

RT: Sacrifice.

GR: Something everyone goes through to reach their goals.

RT: Your greatest fear.

GR: Surgery!

RT: Balloon Boy.

GR: Don't know too much about that situation but from what I do know, it's a classic PR stunt.

RT: Recession.

GR: We will make it out. We just need people to spend money again!

RT: Sports.

GR: Allows everyone to live their lives with quality entertainment.

RT: You've been reportedly linked with the US F1 team that is tentatively planned to race in 2010. Is it just a mere rumor or is there some truth to this?

GR: It's a rumor. I don't think there is any reality to this.

RT: If you weren't a racer, but could be an athlete in any other sport, what would it be?

GR: I would say hockey, as I absolutely love that sport.

RT: What's one thing about you, as a driver, that separates you from your competitors?

GR: I think my age. I mean, I feel like I am very competitive, but I have a leg up on them because I am so young. That helps me a lot as I look to the future.