Graham Rahal believes the opportunity of racing in Washington D.C. later this yr ought to be embraced by the IndyCar group.
An AI-generated video made the rounds on social media lower than every week in the past for a proposed “D.C. Grand Prix.” Introduced by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and supported on social media by President Donald J. Trump, the idea can be a part of the Freedom 250, a celebration of the nation’s birthday, which might see North America’s premier open-wheel championship run a avenue race across the Nationwide Mall in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 23. IndyCar confirmed to a number of media retailers that conversations are ongoing in presumably including the occasion to this yr’s schedule.
Throughout the first day of IndyCar media day festivities on Tuesday, Rahal shared his ideas on the prospect to placed on a present within the nation’s capital.
“It is a huge alternative for IndyCar,” stated Rahal, 37. “It is a bit shameful generally after I learn feedback on social media in response to a few of your posts. Not that you just guys [pointing to media members] are directing it, however you learn these, ‘Oh, then that is the one race I am not going to look at this yr.’ Get a life.
“For those who actually are an IndyCar fan, this can be a large alternative that is been given to us. It hasn’t been given to NASCAR, to not System 1, it has been given to IndyCar.”
Roger Penske and US President Donald Trump
Picture by: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Photographs
The Ohio native, who has six profession IndyCar wins, furthered his level on a want to run within the occasion whatever the political affiliation being represented within the White Home.
“Clearly, I am a patriotic man,” stated Rahal, driver of the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda. “Irrespective of who’s within the White Home, I do not care who it’s, if we received to go race in Washington, it might be superior, notably within the Nationwide Mall. Certainly one of my favourite issues to do is go to the Nationwide Mall and stroll round at evening and see what it is all about, and perceive historical past. Good, dangerous, perceive historical past, see what it is all about.
“So for us to go get the chance if it occurs to race in Washington, I believe it is a rattling whole lot. It is a big-time of yr. We’ve numerous potential sponsors which are wanting on the sport proper now. They’re actually all rallying round this 250, the anniversary, what that may do for them.”
And a kind of could possibly be United Leases, a sponsor of Rahal’s for the final a number of seasons. Collectively, they’ve been a part of quite a few fundraising efforts geared toward serving to army veterans.
“Our sponsor could be very patriotic,” Rahal stated. “You guys know that. It is a big-time for us. If that race occurs, I believe it is an important alternative for our staff specifically to lure in some extra companions and issues like that.
“Let’s examine what occurs. I believe for IndyCar racing, we have all been speaking for all these years about getting alternatives to get avenue races, go to new venues. It is all laid on the market on a grand stage. I believe it might be nice for the game. Let’s examine what occurs. Who is aware of if that is going to really take form, however let’s see.”
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