Rahal, who was bumped from the field during qualifications, will fill in for Stefan Wilson, who was injured in a crash during Monday’s practice.
Rahal will start from the 33rd position in a car fielded by Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Cusick Motorsports.
Team owners said Wilson was “pretty crushed emotionally” after suffering a fracture of the 12th thoracic vertebrae and learning he would be unable to race. He’d qualified in 25th position, placing him in Row 9.
Rahal was honored to field the call about being the replacement driver, although he admitted there were some logistical challenges. A longtime Honda driver, Rahal will take the wheel of a Chevy. Both manufacturers had to sign off on the deal, as did Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
“This is certainly Stef’s ride, it’s his seat, and he’s done a great job to get it to the point that it is,” Rahal said. “I certainly feel for Stef. I know how much he puts into this year in and year out.”
Rahal was formerly a teammate of Stefan Wilson’s brother, Justin Wilson, who died in a crash in 2015. The Wilson family has had a “strong impact” on him, Rahal said.
“He was just a tremendous, tremendous guy,” Rahal said of Justin. “In this circumstance… it felt right.”
Bobby’s kid, I assume?
When are they going to rename it the rainbow 500?
Good God, does everything have to be about some cause? Can’t it just be about racing?
My son and i were there last year, always a great time.
I’m guessing there will be no Bud lite sponsored car this year.
AJ Foyt’s team looks competitive this year
Over here (((PING)))
I’m glad that they keep carb day.
If it’s carburetion day, shouldn’t it be for Offenhausers and Cosworths?
Any known good stream for this? (err, free)
Mr G and I started following Bobby Rahal in his first race at Mid Ohio. We were sitting on a corner and noticed how he hit absolutely the same spot every time he came by.
Years later when we moved back to Columbus Ohio, we rented a warehouse space that was several doors down from his teams. It was a thrill to see him win the 500. We obviously have a fondness for Graham and I’m glad he’s got a ride this year..... even if it isn’t his own.
Went to Indy for the race in '70. Saw it from the mud hole inside the 1st turn. 2 weeks later I was standing on the Yellow Footprints at MCRD San Diego.
Rented a motel room outside of Disneyland in '71, just to watch it on TV.
Watched it on AFRTS on Okinawa in '72.
Took my GF and actually could afford seats inside the 3rd turn in '76...
What the hell happened?
Well, my favorite driver won, and I could not be happier.
107th Indianapolis 500, May 28, 2023 Race Results File:
https://www.imscdn.com/INDYCAR/Documents/6135/2023-05-28/indycar-race-results.pdf