D.C. race "would be massive opportunity for IndyCar" says Rahal

Graham Rahal believes the possibility of racing in Washington D.C. later this year should be embraced by the IndyCar community. 

An AI-generated video made the rounds on social media less than a week ago for a proposed “D.C. Grand Prix.” Presented by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and supported on social media by President Donald J. Trump, the concept would be part of the Freedom 250, a celebration of the country’s birthday, which would see North America’s premier open-wheel championship run a street race around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 23. IndyCar confirmed to multiple media outlets that conversations are ongoing in possibly adding the event to this year’s schedule.

During the first day of IndyCar media day festivities on Tuesday, Rahal shared his thoughts on the chance to put on a show in the nation’s capital.

“It's a massive opportunity for IndyCar,” said Rahal, 37. “It's a bit shameful sometimes when I read comments on social media in response to some of your posts. Not that you guys [pointing to media members] are directing it, but you read these, ‘Oh, then that's the one race I'm not going to watch this year.’ Get a life.

“If you really are an IndyCar fan, this is a huge opportunity that's been given to us. It hasn't been given to NASCAR, not to Formula 1, it's been given to IndyCar.”

Roger Penske and US President Donald Trump

Photo by: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The Ohio native, who has six career IndyCar wins, furthered his point on a desire to run in the event regardless of the political affiliation being represented in the White House. 

“Obviously, I'm a patriotic guy,” said Rahal, driver of the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda. “No matter who's in the White House, I don't care who it is, if we got to go race in Washington, it would be awesome, particularly in the National Mall. One of my favorite things to do is go to the National Mall and walk around at night and see what it's all about, and understand history. Good, bad, understand history, see what it's all about.

“So for us to go get the opportunity if it happens to race in Washington, I think it's a damn good deal. It's a big-time of year. We have a lot of potential sponsors that are looking at the sport right now. They're really all rallying around this 250, the anniversary, what that can do for them.”

And one of those could be United Rentals, a sponsor of Rahal’s for the last several seasons. Together, they have been part of numerous fundraising efforts aimed at helping military veterans.

“Our sponsor is very patriotic,” Rahal said. “You guys know that. It's a big-time for us. If that race happens, I think it's a great opportunity for our team in particular to lure in some more partners and things like that.

“Let's see what happens. I think for IndyCar racing, we've all been talking for all these years about getting opportunities to get street races, go to new venues. It's all laid out there on a grand stage. I think it would be great for the sport. Let's see what happens. Who knows if this is going to actually take shape, but let’s see.”