Rahal deal done
"Four years ago, I had never even driven a race car. Now I'm with one of the top teams, " said Rahal, one of two Americans in the series. "My dad has really helped me through the whole process. With this deal finally getting done, it takes the pressure off everybody and now we can relax."
Rahal has tested five times with Newman/Haas/Lanigan and his signing was nearly a foregone conclusion. But the announcement was delayed as language between the team and the primary sponsor of Rahal's car — a company based on Dr. Barry Sears' "Zone Diet" — was worked out. [Editor's Note: We were originally told a technology company would sponsor Rahal, but this Zone Diet hint may mean it will be Medizone, which we also heard.]
Graham Rahal had said racing for his father's team in the rival IndyCar Series was not an option since Bobby won't let his son race on ovals, tracks that dominate the IndyCar schedule. More at USA Today [Editor's Note: What does this say about the safety in the IRL? Perhaps ask the latest victim, Pablo Perez.]
03/28/07 Newman/Haas/Lanigan have scheduled a media conference for Thursday afternoon whereby the Graham Rahal deal will be announced.
03/27/07 According to AutoRacing1.com sources the contract for Graham Rahal to drive alongside Sebastien Bourdais at Newman/Haas/Lanigan is finally complete. The sponsor is a large technology company and the deal will be announced soon. We know the company but out of courtesy to them and Newman/Haas/Lanigan we will not spoil their announcement by telling you.
A number of negative articles were used by others in an attempt to destroy what is a very promising sponsorship season with a lot of momentum that you will soon see. They failed, but made it hard work and made the deal come together late. Nevertheless there will be a series of announcements this week which will lead to a full 18-Champ Car grid without subsidies and without drivers paying for their rides with family money.