Indy Star’s Son Makes Way into A1GP
A1 Team Lebanon has expanded its driver line-up to three for this weekend’s A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Monterrey, Meixco with the addition of Graham Rahal, son of Indycar legend Bobby Rahal whose family comes originally from Aitaneet in the Lebanon.
Despite being only 17, Graham has a wealth of racing experience from karts, Formula BMW, the Star Mazda series and Formula Atlantic, he is all-set to race a full season in this year’s Champ Car Formula Atlantic Championship. Having proved his capabilities in a powerful single-seater in a Formula 3000 test at Misano in Italy, he joins regular A1 Team Lebanon drivers Khalil Beschir and Basil Shaaban.
“We’re delighted to welcome Graham to A1 Team Lebanon,” said Seat Holder Tameem Auchi. “He’s from such as illustrious motor racing family, so we’re very proud that he is able to join us in the A1 Grand Prix series.Our team is one of the least experienced in the series and we are always reviewing our driver options in order to compete at the highest level,and recruiting Graham enables us to accelerate our learning curve while also expanding our fan base in the Arab-American community.”
“This is a very exciing opportunity for me,” said Graham. “I\’ve always recognised my Lebanese roots, so to compete for the country of my ancestry is very special. I hope that I can work with Khalil and Basil to share our racing knowledge and bring pride to the Lebanon with our results on the trakck. I\’ve grapsed the chance to compete in this new series that is attracting so much attention worldwide. It will give me valuable international exposure outside the USA.”
As you’d expect, father Bobby has booked his own passage to Mexico to witness this latest development in Graham\’s burgeoning racing career:”I’m very proud of our Lebanese heritage and this unique opportunity for our son to represent not just the Lebanon and the Arab world but the Lebanese community in the United States. The racing will give Graham a new challenge and the first chance for him to compete on a truly international platform.”
