Bobby Rahal, three-time IndyCar Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, has been named grand marshal for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, scheduled for Sunday, July 6. This appointment marks his second grand marshal role this season and highlights the lasting Rahal family connection to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Bobby Rahal’s history with the Mid-Ohio track spans decades, beginning with his first visit in 1962 alongside his father. Over the years, he achieved numerous victories there, including wins in 1985 and 1986. As grand marshal, Rahal will lead the pre-race ceremonies and announce the famous command to start the engines, underscoring his deep ties to this iconic racing venue.
A Legacy Built at Mid-Ohio Through Decades of Racing Success
Originating from Ohio, Bobby Rahal’s career at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is marked by remarkable consistency and success. Across 16 starts, he secured eight podium finishes, including his first competitive win in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) class in 1974. He also triumphed twice in the International Race of Champions (IROC) events held at Mid-Ohio, as well as victories in other key races like the Lumberman’s race. His final appearances at the track in 1997 and 1998 culminated in more top-three results, adding to his impressive record there.
“It’s a great honor to be the grand marshal for The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio,” Rahal said. “Mid-Ohio played an important role in my personal and professional life. I went to the first-ever race there with my father in 1962 and made annual trips there after that, sometimes twice a year. I got my first win at Mid-Ohio in my SCCA class in 1974, won both IROC races I competed in there, won the Lumberman’s race and, of course, the two INDYCAR races in 1985 and 1986.”
—Bobby Rahal, IndyCar Champion and Grand Marshal
Recent Role as Grand Marshal at Monterey SportsCar Championship
Just months before this honor, Rahal also served as grand marshal for the Monterey SportsCar Championship, an IMSA event held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in May. This role reaffirmed his lasting influence within American motorsports, while also reflecting his strong personal connection to racing venues beyond Mid-Ohio.
In addition to his legacy as a driver, Bobby Rahal is co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, a prominent team competing in both the IndyCar and IMSA series. His son, Graham Rahal, is an active racer for the team, continuing the family’s prominent presence in the sport. Bobby Rahal has long held Laguna Seca in high regard, which made his grand marshal role there especially meaningful.
“When I first came here in 1979, this place was hallowed ground to me,” Rahal remarked. “I fell in love with the place, it suited me and I suited it, and I had a number of great days here.”
—Bobby Rahal, IndyCar Champion and Grand Marshal
Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca, commented on Rahal’s involvement in the sport, highlighting his impact.
“Bobby has played an extraordinary role in shaping American motorsports, and his presence will be an inspiration to fans and competitors alike,”
—Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca
The Monterey SportsCar Championship took place from May 9 to 11, marking another chapter in Rahal’s enduring connection with top-tier racing events.
Enduring Influence on Racing and the Honda Indy 200
Bobby Rahal’s appointment as grand marshal for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio celebrates a career intertwined with the track’s history and cements his ongoing role in American motorsports. With his son Graham Rahal competing in the race, this event also underlines the generational continuation of the Rahal legacy. Fans and participants alike will look forward to Rahal’s presence during the July 6 race, where his experience and passion for racing will help elevate the event’s significance.
As the Honda Indy 200 approaches, Bobby Rahal’s role promises to inspire both new and longtime fans, while reinforcing the strong traditions and competitive spirit that have defined Mid-Ohio for decades.