Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing expressed his reaction to the Team RLL BMW’s impressive 1-2 finish at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on August 3 at Road America. The victory, led by drivers Philip Eng and Dries Vanthoor in the #24 car, was notable as it came amid news of BMW ending its partnership with RLL after 17 years.
Details of the RLL BMW Victory at Road America
On August 3, the RLL BMW team secured a commanding 1-2 sweep at the Road America race, marking the first win of the season for the team. Philip Eng took the top spot, followed closely by teammate Dries Vanthoor. This achievement was especially significant as it was BMW’s first win since September 2024, when they triumphed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a similar 1-2 finish. The success demonstrates the team’s competitive strength even as the partnership between RLL and BMW is set to conclude at the end of this season.
Graham Rahal’s Performance Amid Ongoing Challenges
Throughout the 2025 season, Graham Rahal has shown steady progress. At the Thermal Club Grand Prix on March 23, he qualified in 18th position and improved to finish 11th. Later, at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto race on July 20, Rahal started fifth and finished seventh, reflecting consistent top-ten finishes in recent events. Rahal currently ranks 19th in the drivers‘ championship with 213 points, highlighting a season of moderate advancement despite past difficulties.
Rahal Addresses Criticism and Reflects on His Driving Career
Facing critics in recent years, Graham Rahal, an Indiana native, addressed questions about his ability to compete at the front during a press conference before the 2025 Mid-Ohio race. His struggles include the last major podium finish at the IMS Road Course Indy Grand Prix and a 2017 doubleheader victory in Detroit, which still stands as his last win.
“Yeah, I think I am, well, look at the qualifying results. They speak for themselves,” Graham Rahal replied (via ASAP Sports). “I’m sick and tired of hearing, ‘He can’t drive. He’s only there because of his dad’… all this bullshit. It gets old because the reality is (that) the performance and qualifying, in particular, speak for themselves.”
—Graham Rahal, Driver
This statement highlights Rahal’s frustration with persistent doubts about his talent and underscores his confidence in his recent performances, especially in qualifying sessions.
Implications of RLL and BMW’s Separation for the Future
The announcement that RLL and BMW will part ways after nearly two decades marks a significant shift in the IMSA landscape. Despite this, the team’s recent 1-2 finish at Road America proves the strength and resilience of both the drivers and the organization. For Graham Rahal and his teammates, maintaining strong results will be vital as they approach the end of this historic partnership. How the team will adapt beyond 2025 remains a key point of interest for fans and the racing community.