Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has expressed strong enthusiasm for the 2007 ChampCar World Series racecars, emphasizing their distinctively loud and high-revving engine sound. He has urged key decision makers in American open-wheel racing to bring back this signature audio experience, which was lost after the ChampCar series merged with IndyCar in 2008 and subsequent technological changes.
The 2007 season marked the final year that sequential manual gearbox shifters were used widely before the transition to semi-automatic paddle shifters in 2008, which contributed to changes in the sound and feel of the cars. A recent video capturing qualifying at the 2007 Surfers Paradise event in Australia has reignited Rahal’s passion for that era’s racing atmosphere.
Speaking on the social media platform X, Rahal declared that such engine noise is how race cars should sound in the top American open-wheel category, while also expressing a wish for IndyCar to return to Australia with a Grand Prix event.
“2 things. – LISTEN TO THOSE CARS! That’s how a race car should sound. Buck the trend. Make race cars loud, high revving and badass! – Look at that crowd! I get it, we’re US based. But, let’s go back to Surfers Paradise RIGHT NOW! Plenty of great Aussies and Kiwis to promote!”
— Graham Rahal, Driver
At the 2007 Surfers Paradise Grand Prix, Rahal achieved a ninth-place starting position and finished eleventh after 61 laps. The event was ultimately won by Sebastien Bourdais, a dominant figure of that era.
Anticipation Builds as Rahal Prepares for Milwaukee Mile Return
While Rahal is reflecting on the past, the 2025 IndyCar season is nearing its conclusion with only two Grand Prix events left on the schedule. The next race, the Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250, is set for this week, and Rahal has shared his excitement about competing there again.
“I’m excited to go back to the Milwaukee Mile, which is probably my favorite oval of the year. It was scary to see the recent floods, but it seems everything came out okay, which is great. It’s definitely not something you want to see for the people of Milwaukee or the Fair Grounds, and I’m sure there is a lot of clean up and work that went into that. We’re excited to put on a great show for them.”
— Graham Rahal, Driver
“We really want to make sure we can make a jump in the point standings at the last two races and move forward.”
— Graham Rahal, Driver
Currently seated 15th in the driver standings with 246 points, Rahal has recorded one top-five and three top-ten finishes this season. With only two races remaining, the anticipation is high around where this experienced driver will ultimately finish in the championship.
Significance of Rahal’s Advocacy for ChampCar Sounds and Future Prospects
Graham Rahal’s call to revive the loud, high-revving motors from the ChampCar days highlights a broader debate among fans and participants about the sensory experience of open-wheel racing in America. His appeal not only evokes nostalgia for a past era but also points toward potential fan engagement strategies, including expanding IndyCar’s international footprint by returning to venues like Surfers Paradise in Australia.
As the 2025 IndyCar season wraps up, Rahal’s focus on improving his points standing and delivering compelling performances underlines his determination to remain a significant contender. His reflections on past races and enthusiasm for upcoming events emphasize both his connection to the sport’s history and his commitment to its future.