Ball of Confusion

Posted by Iannucci | 7/24/2006 | 2 comments »
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Once again, I am not sure what to make of the writer in Edmonton who again today suggests Bobby Rahal is considering taking his team to Champ Car next season. But the whole thing is rather confusing, to say the least.

It’s all but announced that Danica! is leaving the RLR team for a competing IRL team next season. Even though we have no announcements, we have reports of reasons for the unannounced departure. One of them is that Bobby has been spending a lot of time with his son Graham during his burgeoning open-wheel career in Formula Atlantic. Graham has been nothing short of spectacular, winning 3 times in 8 races. He also won the pole and finished second in an IndyPro race earlier this year at Indianapolis.

So here’s the rub: PaddockTalk reports that Graham – who has stated he wants to drive Formula One – has tested for the Newman/Hass Champ Car team and is highly likely to drive for them in 2007. Knowing this, which option do you think Bobby takes:
1. Keep a team in IRL, the competing series to his son.
2. Move his team to Champ Car and compete against his son.
3. Pack up and become a spectator.

Judging from what we’ve seen (or not seen) of Rahal trackside this season, it’s doubtful any marquee drivers would want to be hired for an owner who will be missing during Champ Car events. And if he has an IRL team, what happens when Newman/Haas brings their drivers to compete against him in The Month of May?

Competing against his son in Champ Car seems even less likely, and for the record Bobby has stated he does NOT want to hire his son so Graham can retain "credibility". Not sure that’s a problem for Andretti 3.0, but OK.

Anyhow, I’ll guess along with you as to Bobby's plans. Regardless, this doesn’t look to be the best of days for anyone trying to decide on their future with RLR.

2 comments

  1. Anonymous // July 25, 2006 6:36 AM  

    This is really bizarre...ya think he's just burning out on the whole team ownership thing? Maybe pissed that Danica's bolting?

  2. Iannucci // July 25, 2006 10:35 AM  

    He's had an exceptionally rough year. Paul Dana's death, Danica's displeasure, Buddy Rice's bad season. For all I know, Argent goes with Danica next year.

    Graham has been a ray of sunshine, and the way RLR's season has gone I'd be out watching my son win every other week as well.

    I don't see him chucking the whole team, but you never know.