Graham Rahal, a 19-year veteran of IndyCar and driver for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (a team co-owned by his father, three-time IndyCar champion Bobby Rahal), has strongly responded to critics questioning his place in the series and attributing his seat to nepotism. Ahead of the 2025 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, his home race, Rahal addressed these doubts during a press conference alongside his father.

Rahal expressed frustration with the persistent narrative that he is only in IndyCar because of his father, calling such claims “bullsh*t” and emphasizing that his qualifying performances and results speak for themselves. Despite some struggles in recent years—his last podium came at the 2023 Indy GP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, and his last race wins were the 2017 Detroit GP double-header—he remains confident in his ability to compete at the front of the field. He pointed to his qualifying record this season, which includes a best position of second at the Sonsio Grand Prix, as evidence of his competitiveness.

Rahal identified oval tracks as the biggest challenge for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the 2025 season. The team has struggled to find pace on ovals and short ovals, exemplified by a disappointing 22nd qualifying and finishing position at the 1.25-mile WWT Raceway, where he finished eight laps down from the leaders. Even at a recent test at the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway, the team failed to find a setup that worked well. Rahal acknowledged the team’s progress overall but admitted that oval performance remains a significant weakness.

Looking ahead, Rahal expressed optimism for the upcoming Mid-Ohio race weekend (July 4-6, 2025), which takes place on a 2.258-mile road course where he has previously won (in 2015). This event is particularly special as his father, Bobby Rahal, will serve as the grand marshal. Bobby Rahal himself has an impressive record at Mid-Ohio, with eight podiums in 16 appearances and two victories, including the 1986 Indy 500 win.

In summary, Graham Rahal firmly rejects the notion that he is in IndyCar merely due to family connections, highlighting his qualifying results and experience as proof of his merit. While the team faces challenges on oval tracks, Rahal remains focused and motivated, especially for races on road courses like Mid-Ohio where he has demonstrated success.