Rahal's In!

[GP Racer]

The Speed web-site is reporting that Bobby Rahal has left Champ Car, and is expanding his IRL effort to two full-time cars and a third for Indy, and Motegi. Its still unclear whether Jordain will make the move, but its likely he will stay in Champ Car. It seems that a pep talk from Paul Newman and Gentilozzi couldn't sway Bobby to stay.

The field is getting fat, and 33 for Indy is looking pretty good to!

[rush1]

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?id=1762556

More goods news for the IRL! And David Letterman is happy as well.
"I fully support our team's expansion in the IRL IndyCar Series," Letterman said. "Bobby and I believe the additional entry will increase our team's competitive level."

Roger Yasukawa I guess will be driving in Japan and Indy so we shall se who Rahal puts in that third car for Indy.

It will also be interesting to see if Gigante keeps Jourdains sponsorship or leaves OWRCS as well.

[Testure]

This is slightly odd, isn't it? From reports, both Michel and Gigante will be remaining in Champ Car. So, I guess Bobby will have to find both a new driver and sponsor. Reports imply that it won't be Yasukawa in the seat full-time. What other driver relationships does Rahal have? I don't think Kenny will be back this year... As for sponsors, I'd hate to think he's receiving funding from an engine manufacturer or the league itself. Actually, that ESPN story notes that he doesn't have sponsorship for this extra car yet. Maybe he shouldn've waited 'til he did?

Further strangeness is that Rahal still has the Toyota Atlantic operation and is even running a car in the new (Champ Car-affiliated) Formula BMW series - for his own son, no less. Might be a little uncomfortable for him at some of those races.

Much like Fernandez, running another car in the IRL will be easier for Bobby, given that he's already running one car. He's been the most obvious "fence-sitter" over the past few seasons. Good luck to him!

[GP Racer]

Originally posted by Testure
This is slightly odd, isn't it? From reports, both Michel and Gigante will be remaining in Champ Car. So, I guess Bobby will have to find both a new driver and sponsor. Reports imply that it won't be Yasukawa in the seat full-time. What other driver relationships does Rahal have? I don't think Kenny will be back this year... As for sponsors, I'd hate to think he's receiving funding from an engine manufacturer or the league itself. Actually, that ESPN story notes that he doesn't have sponsorship for this extra car yet. Maybe he shouldn've waited 'til he did?

Further strangeness is that Rahal still has the Toyota Atlantic operation and is even running a car in the new (Champ Car-affiliated) Formula BMW series - for his own son, no less. Might be a little uncomfortable for him at some of those races.

Much like Fernandez, running another car in the IRL will be easier for Bobby, given that he's already running one car. He's been the most obvious "fence-sitter" over the past few seasons. Good luck to him!

Nothing odd about this one at all Testure, you can't pour cold water on this deal!

The IndyCar web-site says that Rahal will announce a new sponsor shortly, and that a second driver, will also be named, but alot hinges on Kenny's recovery. There is a rumor, going around, that the second driver could be Carpentier, but that's just a rumor.

Bobby fully admits that he won't be the most popular guy in the paddock at Formula Atlantic, and Formula BMW.

This is yet another "no confidence" vote for OWRS. Bobby was another of the big names in that series, that just see's no future there, and IMHO, it centers around Gentilozzi.

I'm waiting for the CART fans wrath to fall on him, as he deserves it far more than either Adrian or Rahal...

[camcartfan]

Originally posted by Testure
Further strangeness is that Rahal still has the Toyota Atlantic operation and is even running a car in the new (Champ Car-affiliated) Formula BMW series - for his own son, no less. Might be a little uncomfortable for him at some of those races.

I foresee Rahal getting a few boo's, but I don't suspect it will be overwhelming. Bobby loves Champ Car and the fans love him too.

[Hazza]

IRL just keeps getting better and better - Soon we will have all of the big names and big teams.

This season is gonna be BIIIGGG!

[rustyfan]

Originally posted by Hazza
This season is gonna be BIIIGGG!

Indeed

I hope it will remain a safe one as well - it was really encouraging to see a complete lack of injuries at Homestead.

[Testure]

Here's a transcript of the teleconference: http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view...id=3&nid=87637

It's quite interesting to read. He's pretty measured, I think, but he's never come across (to me) as an arrogant man in any way. An interesting few paragraphs about sponsorship and drivers. He also has an incredibly irritating habit of saying "y'know" constantly!