THE SON IS FAST, just like the father was. Graham Rahal, driver of the #15 Steak ’n Shake car in the IndyCar series (cosponsored by Maxim), is having a career year. He just scored a pair of thrilling runnerup finishes: at the Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park last April, and at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in May. More important, he has been fast and furious in every outing on the IndyCar circuit. But don’t look for the signature ’stache that his legendary dad, Bobby, sported during his Indianapolis 500 win in 1986. “I can’t grow one,” Rahal says with a chuckle. “It looks terrible.”
If the young Rahal has a handicap, it might be the weight of expectations. Bobby’s dad, Mike, raced Porsches before Bobby became an Indy 500 winner, three-time CART-series champion, and team co-owner with none other than recently liberated Late Show host David Letterman. Graham is named for the late English Formula 1 star Graham Hill.
Graham, 26, who is a spokesman for Sunoco’s tongue-in-cheek fragrance, Burnt Rubbèr, is tall and slender. He loves golf and is a fiercely devoted hockey fan. But he always wanted to race cars for a living—with or without his father’s blessing. “I really wasn’t supportive,” Bobby recalls. “I wanted him to do something different because the pressure to perform is greater. But he’s a very tenacious young man.” Graham isn’t just tenacious, however. He’s one of the most talented drivers in the sport.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
150 YEARS of SUPERYACHTS STYLE
Here's why Benetti's expensive-but-worth-it vessels have been favored by the beautiful people, from James Bond to Donald Trump, David Bowie and Jay-Z
KING of the PRANCING HORSES
The extremely sought-after Ferrari 250 series-including the sales record-setting 250 GTO-are the most valuable cars that money can buy
LUST for LIFE
French photographer Philippe Shangti's world of lush, sometimes lurid seenes isn't always what it seems
A CENTURY of MOROCCAN STYLE
The legendary La Mamounia in Marrakech unveils a multimillion-dollar renovation on the occasion of its 100th anniversary
SPRITZ & SPREZZATURA
Everything you need to know about the evolution of the spritz, which has gone beyond bitter into vibrant, refreshing and eclectic
APEX PREDATOR
Driving the new GT 63 supercar across the hills of Spain reveals Mercedes-AMG only made a great supercar better
HAPPIEST ANNIVERSARIES
When it comes to fine smokes, \"anniversario\" blends just keep getting better with time
THE RAZOR'S EDGE
Collectors are taking note of William Henry's nextlevel pocket knives, the ultimate in luxury cutting tools
LIGHTS, CAMERA ,ACTION!
A conversation with Emmy-winning cinematographer and director Keyan Safyari
ROLLIN' THUNDER
Malaysia's Rollin Machine crafts a world-class tribute to the Royal Enfield Interceptor