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News and Features
June 13-19, 2007

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Graham Rahal

Photograph by Felipe Buitrago
Graham Rahal can't drive 55: If he did, he'd come in dead last.

Live Fast, Drive Young

By Felipe Buitrago


EVERY YEAR the San Jose Grand Prix yields an amazing driver. Last year, it was wheel-woman Katherine Legge. This time around the SJGP will showcase yet another prodigy. And even though Graham Rahal wasn't even born when Corey Haim and Corey Feldman were tearing up the streets in "License to Drive," he still has that Ricky Bobby fever. One doesn't become the youngest Champ Car driver for no reason. Obviously Mi-Jack Conquest Racing knew what was up when they signed Graham at age 17 because he finished second in the Atlantic series championship in 2006. Now racing Champ Car for Newman Hass Lanigan, he's had a bumpy start of the season, but now his performance has been smoothing out, placing in the Top 10 in the last three races of the circuit. His best thus far was on April 22 in Houston when he finished right behind his teammate Sebastian Bourdais, the reigning champ of San Jose, and winner of the event. His fourth race in the series in Portland was a step back to ninth place, but redemption may be found in Cleveland, which is right around the corner, and our own race will be soon after (July 27–29). Be sure to check out this talented young rider who is sure to set the palm trees down Almaden Boulevard ablaze.


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