Bobby Rahal: American Icon

Gentleman Bobby Rahal is the perhaps the US's most prolific driver. He has compiled some impressive stats, and continues to as an owner.

As an owner, Bobby and partner David Letterman won the most prestigieous race we know of, the Indianapolis 500, of course, driven by Buddy Rice in 2004.

But Bobby had paid his dues for years, coming up in American open wheel ranks. He was the Championship Auto Racing Teams or CART points championship as a driver three times, in 1986, 1987 and 1992. He won the Indy 500 once, in 1986 on his way to his first CART title.

He was voted driver of the year twice, in '86 and '92. Bobby is the only owner/driver to win a CART title.

Along the way, Bobby crossed the pond and raced in as many forms of competition as he could. He had a short time in Formula 1, starting only two races for Walter Wolf in '78.

Back in the US, Rahal won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1981 and 12 Hours of Sebring in 1987.

Bobby also had starts in NASCAR, Can-Am, and IROC. In every instance, he represented himself well, and gathered the esteem of everyone he competed against.

Perhaps his most staggering statistic: in an 18 year professional racing career, Rahal finished outside the top ten only once.

-Katykarter