Graham Rahal Wins IndyCar Race at Fontana

A dramatic day of IndyCar racing ends with a stunning collision and a big win for Rahal

Third-generation race car driver Graham Rahal — driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing — took the checkered flag on Saturday in an exhilarating race that left viewers breathless as drivers traveling at an average speed of 205 mph spent most of the MAVTV 500 in a tight pack that was at times five cars wide.

The fierce competition resulted in a major crash with just two laps to go, as Ryan Briscoe collided with Ryan Hunter-Reay and flipped onto the grass. Fortunately both drivers were uninjured.

The race, held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, was one of the most competitive ever, with 14 different leaders and 80 lead changes. In the end it was Rahal in the lead, driving his No. 15 Steak ‘n Shake Honda, cosponsored by none other than Maxim, when the checkered flag came out.

The win ended a 124-race IndyCar drought for Rahal. “That was nuts, but it was fun,” he said when it was all over. We couldn’t agree more. 

Photos by Photo by IndyCar/Chris Owens