Graham Rahal delivered a standout performance at the 2025 BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland, storming from 22nd on the grid to finish an impressive fourth place—the best result of his season and a strong top finish for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Starting deep in the pack, Rahal’s race was a masterclass in strategic savvy and relentless pace. A key early move came during the first caution period when he pitted while much of the field stayed out. This savvy call set him up to capitalize on subsequent race developments, propelling him through the field as the race went on.
Rahal fought hard in the lead group for most of the 110-lap event, going toe-to-toe with top teams like Team Penske, Arrow McLaren, and Chip Ganassi Racing. His car showed great speed and consistency, and smooth pit stops helped him leapfrog many rivals.
Reflecting on the race, Rahal emphasized the collective effort behind the success. While the strategy was crucial, the pace of the No. 15 Honda was equally important. He credited his team’s hard work, especially the pit crew and engineers, for building a car capable of competing at the front.
“This is nice to have good strategy, but great pace, too,” Rahal said. “When we needed to over-cut Newgarden, we did successfully, and when we needed to go, we were able to go… It was a great feeling, but I don’t care about this for me. Our guys have been working awfully hard for this.”
Rahal’s surge from a challenging qualifying position to just missing the podium by one place highlights both his driving skill and the strategic excellence of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing this season. It also boosts his standing in the championship battle and sends a clear message that the team is capable of competing with the best in IndyCar as the 2025 season heads into its final stages.
