Graham Rahal secured a third‑place finish for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix despite a 39‑lap incident that dropped him to 23rd.
Recovery after an early hit from Kyffin Simpson
While contesting the top ten, Rahal was rear‑ended by Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyffin Simpson entering Turn 3 on Lap 39, an impact he described as “very frustrating.” The collision forced him onto the back foot, but he methodically advanced over the next 61 laps, relying on raw pace and disciplined track‑craft.
Late‑race defense and team performance
Approaching the final stint, Rahal faced Pato O’Ward with no push‑to‑pass remaining, yet he managed to hold the position and cross the line in third. He credited a flawless pit crew for swift in‑and‑out laps and noted three timely cautions in the last 34 laps that aided his progression. Development work on damper settings also provided data for the team’s street‑course package.
Side battles that shaped the Detroit event
Scott McLaughlin and Will Power engaged in a ten‑lap duel for third before colliding with just 21 laps remaining, a clash Rahal likened to a Mike Tyson bout. Meanwhile, rookie teammate Mick Schumacher fought David Malukas for a podium spot before both cars ended up in the Turn 5 tire barriers on Lap 73. Louis Foster completed a solid result for RLL, finishing seventh.
Rahal’s podium, his third in eight races, signals a steady climb for the team as they continue to refine their street‑circuit setup.
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