Graham Rahal’s strategic climb to third at the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America ended two gates from the finish when a collision with Will Power clipped his Honda into the wall.
From the Lows to the Lead
Qualifying 20th, Rahal’s team executed tight pit stops and sharp race‑craft across the 55‑lap, 55‑caution event, turning a deep grid starting point into a podium‑contending position.
The Ohio driver, behind the wheel of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda #15, steadily sliced through the field, gaining the third spot just before the final lap showdown.
The Fatal Interference
On Turn 12, as Rahal defended his placement, Power from Andretti Global struck the rear of the Honda, launching Rahal into the wall with only two turns to the checkered flag.
Power escaped damage and secured the race’s final podium finish, leaving Rahal to exit the race in the barriers.
Rahal’s Post‑Race Reaction
Frustrated yet appreciative of his crew, Rahal praised pit‑crew leader Brian Barnhart and race engineer Yves Touron for their decisive calls during the runs.
He also highlighted his team’s successful in‑lap and argued that the yellow flag should have been unnecessary, as the squad’s restart performance typically lags behind.
Closing Assessment
Rahal’s loss underscores the fine line between tactical recovery and the fine‑tuned precision required to convert a strategic push into a podium finish at Road America.
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