Graham Rahal has endured some frustrating moments in his IndyCar career but is hoping for more improvement at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
The American driver had a difficult season at times in 2024, only finishing in the top 10 on a few occasions as the team also had problems on ovals.
Rahal struggled throughout the IndyCar season on ovals, only taking one top-10 finish at the second race of the weekend at Iowa Speedway.
It has been a consistent problem for the team over the past few seasons, as Rahal got bumped out of the field at the Indy 500 in 2023. RLL driver Christian Lundgaard also required Last Chance Qualifying to make the field.
Rahal told the official IndyCar website that he is adamant that the team are making progress despite a lot of people looking to knock the team after some lacklustre performances.
Graham Rahal feels the RLL team ‘could use another really good offseason’ ahead of 2025
The Rahal Letterman Lanigan team did have some good moments this season, particularly with Lundgaard who is leaving to join Arrow McLaren.
Lundgaard finished third at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, an impressive performance at a track that is quite similar to circuits in Europe that he’d raced on before.
Rahal is adamant the team don’t get praised when they deserve it despite Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing enjoying some good results.
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He said: “I do think what people fail to mention about our team is the direction is correct, things are getting better.
“People fail to remember that our team has taken a big step forward. They want to knock us and kick us when we’re down, but we never get the praise that we deserve when you look at how much better we have gotten in many regards. We are improving in many ways, and I think we could use another really good offseason.”
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing are welcoming Indy NXT champion Louis Foster
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing have helped to develop some young talent in recent years including Lundgaard after he couldn’t quite make it to Formula 1.
The Danish driver adjusted to IndyCar well and learned from the more experienced Rahal, particularly on ovals which were new to him.
They are welcoming the Indy NXT champion to the team for 2025, Louis Foster, who knew the European junior single-seater ladder wasn’t going to work before moving to America.
Foster was formidable on ovals in Indy NXT which may help the team develop although it may be a steep learning curve with the hybrid system.