Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team co-owner Bobby Rahal has been named the Grand Marshal for the Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sportscar course next weekend.
The Ohio native will give the command for drivers to start their engines.
Rahal won the first INDYCAR race 40 years ago. Speaking about the news he said:
It’s a great honor to be the grand marshal for The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. Mid-Ohio played an important role in my personal and professional life. “I went to the first ever race there with my father in 1962 and made annual trips there after that, sometimes twice a year. I got my first win at Mid-Ohio in my SCCA class in 1974, won both IROC races I competed in there, won the Lumberman’s race and of course the two INDYCAR races in 1985 and 1986.
Additionally, Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president, Manufacturing Management Center of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America (HDMA), will be this year’s honorary starter, waving the green flag to start the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. Paul Dentinger, senior vice president, Purchasing & Supply Chain Center of HDMA, will be the trophy presenter to the podium finishers for post-race ceremonies.
President of the Mid-Ohio Sportscar course, Craig Rust said:
We are honored to celebrate Bobby Rahal’s many racing accomplishments and his tremendous legacy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course by naming him this year’s grand marshal. He’s a true motorsports icon from the Buckeye State. “Thank you to Paul Dentinger and Jun Jayaraman for also joining us to serve in these honorary positions. Mr. Jayaraman, Mr. Dentinger and the thousands of associates from the nearby manufacturing and R&D facilities joining us next weekend will make this another memorable Honda gathering.”