At only 26 years old, Graham Rahal is already on top of the world. He’s the racecar driver currently ranked second in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series, is engaged to drag race phenom Courtney Force, races for the team his father started and has more experience with cars than most people accrue in a lifetime.
And, with some help from Isringhausen Imports, he recently added a Viper Green Porsche 918 Spyder to his collection.
We had a chance to catch up with Rahal just after his Aug. 2 victory during the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, a huge boost for his team in the Indycar points championship. Read on to learn about why the 918 caught his eye, the other cars in his collection and what his next steps in the racing world might be.
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Autofluence: What made you pick out the Porsche 918 Spyder?
Graham Rahal: I picked it because my family’s ties to Porsches goes back to the mid ’60s when my grandpa raced with them. My dad has always been a big Porsche collector, and I wanted to follow suit. To go with my very rare Sand White Carrera GT, I knew the 918 was the right one. Not to mention when I drove it, it was absolutely incredible and so fun to drive. I love it.
AF: What was the delivery process like?
GR: Well, I am not very patient, but it was great. David Donahue and the folks at Porsche were second to none. I had a great time through the entire process, and Isringhausen made it seamless once it was here. The car was delivered through Isringhausen, then sent straight to Byers Imports in Columbus, Ohio to get new HRE Wheels put on it, and to get a brand new Xpel Ultimate custom clear bra done by Shane and the folks at Entrotech in Columbus. It couldn’t have worked out anymore perfect!
AF: What was your first thought when you finally saw the car in person?
GR: In love, unreal. I’ve seen 918s before, a lot of them, and nothing compares. The Viper Green color is the only in North America, and possibly the world. The interior accent touches are perfection, looks amazing.
AF: How does the 918 Spyder’s driving stack up against your race car’s?
GR: It’s completely different. But the 918 is special because it has so much speed, combined with daily driving capabilities. The hybrid system works well, but you probably won’t find me in any mode but race mode! The race car is so rigid and uncomfortable to drive as it’s built just for extreme speed, the 918 has it all.
AF: What other cars do you own?
GR: I have a 2005 Sand White Porsche Carrera GT which I am the only registered owner ever which is cool, a 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans edition, 1964 Mini Cooper S that I restored myself and absolutely love, a Signal Green 2015 paint to sample BMW M4 and lastly a Vesuvius orange paint to sample 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR that’s the only one in the world, and lastly a Red on Red 2002 Acura NSX with 16k miles that’s one of 8 ever made in that paint scheme. I love all the toys, but they are all used a lot otherwise there’s no point in having them!
AF: What’s your favorite car?
GR: I have to say the Carrera GT has always been my favorite. The noise of it, the looks of it, the purity, cars just aren’t built like that anymore.
AF: Is there another car you have your eye on for your next purchase?
GR: I am extremely excited for the new Acura NSX. Being that I drive for Honda I know a lot of the background with the car, but I am really thrilled to get in it and enjoy it.
AF: Congratulations on your current second place position in the IndyCar Series. With so much momentum, what’s next for you and your racing career?
GR: I am focused heavily on winning this championship. Coming off of 2 wins in the last 4 races, and 9 points away from Montoya in the championship, it’s time to put more pressure on and try and get it. It would be amazing for myself and for my family, so we are definitely focused forward right now!
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Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the Verizon IndyCar Series as the IZOD IndyCar Series. The text has been updated to reflect the current name.
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