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V8: Rahal Headed Down Under For The Gold Coast 600
Rick Kelly will share the driver’s seat of the #15 Jack Daniel’s Racing Commodore with Graham Rahal at this year’s V8 Supercars' Gold Coast 600.
Media Release  |  Posted July 23, 2012  
After missing out on a ride for the 2011 Gold Coast 600, Graham Rahal will join one of the series' powerhouse teams for the event this October. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)
Rick Kelly will share the driver’s seat of the #15 Jack Daniel’s Racing Commodore with IndyCar star Graham Rahal at this year’s V8 Supercars' Armor All Gold Coast 600.

Rahal is making his V8 Supercars' debut at Surfers Paradise, but is no stranger to the street circuit, having competed in the 2007 Champ Car race, where he set the race-lap record time and also the last IndyCar race held on the Gold Coast in 2008.

The 23-year-old from Columbus Ohio made his Champ Car debut in 2007 and became the youngest ever podium finisher in Champ Car history after claiming 2nd at Houston in his third start. His season included four podium finishes.

Rahal then created IndyCar history in 2008 when he won on debut at the St Petersburg Florida race, becoming only the fourth driver to do so and the youngest winner in major open-wheel racing.

In 2010 Graham signed to drive for his father’s team, Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by IndyCar legend (and 1986 Indy 500 winner) Bobby and veteran American television night show star, David Letterman, at the Indianapolis 500. Graham qualified seventh and finished twelfth.
Rahal's Ganassi teammate, the ginger singing sensation Scott Dixon, drove with the Kellys at the GC600 in 2010. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)

Since 2011, Rahal has raced for the multiple IndyCar Championship winning team of Chip Ganassi Racing with primary sponsorship from TBC Retail Group and its tyre and automotive service brands including Tire Kingdom, NTB-National Tire and Battery, Merchant's Tire and Auto Centers, Big O Tires and Midas.

Graham’s Ganassi teammates Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon have both competed in V8 Supercar races on the Gold Coast.

On announcing the signing Rick Kelly said, “It’s awesome to have Graham join us for the Gold Coast race. Jack Daniel’s Racing has secured two of the biggest names in American racing, Andretti and Rahal, and I am confident Graham will do an outstanding job for us. I am sure he is going to enjoy his V8 Supercar debut”.

Graham Rahal was equally enthusiastic about the Armor All Gold Coast 600: “I was thrilled to get the call from Jack Daniel’s Racing to participate in the event. It’s definitely a big thanks to Jack Daniel’s and the Kelly group for the opportunity. The Gold Coast has become one of the marquee motorsports events for racing drivers from all disciplines and to compete with one of the premier teams in the series in my first go at it is a real honor.

"Rick himself has a very successful history in the series, so I have a great guy to lean on to get up to speed as quickly as possible and hopefully we can deliver a quality result for the team and Jack Daniel’s.”
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