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Ohio State Football: Interview with IndyCar driver-Buckeye fan Graham Rahal

By Steven Koesterman

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: Graham Rahal, driver of the #15 United Rentals Honda prepares to drive during the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: Graham Rahal, driver of the #15 United Rentals Honda prepares to drive during the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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The driver of the No. 15 IndyCar, Graham Rahal, is one of the biggest Ohio State fans in the nation. The Columbus, Ohio native has also achieved tremendous success on the track throughout his career.

His legendary customized Ohio State helmet painted with Buckeye leaves he wore in a race after the 2014 National Championship is just a small affinity for Rahal’s love of the Buckeyes. I had the chance to talk to Graham about his career, his Buckeye fandom and his life off the track.

Check it out:

Steven Koesterman: You’ve won the IndyCar race five times since 2015, what has made you such a successful driver?

Graham Rahal: “I would say really it is the fire from within. I hate losing. I think it is the same that others would feel in any sport. The competitive fire burns hot. Having said that, our sport really is a team sport and we have dedicated a lot of time and effort this winter to making sure we have a much better 2020 than 2019 or 2018.”

Steve Koesterman: How can you describe what it’s like to be in an IndyCar race and the thrill of driving over 210mph?

Graham Rahal: “Its amazing. The speed and thrill of it is what makes it so fun. There’s always a lot of risk, but in a weird way that’s what is rewarding too. Living life on the edge and pushing to the max.”

Steve Koesterman: You are a Columbus, OH native. You bleed Scarlet and Gray. Can you talk about your passion for the Buckeyes?

Graham Rahal: “I live for the Buckeyes and Jackets. I watch every game, no matter what sport. Obviously football and CBJ hockey take precedence, but still, I watch it all. It really just started at a young age and has only increased as I have gotten more involved and known more people over there. I love Buckeye football, it’s the greatest thing outside of racing for me!”

Steve Koesterman: You are good friends with Assistant AD of Player Personnel Mark Pantoni. What makes him so valuable for this Ohio State program?

Graham Rahal: “Mark is the man. I am sure my favorite part of the week leading up to a big game is texting with him, and likely that’s his least favorite part of the week! I think Mark is a massive part of the program and its success. I can’t go into stories, but his process of identifying the talent and hand picking the goods and bads no matter how many stars they have is unreal. I have mentioned numerous 5 stars to him before and gotten the response that it is not worth it to chase that person and we won’t hear of them again. He was right. It’s astounding. Love the guy, and can’t wait to see him hoist a National Championship trophy again soon because he deserves it!”

Steve Koesterman: What is your favorite Ohio State football memory?

Graham Rahal: “Winning the National Championship in 2015. I was in Dallas watching, and it was just so badass!”

More from Ohio State Buckeyes

Steve Koesterman: Shifting gears to basketball, what has impressed you most about head coach Chris Holtmann?

Graham Rahal: “Coach is an amazing man. Having met him in Indianapolis before he took the job, he was so confident and inspired that he would take that team over and turn it around. Lots of youth there, lots of turnovers lately, but they will get it turned around and make a good run in March.”

Steve Koesterman: Early preview for Coach Day’s 2020 Buckeyes?

Graham Rahal: “National Champs. I really believe it will happen. Call me crazy, but without those bad calls and too many mistakes against Clemson, I think OSU would’ve given LSU all they could handle. Next year will be even better!”

Steve Koesterman: What is life like for you off the track?

Graham Rahal: “Busy, its non-stop. With Graham Rahal Performance, our foundation and everything racing related, I truly don’t get much time. I want to commit more of the fall to come see some more Buckeyes games, but the schedules haven’t permitted in recent times. We will make it happen next year, and I cannot wait.”

Steve Koesterman: Rickie Fowler and yourself are a dominant PGA Pro-Am team. What is it like playing in those Pro-AM events alongside Fowler and other big-name stars such as Peyton Manning at this past year’s Memorial Tournament?

Graham Rahal: “Its been a blast for me. I have had a great time with my partners from Nationwide and getting to play in events like this. Rickie and I have been fortunate to win a few, but I am also excited to come back and play in the Memorial next year and hopefully get another W!”

Steve Koesterman: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

Graham Rahal: “Winning! Winning in racing, winning in football, and giving back to help improve the lives of others. Lets make it happen!”

Next. Two Buckeyes in Super Bowl, one coming home. dark

Thanks to Graham for his time, and as the 2020 IndyCar Series begins in March look for the #15 car to dominate on the track this season!

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