Rahal's '08 IndyCar debut will have to wait one week

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Graham Rahal, the son of former Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal and one of the more recognizable names coming from Champ Car, won't be racing Saturday in the Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300.

Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing was forced to withdraw Rahal from the event Thursday after realizing there was not enough time to repair the car he damaged in a practice session accident Tuesday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"It's disappointing that we're not going to be racing in the season opener," Rahal said. "I feel bad about it. It's tough not to be out there, but at the same time, we need to take it slowly and not rush putting the car back together.

"Even if we had everything available, there aren't enough hours before the first practice on Friday to get the car put back together."

Saturday's IndyCar series race is the first since the IRL and Champ Car agreed to merge in February after a 13-year separation. Rahal, 19, was a Champ Car rookie last year. He's considered one of the top young drivers in open-wheel racing and his family name also makes him one of the big draws of the merger.

Normally, a top team like NHLR has backup cars ready to go, but all of the former Champ Car teams are scrambling to get IndyCar Series equipment -- Dallara chassis and Honda engines -- ready for the first race. The damaged No. 6 car means NHLR has enough equipment to compete only with Rahal's teammate, former Formula One driver Justin Wilson.

Rahal's accident came in the final practice session for the Champ Car teams. The car suffered extensive damage when it spun into the wall.

"I'm just going to experience this weekend from a different perspective and pay attention to what is going on with Justin," Rahal said. "I'll probably watch some of the race from the spotter's stand."

NHLR officials said the car will be repaired in time for Rahal to make his IndyCar debut in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of St. Petersburg next weekend.