Silverstone Classic: Rahal to race in World Sportscar Masters

Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal will race in the World Sportscar Masters race at this year’s Silverstone Classic.
 

The 55-year-old American won the 1986 Indianapolis 500 and collected three ChampCar titles in a glittering career stateside. In recent year he has regularly raced in historic events, including the Le Mans Classic in both a Lola and a Porsche 917 and in historic F2 in Spa. He has also raced at the Goodwood Revival in touring and GT cars.
 

Rahal is planning to make regular appearance in World Sportscar Masters this season driving a Chevron B16 FVC, including the race scheduled for the 2009 Silverstone Classic.
 

 “I really do enjoy European historic racing, and I know of Masters’ reputation for quality management at quality events under the control of Ron Maydon and Christopher Tate,” said Rahal. “We hope to be quick in both WSM in the Chevron B16 and in Proto70s with the Lola, but that is not to under-estimate the opposition. The standard of both car preparation and of driving in Masters is renowned as very high. Above all, I just want to be part of an enjoyable group of like-minded racers.”
 

Masters Racing Series’ founder Ron Maydon said: “To have a driver of Bobby’s skill and achievements racing with us is a huge honour. The fact that he is a great historic enthusiast and fun to spend time with, will mean that his fellow Masters’ members will really enjoy having him out with us. To see him race in our spectacular evening 90 minutes at this year’s Classic will be a sight which Silverstone spectators and TV viewers, who so enjoyed the race last year, can really look forward to.” 
 

The Silverstone Classic takes places on the weekend of 24-26 July with all the on-track action Live on Motors TV.

Andy Wilkinson