Rahal to Retire after 1998 Season

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Rahal to Retire after 1998 Season
©1997 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
Rahal Last RideTour to begin at Homestead in March
By Peter Burke
One of the biggest off-season announcements this fall was made todayby Bobby Rahal during a major teleconference:
The 1998 CART season will be known as the "Miller Lite Rahal Last RideTour." After Fontana next season, Bobby will put away his driving gloves forgood. He stated that "the 1998 season willbe my last as a driver in any form of motorsports."
He added that he will continue to be heavily involved in motor racingafter going out on a high note in '98. He plans on doing his best togo out with a fourth CART championship for himself. After that hesees his future as that of an owner and board member of CART.
Miller Lite announced that they will continue their relationship withTeam Rahal beyond Bobby's retirement. There will be celebrations andcharity events at all race venues next season to commemorate his last season as an active driver.
During the conference, Bobby emphasized multiple times that he wantsto ensure that he is leaving the sport while he is able to run withthe leaders. For 1998, he estimates his chances to finish upfront better than in recent years. He added that he was 'psyched' and'very impressed' after a first Firstone tire test at Fontana,indicating that he felt he had a more competitive package for hislast season than in recent years, running "up to 10mph faster" than he could have done last season at that track. Bob summarized: "There are a lot of smiles aroundhere and we are very motivated for the 1998 season."
On November 3rd, 1998, the day after the race at Fontana, Bobby Rahalwill be a team owner 100% - his exit from active racingwill be total and final. Citing Jacky Stewart as an example, Bobby feels thathis exit will be a "when you're out, you're out" affair.
When asked about his possible successor inthe cockpit of the Miller Lite car, he said he had no plans beyondthe fact that he wanted to see American drivers run in his team. His phone shouldbe ringing off the hook in the coming days...


		NOW AVAILABLE! — The Official Directory for CART Racing

		Rahal to Retire after 1998 Season ©1997 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. Rahal Last RideTour to begin at Homestead in March By Peter Burke One of the biggest off-season announcements this fall was made todayby Bobby Rahal during a major teleconference: The 1998 CART season will be known as the "Miller Lite Rahal Last RideTour." After Fontana next season, Bobby will put away his driving gloves forgood. He stated that "the 1998 season willbe my last as a driver in any form of motorsports." He added that he will continue to be heavily involved in motor racingafter going out on a high note in '98. He plans on doing his best togo out with a fourth CART championship for himself. After that hesees his future as that of an owner and board member of CART. Miller Lite announced that they will continue their relationship withTeam Rahal beyond Bobby's retirement. There will be celebrations andcharity events at all race venues next season to commemorate his last season as an active driver. During the conference, Bobby emphasized multiple times that he wantsto ensure that he is leaving the sport while he is able to run withthe leaders. For 1998, he estimates his chances to finish upfront better than in recent years. He added that he was 'psyched' and'very impressed' after a first Firstone tire test at Fontana,indicating that he felt he had a more competitive package for hislast season than in recent years, running "up to 10mph faster" than he could have done last season at that track. Bob summarized: "There are a lot of smiles aroundhere and we are very motivated for the 1998 season." On November 3rd, 1998, the day after the race at Fontana, Bobby Rahalwill be a team owner 100% - his exit from active racingwill be total and final. Citing Jacky Stewart as an example, Bobby feels thathis exit will be a "when you're out, you're out" affair. When asked about his possible successor inthe cockpit of the Miller Lite car, he said he had no plans beyondthe fact that he wanted to see American drivers run in his team. His phone shouldbe ringing off the hook in the coming days...