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The Indianapolis 500 may have been forever changed by one man, serving as a reminder that it takes more than talent to become a legend.
You also have to overcome adversity, and that’s exactly what Bobby Rahal did in the 1986 Indy 500. He not only won the race, but he also made it career-ending with a late pass to take the lead over Kevin Cogan. And his mark on Indy 500 and INDYCAR history is chronicled in a new documentary titled “Bobby Rahal: True American Racer,” produced by FOX Sports, Big Machine Racing Productions and Chassy Media.
The victory is a moving tribute to the car’s owner, Jim Trueman, who was battling cancer and died a few days later.
“The 1986 Indy 500 forever changed the course of my life,” Rahal said in the trailer released Tuesday ahead of its May 8 premiere.
After winning, Rahal solidified his legacy as a CART star by winning two more championships in 1987 and 1992 before retiring in 1998 with 24 career victories. He then became a successful team owner, forming Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and winning again, but as an owner.
Rahal’s impact on the Indy 500 extends beyond his 1986 victory, as he helped shape the modern era of INDYCAR through both his success as a driver and his leadership as an owner.
He continues that legacy today with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, the team he co-founded, which remains a constant presence at the Brickyard. His son, Graham Rahal, carries the family name this year, driving the organization’s No. 15 Honda.
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The documentary premieres May 8 on FOX at 7:30 p.m. ET. It will also highlight the emotional stakes of the 1986 race, the deep connection between Rahal and Trueman and the strategy behind one of the most famous restarts in Indy history.
Alongside Rahal, the documentary features Al Unser Jr., Brian Redman and Bryan Herta, with Trueman appearing via archival footage. Together, they reconstruct the defining moments and emotional weight of one of INDYCAR’s most iconic races.
The 110th running of the Indy 500 will take place on May 24 at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
