Graham Rahal Foundation Changing Name

January 29, 2019 (Indianapolis, IN) - On the heels of Courtney Force's recent announcement that she is stepping away from her NHRA Funny Car driving career, the Graham Rahal Foundation today announced that Courtney will take on a more significant role with the 501(c)3. To reflect this enhanced role, the organization will now be called the Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation.

Established in 2009 to carry on the philanthropic efforts of Graham Rahal's former race team owner, the late actor Paul Newman, the Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 through special events, auctions, and other activities. The Foundation currently supports United Rentals' Turns for Troops program as well as One Cure and the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University. In 2018 the Foundation raised over $230,000 for Turns for Troops and One Cure through its marquee event, the Drivers Golf Tournament.

"I truly admire what Graham has done with his Foundation over the years and have tried to support those efforts where and when I could," said Courtney. "I am extremely proud to now be joining my husband Graham to work together on growing the Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation. I look forward to what we can accomplish in the future, and am thrilled to be a part of this foundation that will focus on causes close to our hearts. I'm humbled to start this next chapter and look forward to doing what we can to help change lives."

Married in 2015, the union of Rahal and Force joined together two of motorsports most prominent families. Both race winning drivers in their respective fields, Rahal is the son of Bobby Rahal - a current IndyCar and IMSA team owner as well as an Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time IndyCar champion. Force is the daughter of NHRA legend John Force, a 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion. Force announced she is stepping away from NHRA competition earlier this month. She leaves the sport as the winningest female NHRA Funny Car driver in history.

"Courtney had an incredible career on the track," said Rahal. "I have always been so proud of what she has accomplished, and when we spoke about her future goals she made it very clear that she wants to play a bigger role in the Foundation. With that said, it is only natural that we change the name to reflect her increased involvement. Courtney is going to bring a ton of passion and energy to our efforts and that will ultimately benefit those organizations that we support."

The Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation will again host its annual Drivers Tournament Thursday, May 23rd, on the cusp of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 race. The Foundation is also planning new activities for 2019 and beyond. Details around all events will be forthcoming.