Bobby Rahal calls out Honda's 'disingenuous' complaints about rising IndyCar costs

Bobby Rahal has bluntly called out Honda for its complaints against IndyCar. In December 2023, the Japanese engine manufacturer revealed having "great concerns" with the series' rising costs.

With IndyCar having only two engine manufacturers - Honda and Chevrolet - to supply 27 full-time drivers' cars, the low return on investment was Honda's main concern. The creation of the latest hybrid technology put additional pressure on their finances.

Bobby Rahal, owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, a team that uses Honda engines, recently appeared on the Pit Pass Indy podcast hosted by Bruce Martin. When asked about Honda's complaints, the 1986 Indy 500 winner replied:

"I take those words with a large grain of salt because frankly, for the teams, mostly increased costs came because Honda insisted that there was a hybrid system. So it's a little disingenuous to complain about the expenses when you're the one who's promoted or asked or demanded that a new system come in."

Rahal revealed that RLL spent around $2.5 million more in 2024, when the hybrid technology was introduced, to buy the hybrid power unit and its various components. The first race with the hybrid systems was at Mid-Ohio, race 10 of last year's calendar.

Bobby Rahal urges Honda to get more involved in IndyCar for bigger rewards

Rolex 24 at Daytona - Source: Getty

Bobby Rahal and Honda have a long-standing relationship. The three-time CART champion was the first driver whose car Honda supplied during their IndyCar debut in 1994.

So, when the Japanese giant found themselves at a crossroads in the American open-wheel racing series, Rahal advised them to invest themselves wholeheartedly into the series to reap a greater return on investment. He also put into perspective IndyCar's popularity with an IMSA Sportscar championship comparison. In the podcast, he said:

"You know they do see value in it (IndyCar). It is the biggest sport that they are involved with in North America when it's automotive-related. I mean, IMSA (Sportscar Championship) does not draw the crowds, does not have the television ratings that IndyCar has. So it's still their biggest program.

"Do you want more promotion? I think we're gonna get that now with FOX. So I think they saw that and realized that there is value here. I wish they would do a lot more promotion, merchandise, other involvement in IndyCar. They don't really do anything. If you want more value, you got to help create that."

2024 was a subpar year for Bobby Rahal's RLL in IndyCar. His two experienced drivers, Graham Rahal and Christian Lundgaard finished 18th and 11th in the standings respectively, each driver three positions down from their 2023 result. Pietro Fittipaldi, the third full-time driver managed a lowly 19th.

However, the team has a new look going into the 2025 season. They have signed ex-Andretti driver Devlin DeFrancesco and 2025 Indy NXT champion, Louis Foster, to partner with Graham Rahal for the team's resurgence.