--- title: "New Bobby Rahal Docufilm Bares the Grit and Glory of One of America’s Greatest Racers" date: "2026-05-25" modified: "2026-05-25" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/new-bobby-rahal-docufilm-bares-the-grit-and-glory-of-one-of-americas-greatest-racers" categories: - "News" - "Racing" --- # New Bobby Rahal Docufilm Bares the Grit and Glory of One of America’s Greatest Racers ![Auto Racing: Indianapolis 500: Bobby Rahal (3) in action, leading race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indianapolis, IN 5/31/1986 CREDIT: Heinz Kluetmeier (Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X33207 TK2 )]() *\Heinz Kluetmeier via Getty\* Racing is more than just multiple cars going head-to-head around a track, trying their best to outperform one another. [Racing]() is humans becoming one with machines and pushing like hell to [reach new limits](). Racing is reaching a higher level of concentration, so complex actions like steering, shifting, and working the pedals happen subconsciously by default. Racing is all about several human beings doing the absolute [best they can with whatever resources]() they have for a certain number of laps. That and then some can be witnessed in Bobby Rahal's new docu-film, *True American Racer.* ![Auto Racing: Indianapolis Bobby Rahal Rahal victorious in Victory Lane after winning race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indianapolis, IN 5/24/1986 CREDIT: Heinz Kluetmeier (Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X33207 TK2 R25 F29 )]() **Heinz Kluetmeier via Getty** I had the opportunity to attend a screening ahead of the [Indy 500](), and I'm so glad I did because it's a must-watch if you're a racing diehard. It explains in detail Rahal's career trajectory, from amateur racing at Road America in his father's car to Can-Am, Formula Atlantic, Formula 1, and eventually Indy. The film was produced by FOX Sports, Big Machine Racing Productions, and Chassy Media, and is a heartfelt, insightful, and touching look at Rahal's life, and frankly, Rahal's humanity. It dives into his personal struggles early in his career, his enormous success, and his friendship with Jim Trueman, the founder of Red Roof Inn hotels, who not just sponsored his racing endeavors but was a true mentor and friend (as seen above). It also sheds light on his many professional relationships with figures such as Paul Newman and Adrian Newey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us1LPEM_0n8 If you're a big fan of Rahal, you might already know most of what you'll see on screen. If you're a big fan but only know the basics of his career, like me, this docufilm will open your eyes and dazzle you with a lovely lesson on American racing history. You'll also get to see commentary from the likes of friend and team co-owner David Letterman, Al Unser Jr., Bryan Herta, as well as several other racing personalities Rahal has worked closely with over the years. I actually had the pleasure of watching this with my son, and as the dad of a young racing fan, it was so important for him to be exposed to some of these lesser-known stories about open-wheel racing. Bits like Trueman's battle with cancer during the 1986 Indy 500, and how he literally hung on to dear life just to see Rahal win. It *will* make you shed a tear, or two, or three. Spoiler alert: Trueman died just 11 days after Rahal's 500 win. Stories like Newey's brief but important tenure in IndyCar, and how the world's best F1 car designer once helped Rahal and (Michael) Andretti become the legends they are now. ![Auto Racing: Monterey Grand Prix: Mario Andretti (L) shaking hands with Bobby Rahal before Mario's last Indy race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Monterey, CA 10/9/1994 CREDIT: George Tiedemann (Photo by George Tiedemann /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47062 )]() **George Tiedemann via Getty** The docufilm will be released on streaming platforms later this year, but for now, you can watch a version of it on FS1 on Friday, May 22, at 7:30 pm ET. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()