Bobby Rahal portrait
In April, 2009, I heard that Bobby Rahal would be honored by the Long Beach Grand Prix with a star on “The Motorsports Walk of Fame,” near the site of the Grand Prix. I had been asked a year before if I had ever drawn a portrait of Bobby Rahal, and I answered “no.” Because I go to several races a year, I thought that I would eventually see him.
I had drawn this portrait by the time that I read about his appearance, so I took the portrait with me to the designated location. There was to be an induction ceremony, but before that, there was an autograph session with Rahal, and Al Unser Jr., who was also being honored.
The line to get a signature was rather long, but I stood in it until I got to the front. Most of the other autograph seekers were asking to have the guys autograph race programs, and the like, but not me! Bobby was looking down as I got to the front of the line, and I handed him the portrait. It probably surprised him that there was something so large (15X20 inches), but as he looked at at it, then at me, a smile spread across his face. He looked up for the first time, then said something like “WOW!”
He said that it was a terrific picture, then asked if I would like to go to a private party after the ceremony! It was held at a local restaurant, and it was all free! He couldn’t have been nicer, and he posed for a photo with me, to cap off the day. What a classy guy! What a fun day!