INDIANAPOLIS — Racing legend Bobby Rahal drew an eclectic red carpet crowd Tuesday night to the exclusive, private screening of his new documentary, “Bobby Rahal: True American Racer,” which centers on the 1986 Indy 500 that Rahal won for his dying owner Jim Trueman.
Among the film goers who came to the Tobias Theater at Newfields to celebrate Rahal’s career and life were former Vice President Mike Pence, Scott Borchetta, famous for discovering Taylor Swift and founding Big Machine Records (also an executive producer on the film), former legendary drivers and current racing stars.
The documentary tells the story of how Rahal, “a guy who looked like a geography professor,” became one of the biggest names in motorsports. And it tells the story of 40 years ago when the Indy 500 was the backdrop for one of the most emotional races in its storied history.
As Rahal took the checkered flag in 1986, he made history as the first driver to finish the race in less than three hours, which also meant setting a record for the fastest average speed at just less than 171 miles per hour.
Rahal’s team owner, Jim Trueman, sat in the pits cheering the driver on, and he erupted as Rahal crossed the finish line first. “I really think he willed himself to … to stay there, to stay alive long enough,” Rahal told IndyStar. Trueman died 11 days later.
“If Hollywood had written a script like this, nobody would believe it,” Rahal told IndyStar. “They’d say, ‘Oh, that doesn’t happen. That’s not real life.’ Well, it did (happen) in this case.”
Watch Bobby Rahal talk about the 1986 Indy 500
Watch the trailer for “Bobby Rahal: True American Racer”
Where to watch the Indianapolis 500? How to watch the Indy 500
TV: Pre-race coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET, Sunday, May 24, 2026, on Fox. Race coverage begins at 12:30 p.m., with the green flag scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Will Buxton is the play-by-play voice, with analysts James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell. Georgia Henneberry, Kevin Lee and Jamie Little are the pit reporters.
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Bobby Rahal documentary draws eclectic red-carpet crowd for private screening
Reporting by Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
