His owner was dying. Days mattered. Bobby Rahal's dramatic, bittersweet 1986 Indy 500 victory

Yahoo Sports1h ago22 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Bobby Rahal won the 1986 Indianapolis 500 in record time, dedicating his victory to his dying owner, Jim Trueman, who was battling terminal cancer. Their emotional embrace marked a poignant moment in racing history.

Key points

Bobby Rahal won the 1986 Indianapolis 500 in record speed
Victory dedicated to his owner Jim Trueman, who was dying
Trueman was battling terminal colon cancer at the time
Rahal expressed deep emotion during the post-race interview
Their embrace was a poignant moment in racing history

Mentioned in this story

Bobby RahalJim Trueman

Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS — Bobby Rahal's lower chin still quivers just like it did May 31, 1986, after winning the Indianapolis 500 in record speed, when reporters asked him about his dying owner, Jim Trueman, who had cheered Rahal on from the pits, a skeleton of the man he once had been.

Trueman was 51, and he was battling terminal colon cancer. His frail appearance was shocking to viewers watching the first live, televised broadcast of the legendary race on ABC.

As Rahal tried not to cry talking about his mentor, he simply said: "I’m almost in tears. This one is for Jim Trueman. If there’s one thing I can give Jim Trueman, it’s this."

As Rahal went on to explain his victory, how "if it hadn't been for that yellow, I would have been struggling," he turned his head and saw Trueman coming toward him.

"And here he is. Here's the moment everyone's been waiting for," the ABC reporter said as Rahal and Trueman embraced.

"Couldn't of been better," an emotional Trueman said to Rahal, who told his owner, "This is yours."

As the cameras cut away from victory circle, an announcer said in a somber voice: "Very great possibility exists that Jim Trueman won't be here next year. It's great to see him standing there."

Bobby Rahal stands near the garages on Friday, May 8, 2026, in between practices for the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Rahal is 73 now — 22 years older than Trueman was when he died 11 days after watching Rahal make his racing dream come true. Rahal can still remember all of that race four decades ago.

And, when he talks about what it meant to win the 1986 Indy 500 for Trueman, Rahal's chin quivers just like it did 40 years ago.

Rahal was 33 then, 18 years younger than Trueman. The two had an incredible bond they'd formed over a 13-year partnership that began with Trueman as a mentor to his protege Rahal. As time passed, their bond turned into a deep friendship, too.

Trueman and Rahal met in 1973 when Rahal was 20, pursuing a degree in history at Denison University near Columbus, Ohio. Trueman, who was from Hamlin, Ohio, was just starting his Red Roof Inn chain, which quickly became the largest privately owned and operated motel chain in the nation.

Q&A

What was the significance of Bobby Rahal's 1986 Indy 500 win?

Bobby Rahal's 1986 Indy 500 victory was significant as it was dedicated to his dying owner, Jim Trueman, highlighting the emotional bond between them.

How did Jim Trueman's illness affect the 1986 Indy 500?

Jim Trueman's terminal colon cancer cast a shadow over the race, making Rahal's victory bittersweet as he aimed to honor his mentor.

What record did Bobby Rahal set during the 1986 Indianapolis 500?

Bobby Rahal set a record for the fastest winning time in the 1986 Indianapolis 500, marking a historic achievement in the race.

What was the reaction of Bobby Rahal after winning the 1986 Indy 500?

Bobby Rahal was emotional after his victory, expressing his dedication to Jim Trueman and reflecting on their close relationship.