Former Graham Rahal and wife Courtney Force miss Mick Schumacher’s IndyCar test to be with wife before daughter’s birth

In the high-stakes world of motorsport, where split-second decisions on the track often define careers, sometimes the most important choices happen far away from the circuit. On October 13, 2025, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) hosted a significant moment when former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher took to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course for his first-ever IndyCar test. The session marked a pivotal step in Schumacher’s potential transition to the NTT IndyCar Series, and the team pulled out all the stops to make it a success.

Yet, amid the roar of engines and the buzz of technical debriefs, one key figure was noticeably absent: Graham Rahal, the team’s veteran driver and co-owner’s son, who had expressed strong interest in being present to guide the newcomer.

Rahal’s absence wasn’t due to scheduling conflicts or team priorities—it was a deeply personal one. He and his wife, retired NHRA drag racing star Courtney Force, were in the final days of anticipation for the arrival of their third daughter. The couple, already proud parents to daughters Harlan Ann (born in 2020) and Tinley Leighton (born in 2022), were on “baby watch” as Courtney’s due date approached.

Team president Jay Frye had acknowledged the situation days before the test, noting that while Graham desperately wanted to be at the track to offer insights and support to Schumacher, family would always come first. “Graham really wants to be there, but they’ve got a baby that’s almost here so he’ll have to play that one by ear,” Frye said in a pre-test interview. True to his word, Rahal chose to stay by his wife’s side during what could have been the birth week of their newest family member.

Just days after the test, on October 17, 2025, that moment arrived. Courtney Force gave birth to Fallon Ruth Rahal at 5:30 a.m., a beautiful baby girl weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. The couple shared the joyful news on social media shortly after, posting heartwarming photos of the newborn cradled in their arms, surrounded by her big sisters and even the family dog. “God blessed us with another beautiful baby girl and she is already so loved. Welcome to the world, sweet girl!” the announcement read, capturing the overwhelming happiness that filled their home during the IndyCar offseason.

Fans flooded the posts with congratulations, celebrating not just the new addition but the touching reminder that even in a sport defined by speed and competition, family remains the ultimate priority.

The timing of Fallon’s arrival couldn’t have been more poignant for the Rahal family. Graham had been deeply involved in the buildup to Schumacher’s test. As the most experienced driver at RLL, he was eager to share his knowledge of the car, the track, and the unique demands of IndyCar racing—elements that differ significantly from Formula 1’s lighter, more agile machinery. Schumacher, the 26-year-old son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, impressed everyone during the session with his quick adaptation and strong feedback.

Team members walked away determined to secure him for the 2026 season, a goal they achieved just weeks later when RLL confirmed Mick would drive the No. 47 Honda full-time alongside Rahal and 2025 Rookie of the Year Louis Foster.

But for Graham, missing the test was never a question once the due date loomed closer. He and Courtney have built a life that balances the intense demands of racing legacies with the joys of parenthood. Courtney, daughter of NHRA legend John Force, stepped away from competitive drag racing in 2019 to focus on family, and the couple founded the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation, which has donated millions to veterans and cancer research. Their story resonates with fans who admire how they navigate fame while keeping family at the center.

These images capture the warmth of their growing family, from celebrations to everyday joys.

The arrival of Fallon added another layer of happiness to a period already filled with promise for RLL. Schumacher’s test was deemed exceptional, paving the way for his full-season commitment in 2026, including the iconic Indianapolis 500. Meanwhile, Graham’s decision highlighted the human side of racing. In a sport where drivers push limits and teams chase perfection, choosing to be present for the birth of a child speaks volumes about character and values.

As the 2026 season approaches, with Schumacher set to make his oval debut and the team looking stronger than ever, Graham Rahal will undoubtedly carry the extra motivation that comes from being a father of three. The quiet absence from one test day turned into one of the most meaningful moments of his life—the birth of Fallon Ruth Rahal. In the end, while engines roar and records fall on the track, it’s these personal victories that create the most enduring legacies.

The Rahal family welcomes their newest member with open arms, proving once again that love and family triumph above all else in the fast-paced world of motorsport.