Graham Rahal will rock Buckeyes helmet during race in OH-IO

Graham Rahal will show off some love for the Buckeyes when he takes the track in Ohio this weekend.

Hang on, Sloopy, because IndyCar is coming to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this weekend and Graham Rahal is ready to roll all over his home state. Rahal, born in Columbus, is a noted Ohio State fan and will be sporting a slick Buckeyes-themed helmet for the race.

As you can see, not only are the helmets Ohio State-themed, they have a little championship flair, as well. Along the center stripe in the bottom there’s an emblem for the College Football Playoff, as well as the number 15 – a nod to OSU’s title run of last season, not to mention both Ezekiel Elliott and Rahal’s number. Also notable on the lid are 18 pristine buckeye helmet stickers (representing the driver’s career podium appearances), and the sleek curvature of a facemask bending around under the visor. The American flag on the right side of the helmet also adds a touch of realism to the football feel.

According to Tim May with the Columbus Dispatch, Rahal, who sits second in the points, wanted extra championship symbolism as he races for first place in the standings under the lights of his home state.

"“I had this concept that, with Ohio State having won the national championship and us being in the championship battle here, it would be fun to come home and do something I haven’t done before,” Rahal said. “This thing, it is very accurate.”"

Time will tell if Rahal can become the first member of his family to take the checkered at the Honda Indy 200 since his dad Bobby went back-to-back in 1985-96. The green flag for Sunday’s race will drop at 2:07 p.m., with coverage beginning at 1:30.