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From Round Track to Round Ball

Graham Rahal and Justin Wilson , both rookies in the IndyCar Series, probably want to stick with piloting their open-wheel race cars instead of declaring for the NBA Draft next year.

Rahal and Wilson visited Virginia Commonwealth University yesterday to attend VCU head coach Anthony Grant 's youth basketball camp in Richmond (photos attached).  Rahal and Wilson are in town for this Saturday's SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series race at Richmond International Raceway .

Both drivers talked to the 140 basketball campers, ranging in ages from six to 17.  They spoke about their career paths and what it's like to drive in the IndyCar Series, competing at the highest level of open-wheel racing and answered questions from the audience.

Rahal and Wilson then learned a few basketball tips from the campers. Wilson attempted to play defense on one of the youths while the camper successfully completed a crossover dribble and subsequently scored on a layup. Both Rahal and Wilson then attempted to make free throws, but unfortunately none of their attempts fell through the nylon.

"It was cool to be here to see all these kids and see them enjoying themselves and I got to talk with Coach Grant, who is a really good guy," said Rahal, who is the youngest winner in IndyCar Series history at 19 years old. "It's exciting for me to be a part of it and it's pretty cool to come out here and do something different. It takes me back to my days as a kid because I used to do this stuff all the time. It certainly does make me want to go home and shoot hoops."

"They taught us how to shoot some hoops, but I think I need to work on that a bit," said Wilson. "One kid ran circles around me. It was fun and it was great to play basketball with the kids to see all the up and coming basketball stars.  Many of them are very serious about committing themselves to the game which builds great character."

Rahal and Wilson will compete in this Saturday's SunTrust Indy Challenge at Richmond International Raceway, a track which neither has ever raced on.

"I think it's going to be physically and mentally demanding for us," said Rahal. "It's going to be a tough race. They have added 50 laps to the race so it's going to be a little bit longer than it has in the past. Being that it's at night, that's another added benefit to the excitement and entertainment of this race. Our goal is to go out there and try to do our best and be competitive. I think the short oval gives us the best opportunity to win when it comes to oval racing with our team in particular."

The Saturday race will feature Rahal, Wilson, Danica Patrick , Helio Castroneves , Scott Dixon , Dan Wheldon and the rest of the IndyCar Series drivers. Reserved seats are $35 (reserved) and $30 (general admission). Saturday's ticket includes the James River Grounds 100 USAC Silver Crown Series race, which will precede the SunTrust Indy Challenge.

The weekend begins on Friday for NBC12 Day featuring Pole Qualifying for the IndyCar Series, as well as the USAC National Sprint Car Series race "under the lights." Friday's ticket also includes an autograph session with all of the IndyCar Series drivers. Friday's tickets are $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission on both nights.

For tickets and information, please call the ticket office at 866-455-7223 or visit www.rir.com .

-- The preceeding was compiled from a Richmond International Raceway news release.