Graham Rahal is heading for a Champ Car World Series debut next year and plans are accelerating as this year’s championship nears its conclusion. He is expecting to test in the near future and is readying himself for this time.

Rahal has been forced to abandon his plans to race in the A1GP series due to date conflicts with his preparation for the Champ Car World Series 2007, and is expecting a busy off-season with motorsport and school commitments.

He said of his opting out of A1GP, “I want to thank the Auchi family for the opportunity to represent Lebanon in A1GP. While I am disappointed to withdraw from the series I wish all the best for Basil, Khalil, Alex and the entire team.”

The final round of the 2006 Champ Car World Series takes place this weekend in Mexico City and Rahal is planning to attend and watch the action from the sidelines.

In recent weeks, in addition to attending school, Rahal also fitted in a quick trip to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the premier automotive speciality products trade event.

Rahal said of his ‘off-season’, “Since the final Atlantics race in September I don’t seem to have stopped, but that’s the way I enjoy it. SEMA Show mixed business with pleasure, as I’m always on the look out for new products and gadgets for cars. I’ll be heading down to Mexico City to catch up with friends in the paddock and keep up with all that’s happening in the Series. I’m hoping that I’ll be in a Champ Car before too long, but I’ll just have to wait a few more weeks.”

Rahal made history this year in becoming the youngest winner of a Champ Car Atlantics race and broke many records along the way to finishing runner up in the Championship, in his rookie season. He took four pole positions, five victories, and six podiums in the 12 races of the calendar.