BALTIMORE -- Calling Bobby Rahal "the right person to lead it," U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation CEO Darrin Steele introduced the IZOD IndyCar Series team owner and former championship driver as the foundation's chairman.

In addition to making a personal contribution to the USABSF, Rahal is charged with actively identifying additional foundation prospects to assist with fundraising and development of the sport on a national level.

"I'm obviously thrilled to be asked to be the chairman of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation," Rahal said during a news conference at the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. "I have always been a great fan of Olympic sport and have loved watching American athletes compete against the best the world has to offer. I am committed to doing everything I can do to ensure that the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team continues their record of success, having won Olympic medals in the last three Winter Olympic Games."

The next Games are in 2014 in Sochi, Russia. The U.S. team has collected nine medals over the past three Olympic, and is again the favorite to win gold.

"Rahal understands the business of racing, he understands the athletes and competition, and he knows how to win," Steele said. "He wants to help our athletes do well at the Olympic Games, and we are fortunate to have someone with his kind of expertise and success on this team."

The USABSF will operate as a separate 501c3 to support USA Bobsled & Skeleton programs. Potential areas the USABSF will fund include technological advancements, youth programs, athlete career transition and direct athlete support.

"All great Olympic teams have a support team, and the USBSF athletes can feel an additional sense of support and confidence knowing that a proven winner will be on our side helping the federation take on the difficult task of fundraising," added two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Curt Tomasevicz. "Bobby Rahal has a reputation of being successful in competitive racing, and his involvement will be a great asset as we try to optimize the success of the federation at the 2014 Sochi Olympics."

BMW, a sponsor of both USBSF and BMW Team RLL, scheduled a meeting between Steele and Rahal during a race in Sebring, Fla., in March 2011 so the teams could collaborate and share best practices. Steele met with Rahal again before the Indianapolis 500 in May, where they discussed Rahal's potential role in the creation of the USABSF.

"After meeting Rahal, it was clear that he fit the profile of the kind of person we were looking for," Steele said. "I knew we needed him on our team. He was on board to help us right away."