Graham Rahal at Brickyard CrossingA few hours up I-65 in suburban Chicago, a trans-Atlantic professional golf showdown was commencing.

The INDYCAR Ministry golf tournament Sept. 28 at the Brickyard Crossing in Indianapolis had its own 18-hole showdown – albeit in the form of a scramble format.

Thirty-five groups teed off on the course, which has four holes inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with not as much on the line as the Ryder Cup but bragging rights.

An awards luncheon and silent auction followed the tournament that benefits INDYCAR Ministry, a 501c3 not-for-profit, non-denominational organization that was developed to aid the racing community.

“Ever since I quit driving, golf is kind of my new challenge as far as doing my own sport,” said A.J. Foyt Racing team director Larry Foyt, who joined Graham Rahal (right) and Jay Howard among the celebrities to participate. “I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m trying. INDYCAR Ministry has helped so many in the series over the years, and any time we can do something for INDYCAR Ministry I’m all for it.”

Sato to compete in Japan rounds of WEC

Takuma Sato, who last week competed in a Formula Nippon race, has signed with OAK Racing for the Asian rounds of the World Endurance Championship in October.

Sato, who drove for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing this season, will co-drive the LMP1 car with former Conquest Racing driver Bertrand Baguette and Dominik Kraihamer. The races are at Fuji (Oct. 14) and Shanghai (Oct. 29).

The LMP1 car is powered by a Honda Performance Development V8 engine.

“I’ve spent my entire career racing single-seaters and obviously the LMP1 feels different to those, but my initial impressions are very good and I am thrilled by this whole new experience,” said Sato, who drove the car for the first time Sept. 27.

Of note

Bob Newton, who founded Hoosier Racing Tire in 1957, died Sept. 27 in Plymouth, Ind. He was 85. The family-owned company based in Lakeville, Ind., supplied tires to almost every form of U.S. racing. ... E.J. Viso thanks fans. WATCH THE VIDEO