NHL confirm Graham Rahal deal

The Champ Car Atlantic runner-up had been linked with Carl Haas' organisation since last September, and has driven for the team throughout pre-season testing, but his signing was not formally announced until yesterday.

Rahal, whose father Bobby won the 1986, 1987 and 1992 CART/Champ Car titles, said that he had achieved a lifelong ambition by securing the NHL deal.

"I've watched Champ Cars, or CART as it was then known, since I was a kid and my dad was involved, so it's always been a dream to be racing in the series," he said.

"I don't think I expected to reach this level, and to be racing for such a revered team as NHLR, so quickly, but I'm ready for the season ahead and I'm relishing the chance to get behind the wheel and go racing to win."

The 18-year-old American joins three-time champion Sebastien Bourdais at NHL, and he is happy to measure himself against the record-breaking Frenchman.

"As a rookie in the Champ Car series there's still lots for me to learn, with a field which includes many experienced drivers, and none more so than my team mate, three-times champion Sebastien," said Rahal.

"I expect him to be my toughest competitor, but I'm looking forward to the challenge this presents."

Rahal's arrival was seen as vital to Champ Car's profile in America after the loss of AJ Allmendinger - the series' only US representative in 2006 - to NASCAR.

New team Pacific Coast Motorsports also have American rookie Alex Figge in their line-up.