It’s been almost seven years (April 6, 2008) since Graham Rahal – all of 19 years, 93 days old -- won on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., in his first Verizon IndyCar Series start.

It’s been almost six years (April 4, 2009) since the second-generation Indy car driver earned the pole position for the race in a Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing car.

Interim years have been eventful, too – joining the team co-owned by his father for the 2013 season, podium race finishes, representing team sponsor The National Guard, and engagement to Courtney Force – and now Rahal returns for the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg primed to make more memories.

“St. Pete is, always has been and always will be a special place for me. It’s a place I’ve enjoyed every year and have had success there,” said Rahal, who will drive the No. 15 Mi-Jack Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the 110-lap race on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit March 29.

Click it: 2008 St. Petersburg box score

“Mistakes the last few years and luck hasn’t gone our way. Last year we moved from 21st to 10th and then we just kind of got caught out in the strategy battle with tire degradation that hurt us.”

Rahal finished 14th in the race and went on to record two top-five finishes and 19th place in the championship standings. Team personnel additions and movement and offseason on-track testing, including being the quickest Honda driver during the two-day aerodynamic bodywork development sessions last week at Barber Motorsports Park, have been positive reinforcements.

The race will mark Rahal’s 129th Indy car start dating to 2007 (Las Vegas Grand Prix).

“St. Petersburg is a place I love but there’s a lot of work to be done before then,” Rahal said. “These aero kits will really change a lot of stuff. We’ll work with our partners at Honda to get the best opportunity to win.”