This Week In Auto Racing August 8 - 10 Aug 7, 2008
The IndyCar Series roars into the "Bluegrass State" for a date at the Kentucky Speedway this weekend. Stay on top of breaking news. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Auto racing: Open-wheel drivers struggling in NASCAR Aug 6, 2008
In 2000 he won the Indianapolis 500 while driving for Chip Ganassi. Montoya had one Sprint Cup race for Ganassi in 2006 and then joined his team for a full season in 2007, ending up 20th in points and winning a race on the road course in Sonoma, Calif. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
PHOTOS: Pocono and Montreal Aug 3, 2008
Scott Pruett, driver of the #40 Chip Ganassi Racing Fastenal Dodge, after earning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Napa Auto Parts 200 Montreal. Robert Laberge - Getty Images. (Fox Sports)
From Mittler to Roush: Jamie McMurray Looks for Consistency Aug 1, 2008
" It didn't take long for McMurray make everyone notice his talent. In just his second Cup race, while filling in for veteran Sterling Marlin in 2002, he became the fastest first-time winner. The following year, he captured Cup Rookie of the Year honors driving the No. 42 Dodge for Chip Ganassi. He finished 13th and 11th in the standings in 2003 and 2004, respectively, and soon earned a spot in the 12-driver lineup for the Chase for the Championship. Soon after, owner Jack Roush came calling and... (Missourian Publishing, MO)
NASCAR teams feel economic heat Jul 30, 2008
The biggest thing I ve seen is the timing and amount of work it takes to get a decision, says Steve Lauletta, president at Chip Ganassi Racing. It s so much more rigorous to get a sponsorship now. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Dixon closer to second IndyCar Championship Jul 27, 2008
Scott Dixon, drivingthe Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda, won the Edmonton IndyCar event on Saturday ... After a lightning quick pit stop by his Chip Ganassi Racing crew helped him to his fifth IndyCar Series victory of the season Saturday on the temporary airport circuit at Edmonton, Dixons gaffe earlier this month at Watkins Glen was clearly on his mind. (MSNBC -- Sports)
PREVIEW: Burning questions at Indy Jul 27, 2008
Path to points title often includes Brickyard victory - USATODAY.com. Path to points title often includes Brickyard victory. (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR free agency primed to heat up Jul 23, 2008
Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle re-signed with Roush Fenway Racing before Stewarts exit became official, and long before he muddied any potential relationship by tangling with JGR star Kyle Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya reconfirmed his support of slumping Chip Ganassi Racing. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
In tough times, NASCAR owners can't afford chances Jul 22, 2008
Franchitti, despite his stellar Indy-car credentials, wasn't attractive enough to potential sponsors, so owner Chip Ganassi had to shut down that team, laying off 71 people. Even racing giant General Motors is moving its NASCAR money to focus on what provides the best return on investment. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Dixon on track to earn second IndyCar title Jul 20, 2008
Still, with six races remaining on the 2008 schedule and leads of 63 points over Mid-Ohio pole-winner Helio Castroneves and 69 over his Chip Ganassi teammate Dan Wheldon, Dixon insisted it's too early to be thinking about points. "I think for us, you still go out and try to win races," he said Saturday after qualifying. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Brilliant start for Busch Jul 17, 2008
Reed Sorenson had a lot of promise when he began as a full-time Cup driver for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2006. But through the first half of this season he still had not won a race with that organization and after points finishes of 24th in 2006 and 22nd last year, he stood 32nd in the standings after Chicagoland. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Struggling GM's cutbacks could deliver a blow or two to NASCAR Jul 17, 2008
100 Scott Dixon's IndyCar Series victory at Nashville last week was the 100th across the board (IndyCars, NASCAR and sports cars) for Chip Ganassi Racing. Sponsored Links. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
NASCAR This Week Jul 16, 2008
Sorenson, instead of Dario Franchitti, will drive the No. 40 Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing because Sorenson is the defending race champion. Up next: Kroger 200 at O'Reilly Raceway Park on July 26. (Florida Times-Union)
Brant JamesINSIDE NASCAR Jul 13, 2008
Stewart poised to embrace life as businessman - Brant James - SI.com. Posted: Wednesday July 9, 2008 1:53PM; Updated: Wednesday July 9, 2008 4:43PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Rahal bebuilding with Hunter-Reay Jul 13, 2008
Having a one-car team can also be a definite disadvantage, especially when battling week after week against multicar teams like the four-car Andretti Green Racing team and the two-car operations at Penske Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing that get to pile up race and test data and share all of that information. But Rahal doesn't want to rebuild his team too fast. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Michigan's Rodriguez settles contract spat Jul 13, 2008
Franchitti will pilot the No. 40 Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing. Ganassi shuttered Franchitti's Sprint Cup Series team last week because of a lack of funding. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
A 'bittersweet' parting Jul 13, 2008
Elledge, most recently with Chip Ganassi Racing, replaces Ricky Viers at Red Bull Racing starting this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway ... FRANCHITTI TO DRIVE: Dario Franchitti will drive the No. 40 Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing this weekend when he races in the Nationwide Series at Chicagoland Speedway. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NASCAR's feeling effects of slumping economy Jul 8, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Chip Ganassi shocked the NASCAR industry when he shut down Dario Franchitti's unsponsored race team, putting last year's IndyCar Series champion and 71 other employees out of work. That it happened to Ganassi, a multi-car owner who just six weeks ago won the Indianapolis 500, was a wake-up call to every team owner not named Childress, Gibbs, Hendrick or Roush. (MSNBC -- Sports)
NASCAR sponsorship and fan turnout are both on the decline Jul 8, 2008
CHARLOTTE Chip Ganassi shocked the NASCAR industry when he shut down Dario Franchitti s unsponsored race team, putting last year s IndyCar Series champion and 71 other employees out of work. That it happened to Ganassi, a multi-car owner who just six weeks ago won the Indianapolis 500, was a wake-up call to every team owner not named Childress, Gibbs, Hendrick or Roush. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Column: Grass is not always greener Jul 7, 2008
This week that point was punctuated when Chip Ganassi made the decision to shut down the No. 40 team of Dario Franchitti, a move that resulted in over 70 layoffs at the team headquarters ... But, then again, a driver with those credentials would not be driving for Chip Ganassi. (Niles Star, MI)
Lars AndersonINSIDE NASCAR Jul 7, 2008
Last week Chip Ganassi suspended the operation of his No. 40 team, which meant that Dario Fanchitti, the 2007 Indy 500 winner and IndyCar champ, was suddenly without a ride. Also, only 45 cars attempted to make the 43-car field at Daytona -- by contrast, 53 cars tried to qualify for the Daytona 500 in February -- and it seems only a matter of time before there isn't a full field at a Cup race. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Clauson, 19, claims Nationwide pole at Daytona Jul 5, 2008
(AP) -- The week has improved considerably for Chip Ganassi Racing. The team shut down one of its Sprint Cup teams Tuesday, knocking former open-wheel star Dario Franchitti out of NASCAR's top series and leading to 71 layoffs, but found plenty to celebrate at Daytona International Speedway. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Uneasy riders Jul 5, 2008
The announcement Tuesday that Chip Ganassi was disbanding the No.40 team and laying off more than 70 employees has caused NASCAR regulars to take a collective gulp in recent days. When a team with the history of Ganassi Racing and with a big-name driver like former Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti can't land a sponsorship the logical question becomes "who will be next in these tough economic times?". (AL.com)
NFL star Randy Moss buys NASCAR truck team Jul 4, 2008
Spiraling gas prices are starting to affect attendance and on Tuesday Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates shut down the No. 40 team of former Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, citing lack of sponsorship. Moss said his familiarity with NASCAR is more as a fan, and he took particular joy Thursday in meeting , the sport's most popular driver. (USA Today -- Sports)
THE BIG FOUR: A handful of owners control NASCAR Jul 4, 2008
This dire situation has led to victims like car owner Chip Ganassi, the IRL success story who had to close down one of his three Cup teams this week due to a lack of sponsorship for reigning IRL champ Dario Franchitti. While Franchitti's transition to stock cars was rough -- he was 41st in the season standings and without a Top 15 finish -- it shouldn't be so rough that a driver of his caliber can not find the sponsorship he needs to have a chance at success. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Franchitti will meet with Ganassi Jul 3, 2008
Franchitti, the 2007 Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar Series champion, lost his full-time ride Tuesday when team owner Chip Ganassi closed down the unsponsored No. 40 Dodge 17 races into Franchitti's first season. The move also resulted in 71 layoffs. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Franchitti's next step in limbo: Sports cars or NASCAR? Jul 3, 2008
By Nate Ryan, USA TODAY Dario Franchitti still was mulling over his future Wednesday after the shuttering of his No. 40 Sprint Cup car by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and one of his options could be returning to Andretti Green Racing in an American Le Mans Series car. Kim Green, one of AGR's three co-owners, told USA TODAY on Wednesday afternoon that though the team had not talked to Franchitti yet, the door was open for returning in its ALMS lineup, which isn't set after a recent... (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR team notes Jul 3, 2008
No. 42 Dodge, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates ... Chip Ganassi announced Tuesday that he is cutting back to two teams in the Sprint Cup Series. (USA Today -- Sports)
Franchitti wants to race Jul 3, 2008
Advertisements The Associated Press Dario Franchitti isn't sure what his future holds, but the former open-wheel star said Wednesday he'd like to remain in NASCAR.Franchitti, the 2007 Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar Series champion, lost his full-time ride Tuesday when team owner Chip Ganassi closed down the unsponsored No. 40 Dodge 17 races into Franchitti's first season. The move also resulted in 71 layoffs. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Report: Davis set to sign with Clippers Jul 2, 2008
MISCELLANY Franchitti's team dumped by Ganassi Co-owner Chip Ganassi has shut down Dario Franchitti's race team because of a lack of sponsorship. The 2007 Indy 500 winner and IRL Series champion has struggled in his first NASCAR season driving Ganassi's No. 40 Dodge. (Boston Globe)
Franchitti's future unclear after Ganassi shutters team Jul 2, 2008
Dario Franchitti talks with team owner Chip Ganassi in happier times ... Franchitti is mulling whether to run the rest of the Nationwide Series season for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. (USA Today -- Sports)
Ganassi parks one car Jul 2, 2008
Advertisements Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates pulled the plug Tuesday on its unsponsored No. 40 Dodge, driven by 2007 Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, and scaled back operations from three NASCAR Sprint Cup teams to two. The decision to shut down the No. 40 team resulted in about 70 people losing their jobs with the Ganassi team, a team representative said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Arkansas State hires Raffo Jul 2, 2008
Your browsers security settings are preventing some features from appearing. STARKVILLE Former Mississippi State assistant baseball coach Tommy Raffo was introduced Tuesday as Arkansas State's new head coach. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Ganassi puts the brakes on Franchitti's team Jul 2, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. NASCAR team owner Chip Ganassi shut down Dario Franchittis race team Tuesday because of a lack of sponsorship, putting the former IndyCar Series champions future in doubt. . (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Franchitti gets shut down Jul 2, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Sports news briefs (07/02/2008) Jul 2, 2008
NASCAR team owner Chip Ganassi shut down Dario Franchitti's race team because of a lack of sponsorship, putting the former IndyCar Series champion's future in doubt. Dale Earnhardt Inc. will use Aric Almirola full time next season in a promotion that will free Mark Martin to move to Hendrick Motorsports next season. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Mears looking for work Jul 1, 2008
"And without it, Mears couldn't survive the job of a lifetime with NASCAR's top organization. Although winless in four seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing, Mears had mild success and finished a career-best 14th in the standings following the 2006 season. But a seat had opened up at Hendrick, where his best friend Jimmie Johnson was racing for championships and Mears had a strong bond with the owner.As one of Ricky Hendrick's close friends, Mears became a frequent guest at Hendrick family functions.... (Andalusia Star News, AL)
WET, WACKY RACE: Five lessons from New Hampshire Jul 1, 2008
It's too bad Montoya's Chip Ganassi team has struggled so far this season; for if he could ever make it to the front of the pack, this twosome would be a rivalry worth watching each weekend. 3. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Mears facing unemployment after owner changes direction Jul 1, 2008
Although winless in four seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing, Mears had mild success and finished a career-best 14th in the standings following 2006. But a seat had opened at Hendrick, where his best friend, Jimmie Johnson, was racing for championships and Mears had a strong bond with the owner. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Smoke in the water Jun 30, 2008
Tony Stewart speaks with Chip Ganassi of Chip Ganassi Racing before the start of the Loudon race. (Getty Images). (CBS News)
Pole-sitter Kanaan gets victory at Richmond Jun 29, 2008
" Kanaan made it happen by taking advantage of an out-of-sequence pit stop by front-running teammate Marco Andretti and ran away with the SunTrust Indy Challenge. On a night when half of the 26 cars in the largest IndyCar Series field at Richmond International Raceway went home damaged, Kanaan got the good fortune he said he deserved for his first victory of the season. He got it by avoiding the near-constant mayhem caused by an event record-tying nine caution flags and beating Helio Castroneves... (Anchorage Daily News)
Stewart claims victory Jun 29, 2008
Helio Castroneves, who started 18th, used a blistering early pit stop to get into contention and finished second, followed by Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon. Series rookie Oriol Servia was fifth, and Danica Patrick was sixth. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Auto racing roundup Jun 29, 2008
MOST E-MAILED STORIES. Kanaan takes IRL victory; Stewart gets fifth Nationwide win. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Free gas (but only for racing) Jun 29, 2008
"Our budget is nowhere close to being able to cover the costs," said John Fernandez, managing director at Chip Ganassi Racing. "When you have to cover the costs for fuel, it takes away from the other things you want to do, from the other programs. "And putting more money into fuel doesn't help us go any faster on the racetrack. (Florida Times-Union)
Casey Mears to leave Hendrick Motorsports Jun 28, 2008
Mears, a member of the famed Mears racing family of Bakersfield, has won only one race since moving to Hendrick last year from the team of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. He won the Coca-Cola 600 last year at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C., on a fuel gamble, and the victory also was Mears' only win since he began driving in the NASCAR Cup series in 2003. (Los Angeles Times)
Stremme hopes success leads him back to Cup Jun 27, 2008
But he found himself out of a job late last season when team owner Chip Ganassi hired Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti to replace him in the No. 40 car in 2008. The move was tough for Stremme to take. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Once a rising star, Stremme making comeback Jun 26, 2008
But he found himself out of a job late last season when team owner Chip Ganassi hired Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti ... But he found himself out of a job late last season when team owner Chip Ganassi hired Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti to replace him in the No. 40 car in 2008. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Third-generation local driver leads USAC Sprint Car standings Jun 26, 2008
75-mile, D-shaped oval; ESPN, 5 p.m.) Chip Ganassi teammates Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon are beginning to dominate the series. Wheldon scored his second victory of the season last week at Iowa to celebrate his 30th birthday. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
NASCAR rolls into Infineon for Toyota/Save Mart 350 (31) Jun 26, 2008
He became the first Formula One driver to compete full-time in NASCAR when he made his debut for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in 2006 and the Bogota, Colombia, native scored a season-best finish of second at Talladega in April. THE LONGEST RACE of the weekend takes place over the 10-turn, 2. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Too much fire power Jun 26, 2008
Target Chip Ganassi teammates Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon donated their winnings to the relief fund, while Andretti-Green Racing team members also made big donations through the Michael Andretti Foundation. Interestingly, all the A-G team drivers, Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti, Hideki Mutoh and Tony Kanaan, wore "A-P Falcons" insignias on their uniforms. (Dallas County News, IA)
NASCAR: Kahne still smokin', wins road-course pole Jun 22, 2008
Scott Pruett, a replacement for Reed Sorenson at Chip Ganassi Racing, was 27th. Pruett is also racing in the Grand-Am Sports Car Series later today at Mid-Ohio in Lexington. (Cleveland.com -- Sports)
Dale Jr. not a fan of Sonoma Jun 22, 2008
"That was my 10 minutes of fame, so to speak, because no one ever expected it on an oval.''---POINTS RACING PRUETT: Road-racing ace Scott Pruett will be behind the wheel Sunday when he drives for Reed Sorenson at Infineon Raceway.But for as much as Pruett would like to score his first Sprint Cup Series victory, his focus is on earning enough points to solidify the No. 41 Dodge's place inside the top 35.Sorenson has the car 32nd in the standings, just 22 points ahead of 35th-place driver Michael... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Ganassi team hopes to regroup, salvage season Jun 22, 2008
- The road course at Infineon Raceway, much like the rest of the racing season, has yet to provide the quick fix Chip Ganassi Racing desperately needed. The team is at today's Toyota/Save Mart 350 trying to salvage its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. (Florida Times-Union)
No pressure on Montoya in return to Sonoma Jun 21, 2008
And if there was anywhere that the struggling Chip Ganassi Racing team can do it, it's on a road course. The team has three road racing veterans running this weekend in Montoya, former IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and former Grand-Am Series champion Scott Pruett. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Kahne wins 2nd NASCAR pole in 3 weeks Jun 21, 2008
Scott Pruett, a replacement for Reed Sorenson at Chip Ganassi Racing, was 27th and Max Papis, who is filling at Haas-CNC Racing this week, was 28th. Brian Simo also made the race with the 41st starting position. (MSNBC -- Sports)
LINEUP: How they qualified Jun 21, 2008
Kahne keeps hot streak going by winning pole at Sonoma - USATODAY.com. What: Toyota/Save Mart 350, 16th of 36 races for NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. (USA Today -- Sports)
Kahne keeps hot streak going by winning pole at Sonoma Jun 21, 2008
What: Toyota/Save Mart 350, 16th of 36 races for NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. Where: Infineon Raceway, 1. (USA Today -- Sports)
Ringers on call at Sonoma Jun 21, 2008
Chip Ganassi Racing chose Tuesday to make the driver switch for the Infineon Raceway road course in an effort to push Sorenson up in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings. Pruett is one of the several road-course ringers attempting to make the starting lineup for Sunday s race. (Florida Times-Union)
Fastenal-sponsored NASCAR drivers swing by Winona Jun 20, 2008
Fastenal is the primary sponsor of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates No. 40 Dodge for the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season ... This is the national nuts-and-bolts distributor s first season as a primary sponsor of the Chip Ganassi Racing, with Felix Sabates team s No. 40 Dodge Charger in the Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series, but Fastenal is no stranger to racing. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Target, Activision and Chip Ganassi Racing to Feature Guitar Hero: Aerosmith on No. 40 Dodge Jun 19, 2008
June 18, 2008 - Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today it has partnered with Activision and its long-time sponsor Target to feature the latest version of the Guitar Hero series, , on Dario Franchitti's No. 40 Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) on June 29 ... Chip Ganassi Racing Teams ... Chip Ganassi created his own one-car IndyCar team in 1990 and established a partnership with a new sponsor, Target. (IGN PS2)
This Week In Auto Racing June 20 - June 22 Jun 19, 2008
He was a contender from the drop of the green flag in the No.9 Target Chip Ganassi car, running in the top-three for the most of the race. Dixon passed Marco Andretti for the lead on lap 222 just before Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay made contact to end the race under caution. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Auto racing Q&A: Ganassi teams share a thing called winning Jun 17, 2008
That's the blueprint for success Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon has adopted, perfected and crafted into one of the most dominant early-season runs in IndyCar Series history ... Chip Ganassi's IndyCar Series and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series teams have won eight of 13 combined races this season. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Penske, Ganassi struggle Jun 16, 2008
Advertisements Mike Harris, The Associated Press BROOKLYN, MICH. - Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi have had some pretty good days at Michigan International Speedway, both in open-wheel racing and NASCAR. But Sunday wasn't one of them ... "Ryan Newman, the third Penske entry, wound up 42nd with an engine failure.None of the three Chip Ganassi Racing drivers was ever in contention. Reed Sorenson finished 34th, Juan Pablo Montoya was 38th and Dario Franchitti finished last with an engine failure.NO... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Earnhardt wins on fumes Jun 16, 2008
Gibbs: Penske and Ganassi drivers struggle: Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi have both had some pretty good days at Michigan International Speedway, both in open-wheel racing and NASCAR. But Sunday wasn t one of them ... For Chip Ganassi Racing, Reed Sorenson was 34th, with Juan Pablo Montoya 38th and Dario franchitti finishing last with an engine failure. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
NASCAR Around The Corner Jun 15, 2008
There are drivers who relish their comfort zone in the road course environment, such as the 2007 winner at Infineon, Juan Pablo Montoya, the former CART champion and Formula One standout who surprised racing by bailing on open wheel racing and switching to driving stock cars for Chip Ganassi racing starting last season. But it was that heritage that helped Montoya overcome a deep starting position (32nd) last year at Infineon to win the Sonoma race in only his 17th start as a NASCAR Sprint Cup... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)