Memphis, Kansas on UMass schedule Aug 27, 2008
Sorenson decided to leave Chip Ganassi Racing, where he began his NASCAR career as an 18-year-old. Federal prosecutors briefly moved disgraced sprinter Marion Jones from a Texas prison to the San Francisco Bay area three months ago in case they needed her to testify against her former track coach, Trevor Graham, on trial for lying to investigators, according to a New York Times report citing an anonymous source. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Edwards bumps Busch at Bristol Aug 25, 2008
After losing the title to Dario Franchitti last year when he ran out of fuel on the last lap of the last race, taking the championship with two races to go would be a good feeling for Dixon and his Chip Ganassi Racing team. To get it done on Sonoma's 2. (Cleveland.com)
IndyCar's Dixon could uncork title-clincher Sunday in wine country Aug 21, 2008
Dixon has already tied the IRL record for wins in a season with six, a mark he shares with Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Wheldon ... Chip Ganassi Racing: Team loses its third major/title sponsor in a year when Havoline (Juan Pablo Montoya) announces it is getting out of Sprint Cup racing. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
NCAA yanks reins on horse-collar tackles Aug 21, 2008
Donnie Wingo, crew chief for Sprint Cup driver Reed Sorenson, was fined $25,000 Wednesday by NASCAR for an improperly attached weight on the No. 41 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge. The violation was found by inspectors after Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Busch keeps on trucking Aug 21, 2008
SORENSON'S CREW CHIEF FINED: Donnie Wingo, crew chief for Sprint Cup driver Reed Sorenson, was fined $25,000 Wednesday by NASCAR for an improperly attached weight on the No. 41 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge. The violation was found by inspectors after Sunday's race at Michigan. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Umpires agree to allow instant replay Aug 21, 2008
Donnie Wingo, crew chief for Sprint Cup driver Reed Sorenson, was fined $25,000 by NASCAR for an improperly attached weight on the No. 41 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge. Colleges Lobos penalized further for violations NCAA put New Mexico's football program on three years' probation and cut five scholarships as punishment for academic violations involving two former assistant coaches. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Chevron drops NASCAR sponsorship Aug 20, 2008
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has been sponsored by the two brands for five years. Chevron itself has been involved with NASCAR for 20 years. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Chevron to end NASCAR sponsorship Aug 20, 2008
Most recently, Texaco sponsored Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) and past high-profile winning drivers of its Texaco/Havoline cars included Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan and Ricky Rudd ... "Despite the success of our partnership, we understand that priorities change and wish Chevron the best in implementing its new marketing initiatives," said Chip Ganassi, owner, CGRFS.. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
CHANGES NEEDED: How Penske can join the Big Four Aug 20, 2008
He was 24th in the points in '07 with Chip Ganassi Racing, which cut him loose when it wasn't able to find sponsorship for Stremme and signed Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti, whom it felt might be a bigger lure. He wasn't, though, and that team has disappeared. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
NASCAR needs good-guy rookie Carpentier Aug 14, 2008
" And NASCAR is fortunate to have someone with such international flair -- Carpentier is a native of Joliette, Quebec -- who so ardently wants to be in the series. Carpentier, 37, didn't come to stock cars with an Indianapolis 500 win or a Formula One championship on his resume, but his desire to learn and excel -- and his ability to qualify -- has kept him in the driver's seat while others in his rookie class with more luminous open-wheel credentials fell by the wayside. Dario Franchitti's team... (MSNBC -- Sports)
El Cajon driver has good reason to think he'll pass some rivals in standings this week Aug 14, 2008
Then there's Scott Dixon, who won his record-equaling sixth IndyCar Series race of the season Saturday at Kentucky Speedway, tying Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Dan Wheldon (six wins in 2005) ... Tony Kanaan stopped rumors that he might be headed to Chip Ganassi Racing when he re-signed a contract with Andretti Green Racing that keeps the Brazilian with the team through the 2013 season ... 14 Team-record wins by Chip Ganassi Racing this season, eight in the IndyCar Series (Scott Dixon six, Dan... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Microsoft's 'Free' NASCAR Sponsorship Aug 13, 2008
Retail giant Target (nyse: - - ), a longtime sponsor for the Chip Ganassi Racing team, has been known to offset its sponsorship costs by offering vendors a piece of the action: They might get a NASCAR-themed display in Target stores or even have their logo prominently featured on a car for a single race. But the Microsoft-Waltrip arrangement is unique in that the team is banking on the tech giant s ability to corral customers who ll foot the bill for the spot. (Forbes -- Technology)
NASCAR's Highest-Earning Drivers Aug 13, 2008
Instead, his team, Chip Ganassi Racing, reaps the lion's share of endorsement revenue generated by Montoya, who has a wide international following from his years competing on the Formula 1 circuit. Ganassi is leading NASCAR's push to go global, aggressively pursuing sponsorship deals in South America, China and Dubai; a far cry from a decade ago, when the sport was almost exclusively popular in the American South. (Forbes -- Technology)
Indy winners will appear at Darlington festival Aug 12, 2008
Franchitti lost his Cup ride last month when Chip Ganassi shuttered it for lack of sponsorship. "I figure with the Cup deal closing down, I might as well be in the car somewhere," said the 35-year-old driver, who switched to stock cars after winning the 2007 IndyCar title. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Notebook: Ambrose shines again on big weekend Aug 11, 2008
Franchitti lost his Cup ride last month when Chip Ganassi shuttered it for lack of sponsorship. "I figure with the Cup deal closing down, I might as well be in the car somewhere,'' said the 35-year-old Franchitti, who switched to stock cars after winning the 2007 IndyCar title. "I was planning to do these Nationwide races anyway. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Dixon overtakes Castroneves late Aug 11, 2008
It was the second win in a row and the sixth victory of the season for Dixon, tying the record of Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Dan Wheldon as he races toward what would be his second IndyCar Series championship. Series runner-up Castroneves, still trying for his first victory of the season and his first series title as he chases Dixon, tried to get this one with fuel strategy. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson has a tough road ahead Aug 10, 2008
It was the second win in a row and the sixth victory of the season for Dixon, tying the record of Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Dan Wheldon. Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Ambrose puts the international in Watkins Glen with first win Aug 10, 2008
Franchitti, who lost his Cup ride with Chip Ganassi Racing last month because of a lack of sponsorship, led 18 laps in the first of seven Nationwide starts the former Indianapolis 500 champion will make this season for Ganassi. was sixth and moved past into second place in the series standings, 128 points behind leader. (USA Today -- Sports)
Cup rookies struggle Aug 10, 2008
Franchitti, last season's IndyCar Series champion, lost his Cup ride when Chip Ganassi Racing closed it down when it could not find a full-time sponsor to fund it. Franchitti still does some Nationwide Series races for Ganassi but does not have a ride lined up for 2009. (News & Observer -- Sports)
DARIO'S BACK: Franchitti to run limited Nationwide slate Aug 9, 2008
Dario Franchitti right, with team owner Chip Ganassi had a best finish of 22nd in 10 Sprint Cup races in the first half of the season ... By Nate Ryan, USA TODAY WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. will run seven Nationwide Series races the rest of the season for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and the Scotsman whose Sprint Cup rookie season sputtered to a halt without sponsorship hasn't given up on resuscitating his stock-car career. (USA Today -- Sports)
Road-course race at The Glen is a home game for Boris Said Aug 7, 2008
Rolex Grand-Am Sports Cars: Watkins Glen (90 laps; Speed Channel, noon) The Chip Ganassi Racing duo of Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas leads defending Daytona Prototype series champs Jon Fogarty/Alex Gurney by 63 points. RaceLegal Drags: Qualcomm Stadium, west access road, 6 p.m.. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
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)
