Ganassi Racing News
Reed Sorenson, Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti News
#40 |
Dario Franchitti - Driver of Energizer Dodge |
#41 |
Reed Sorenson - Driver of the Target Dodge |
#42 |
Juan Pablo Montoya - Driver of Texaco/Havoline Dodge |
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Ganassi-Waltrip meger? Car owner Chip Ganassi pulled the plug on Franchitti's team a month ago, in a shocker that left 71 people without jobs. That move by Ganassi has led to intense speculation about Ganassi's NASCAR future. Some of that speculation includes the possibility of some merger between Ganassi and the Michael Waltrip operation, which is also struggling and may be down to one sponsor next season for that three-car operation.(Winston Salem Journal)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sorenson and Ganassi in contract tracks: Reed Sorenson is in the final year of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing, though he could return to the #41 Sprint Cup team next year. Sorenson raced in the Nationwide Series last weekend at Gateway International Raceway and was asked what the status of his contract negotiations with Ganassi is. "We're working on it right now," Sorenson said. "Working on it." Driver David Reutimann, who joined Sorenson at the news conference, interjected: "How's it going?" "Working on it," Sorenson said with a smile. Sorenson didn't disclose any further details.(SceneDaily.com)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
More layoffs expected at Ganassi Racing? With 71 employees already in the unemployment line, Chip Ganassi Racing is looking to cut another 30 jobs from its stock-car operations, several current employees said Saturday. The team shut down the No. 40 Dodge earlier this week after it wasn't able to find a sponsor for driver Dario Franchitti. With that came layoffs, some of them surprising. Several team sources confirmed that department heads often weren't included in the decision-making process. Some employees who were laid off had been with SABCO Racing long before Ganassi bought the team from Felix Sabates in 2001. While the No. 40 Dodge was missing from Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway, most of that team still had a job. The cuts last week affected the Nos. 41 and 42 teams more than the 40. Most of the mechanics from Reed Sorenson's and Juan Pablo Montoya's team received their pink slips, replaced by members of the defunct team. (The Florida Times-Union)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Ganassi Racing shuts dow #40 team operations: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that due to a lack of sponsorship funding it will cease operation of the team’s No. 40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Dodge driven by Dario Franchitti beginning this weekend in Daytona. “This is a difficult decision for Felix and I that did not come without its share of anguish,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “In this tough business environment continuing to run the car without proper funding has become increasingly difficult.” CGRFS is committed to Franchitti’s continued stockcar development and are currently in discussions with him on his racing options with the team which could include running the balance of the 2008 Nationwide season in the No. 40 Fastenal Dodge. Currently the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline/Juicy Fruit Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya is 21st in owner points while the No. 41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson is sitting 31st in the standings. (CGRFS PR)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Scott Pruett in for Reed Sorenson this Sunday: CGRFS announced the team’s road-racing veteran driver Scott Pruett will make the switch from Daytona Prototypes to stock cars to compete in the first Sprint Cup Series road course race of the season at Infineon Raceway this Sunday. Pruett, the California native who currently leads the Rolex Sports Car Series championship for CGRFS with teammate Memo Rojas, will pilot the #41 Target Dodge entry for the Cup race around the 1.99-mile track in Sonoma, Calif., on Sunday.(CGRFS PR)
Friday, June 6, 2008
Is Ganassi thinking about selling NASCAR teams? Chip Ganassi continues to be the subject of speculation, with one unconfirmed report that he might even be willing to sell his NASCAR operation to arch-rival Roger Penske. Another report said that Joe Gibbs might be interested in making a bid for Ganassi's Juan Pablo Montoya as Stewart's replacement. Officials at sponsor Target said they're not backing off in their sponsorship support of Ganassi, despite rumors about money issues there. The Ganassi issues are only part of questions in the Dodge camp, and new Chrysler boss Bob Nardelli may need to address some of these issues soon. (Winston Salem-Journal)
June 24, 2007
Juan Pablo Wins Sonoma Road Course: Juan Pablo Montoya demonstrated his road racing prowess again Sunday, stretching his final fuel load to the limit and grabbing his first NASCAR Nextel Cup win at Infineon Raceway. Montoya, who qualified a disappointing 32nd in the 43-car field, was the first driver to win on the Northern California road circuit starting further back than 13th. The Colombian driver, who jumped from Formula One to the American stock car circuit late last season, got his first Cup win in his 17th start and gave team owner Chip Ganassi his first win in NASCAR's top series since Jamie McMurray won in October 2002. (AP/ABC News - Toyota/SaveMart 350 Results - Points)
July 14, 2006
Montoya still under contract: McLaren team boss Ron Dennis insisted this week that Montoya remains under contract to McLaren and its sponsors, and that Montoya would not be allowed to test or race for Ganassi until the contract expires at the end of the season -- and perhaps beyond -- unless arrangements are made satisfactory to all parties. "He is a contracted McLaren driver and will stay that way until the end of his contract unless there is some other commercial arrangement between ourselves and the NASCAR team, or Juan himself," Dennis said, without clarification. The main issue seems to be a sponsor conflict. Montoya's primary sponsor in F1 is Exxon/Mobil, while the sponsor of Ganassi's No. 42 is Chevrolet, under the flag of Texaco Havoline. (Speedtv.com)
July 13, 2006
Montoya Watkins Glen debut? Just like the 38 NASCAR drivers who combined to run 2,791 laps in 65 cars on a busy final day of testing Wednesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Juan Pablo Montoya has August on his mind. That's when owner Chip Ganassi, whose team set the pace in testing for the Aug. 6 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, expects Montoya's education as a stock car driver to begin. Although the Colombian Formula One star was released by his McLaren-Mercedes team Tuesday, Ganassi said on a conference call Wednesday that much needs to be done before Montoya can embark upon his new career. "There are different levels of being released," said Ganassi, who Sunday announced the hiring of Montoya to a multiyear contract. "We're still walking through the mechanics of that. In terms of the time frame, we're hoping to get going on something by the middle of August." Sponsorship is a potential sticking point. Montoya's former F-1 car is sponsored by Mobil and the car he will be driving for Ganassi is sponsored by Texaco. Driver and owner dismissed speculation Montoya might make his debut on the road course at Watkins Glen, N.Y., the week after the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Montoya, in fact, didn't sound like someone in a big hurry to race. (Indianapolis Star)
July 12, 2006
Montoya possible Michigan Debut? Juan Pablo Montoya has suddenly become the hottest property in NASCAR, and folks at Michigan International Speedway would like to make the former Formula One star at home there as soon as possible. MIS management contacted Montoya's new race team, Chip Ganassi Racing, on Tuesday to invite the Colombian to run both the ARCA Re/Max and Busch Grand National races at the Irish Hills track during the Nextel Cup weekend in August. (Detroit Free Press)
July 11, 2006
Montoya released from F1 ride immediately: Juan Pablo Montoya can get started on his NASCAR career a little early. In an expected move, F1 team McLaren announced Tuesday that driver Pedro de la Rosa would replace Montoya in the seat of the team's car, effective immediately. It had been widely speculated that Montoya would be released from his obligations with the Formula One team early in order to begin his new career in NASCAR. Montoya shocked the racing world by announcing this past weekend that he would leave F1 to join Chip Ganassi's Nextel Cup team. Montoya previously drove for Ganassi in the CART series. "Juan Pablo is an exciting driver and immensely likeable character who will undoubtedly make a successful transition to the NASCAR scene," said Ron Dennis, McLaren CEO and chairman. "We have agreed that with so many things happening in Juan Pablo's life right now, he should take some time out of the car and prepare professionally and personally for the future." The move allows Montoya, who lives in Miami with his family and wife Connie – who is pregnant with the couple' (Yahoo! Sports)
July 10, 2006
Dodge excited about Montoya addition: Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge SRT and Motorsports Marketing, comments on Juan Pablo Montoya joining Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in 2007. "We're thrilled to have Juan Pablo Montoya join the Dodge Motorsports family and the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. We've had the honor of having him drive for our McLaren Mercedes program in F1 and to now add him to our roster in NASCAR really demonstrates how we integrate our motorsports programs around the world. He is a tremendously talented driver who has succeeded in every series in which he has competed, and we're confident that he will quickly adapt to a Dodge Charger and oval track racing. We're also excited about the loyal following of F1 fans he will bring to NASCAR and Dodge. He is a popular driver around the world, and this brings excellent visibility for the Dodge brand in number of countries. Hats off to Chip Ganassi for a great addition to his team. We look forward to seeing Juan Pablo in victory lane." (Clear!Blue PR)
July 9, 2006
F1's Montoya to NASCAR: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has signed a multi-year deal with the organization to compete in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning in 2007. Montoya will become the first Formula 1 regular to ever join the NEXTEL Cup ranks when he assumes the driving duties of No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger next season. “We are thrilled to be getting a driver of this caliber to put into the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge,” said Chip Ganassi. “Juan Pablo is one of the best race car drivers in the world. He is a former CART Champion, Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 driver that will bring a much needed veteran presence to our team.” "We are very happy to have such an accomplished driver behind the wheel of the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge” said Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Global Lubricants. “His impressive CART, IndyCar and Formula 1 record is sure to translate into success on the NASCAR circuit as well." The 30-year-old Montoya joins CGRFS with impressive open-wheel credentials. He has made 137 starts between the CART, IndyCar and Formula 1 Series’ where he’s tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes. Over his five complete seasons in Formula 1, Montoya has finished sixth or better in the standings. He will become the first Formula 1 driver in the 58-year history of NASCAR to compete on the circuit full-time. (Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, PR)
June 29, 2006
Pruett not interested in NEXTEL Cup: How far have the conversations progressed for Scott Pruett to succeed Casey Mears at Chip Ganassi Racing? "We've joked about it a couple times," said Pruett, 46, a native of nearby Sacramento who finished 30th Sunday. Pruett runs for Ganassi's Grand American Rolex Series team and has filled in at road courses Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International for the last four years. Still, Ganassi doesn't have Pruett on his list: "Not really. We had a talk, and Scott said if he was five years younger, he wouldn't let me get anybody else. But he just enjoyed his life pretty well as it was and wants to win the Grand Am championship." Added Pruett: "I'd like to be, but I'm a realist. ... (Teams are) looking for the next best young kid. There's a lot to be said for that. If I come in, I'd be here one or two years. When you're talking about a 19- or 20-year-old kid, you're talking (about him staying) 20 years." (USA Today)
June 24, 2006
Fernandez Still with Dodge: Dodge’s motorsports czar, John Fernandez, rumored to be headed to Chip Ganassi’s team to replace deposed team manager Andy Graves, is apparently still with Dodge — for the moment, anyway. A Dodge representative said Fernandez was still at his office in Michigan, while Ganassi’s people declined comment on whether Fernandez was going to work for the team. (SPEEDtv)
June 14, 2006:
Ganassi denies ESPN Wheldon story: Car owner Chip Ganassi, who has an unexpected hole to fill on his NASCAR team, said Tuesday that IRL driver Dan Wheldon is not a candidate to replace Casey Mears. "There is no story here," Ganassi said. "Dan has a commitment to Target right now to drive an Indy car and that's where he'll stay." Wheldon, who won both the IndyCar Series championship and the Indianapolis 500 last year, is in his first season driving for Ganassi's open wheel team. His name has been popping up as a possible replacement for Mears, who told Ganassi last week he is leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season. (ThatsRacin.com)
June 8, 2006:
Vickers seeks release from Hendrick, Mears likely to replace him: Brian Vickers asked for and received permission from Hendrick Motorsports to look for a new ride, and Casey Mears was in line to replace him Thursday after informing car owner Chip Ganassi he won't be returning next year. Mears' decision comes after weeks of his steadfast claims that he wanted to extend his contract with Ganassi and was not interested in talking to other teams. Ganassi hired Mears in 2003 and stuck with him despite several mediocre seasons. "I wish him well," Ganassi said. "I obviously take a lot of pleasure in the fact that I brought Casey a long way, and hopefully his next step will be as fruitful for him as his last step was." Ganassi said he'll begin his search immediately for a driver for his No. 42 Dodge. But the talent pool is thin, even with Vickers now in it. He's likely headed to either Robert Yates Racing's top seat in the No. 88 Ford, or to one of the Toyota seats for its inaugural 2007 season. "Brian came to us recently and expressed his desire to explore opportunities outside our organization," Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex said Thursday. "Although he is under contract, we have given him permission to do so." (Sporting News)
June 4 2006:
Sorenson should be OK for 400 miles: Reed Sorenson likely will not have a driver on standby for the Neighborhood Excellence 400 today at Dover International Speedway. Sorenson had his Nextel Cup teammate Casey Mears on standby Saturday during the Busch Series race because Sorenson has a sore right side, believed to be caused by a strained muscle. Sorenson never got out of the car during the 200-lap race and should be able to go the entire distance today, a team spokesperson said. The team is unsure when Sorenson hurt himself, and Sorenson went to see if he had a cracked rib earlier in the week. The doctors told him it was not broken. (NASCAR Scene Daily)
April 26, 2006:
Elledge signs extension with Ganassi: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today Crew Chief Jimmy Elledge has signed a multi-year contract extension with the organization. Elledge is currently the crew chief for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup rookie Reed Sorenson and the No. 41 Target team. “Jimmy has been instrumental in the development of our young drivers,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “He has incredible patience and leadership skills which are an asset to any organization. I’m pleased to have him as part of the present and future at Chip Ganassi Racing.” “I’m excited about extending my relationship with Chip and Felix (Sabates),” said Elledge. “There are a lot of good people here committed to seeing this team succeed, and if we continue to keep building and working together as one team we’ll get there. I’m very pleased with the direction this organization is heading and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. “Also, the relationship between Reed and I, and everyone on this team is developing at a rapid pace. We’re right on the verge of something very special.” (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
April 19, 2006:
Graves steps down and resigns from Ganassi/Sabates Racing: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced Tuesday that Andy Graves has resigned his position as team manager and will be reassigned to a different position within the company. “Andy Graves has been a passionate and valued member of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates for the past seven years,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “I have an extremely high regard for him both professionally and personally and look forward to his continued contributions here at Chip Ganassi Racing." "It has been a privilege to work with Chip, Felix and the whole team over the last seven seasons," said Graves. "These years with the team have been a part of my life that I will never forget and for that I am truly grateful. I am now just looking forward to the next chapter of my career here at Chip Ganassi Racing." Graves was in his sixth season as team manager for CGRFS. He joined CGRFS in 2000 as one of its first employees and was promptly named team manager for the Indianapolis 500 team that would go on to capture the 2000 Indianapolis 500 crown. Graves was also instrumental in the transition from SABCO to CGRFS. On an interim basis the duties of team manager will be absorbed by the current management staff that is in place. (Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, PR)
April 17, 2006:
Stremme Crew Chief changes: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that Steven Lane will take over crew chief duties on the #40 Coors Light/Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Dodge starting this weekend in Phoenix. "Everyone is excited about the experience that Steve will bring to the #40 team," Team Manager Andy Graves said. "This is Steve's third year with the organization and has been instrumental in the success of this year's #41 car. We are committed to getting all three teams running up front and Steve brings with him the necessary experience to help both David Stremme and the entire team. This is a great opportunity for him and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates." Lane has been the car chief on the #41 Dodge since joining the CGRFS team in 2004. Before coming on board at CGRFS, Lane was crew chief of the #45 Petty Enterprises Dodge for two seasons. He also served as Jeremy Mayfield's car chief at Penske from 1997 through 2001. Jeff Vandermoss will assume the car chief duties on the #41 Dodge. Vandermoss began the season as crew chief on the #40 car after a successful seven-year career at Roush Racing, four of those years as the car chief for Matt Kenseth. (Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
Mar. 7, 2006:
Wheldon looking at NASCAR or F1 in 2007? Andretti/Green NASCAR? Michael Andretti says one of the reasons why IRL champion Dan Wheldon elected not to re-sign with his Andretti-Green team for 2006 is his desire to go NASCAR racing. Wheldon, who captured the Indy 500 and series title last season, will race for Chip Ganassi's team this season. Ganassi also fields a NASCAR team with Felix Sabates. "That was part of the deal," Andretti tells a Pennsylvania newspaper. "That was one of the reasons he went there." In fact, Wheldon's manager, Julian Jakobi, indicated that he has aspirations beyond the IRL, be it NASCAR or Formula One. Jakobi added that there is language in the deal with Ganassi which includes a move up to NASCAR, possibly as early as 2007. Andretti did not discount the possibility of expanding his own team into NASCAR and competing in the Super Bowl of stock car races, the Daytona 500. "We look at all options. We're still looking at options to expand the team. Is NASCAR one of them? Maybe. But there are other areas of racing, too. If we do decide to do something, we want to do it right." (TSN)
Jan. 14, 2006:
Stremme recovering and feeling better: #40 Coors Light/Lonestar Dodge Driver David Stremme is feeling better after twisting his ankle and tearing all the ligaments in his right foot while using a leaf blower. The injury occured at his home near Charlotte several weeks before Christmas. Stremme said, “I’ve been fighting with the landscape company…they’ve not been showing up and they’ve been a pain in the butt. All my leaves were blowing across the street into my neighbor Joe Nemechek’s yard so I figured I needed to clean them up.” Stremme made sure he was okay to start the season by testing his foot riding go-carts. Stremme added, “I wish it had been my brake pedal foot instead of my gas pedal foot.” (PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)
Nov. 21, 2005:
Update: Sorenson near down helicopter: Reed Sorenson, who finished 28th in the 400, was waiting to board one of the helicopters just prior to the crash. "I was the next one in line to go," Sorenson said. "I saw them hit. One went straight down and the other tried to land in the grass nearby. It took off part of his landing gear. I took off running because I thought parts were going everywhere. After seeing that, I don't think I'll ever fly a helicopter again." Speedway officials said only that the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Nov. 17, 2005:
Stremme to attempt to start at Homestead: David Stremme will attempt to qualify for his fourth NEXTEL Cup Series start this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the #39 Commit Dodge from the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates stable. It will be the second race this season for Stremme in the Commit car after its Charlotte debut. Previously in Cup competition this season, the South Bend, Ind. native drove the #39 Navy Dodge for CGRFS at Chicagoland Speedway and Richmond International Raceway (September race), and most recently piloted the #39 Commit car at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Lee McCall will serve as Stremme's crew chief this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. McCall joined Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates at the beginning of the 2001 season to lead the #40 team. McCall has amassed five wins as a crew chief at CGRFS, four with Sterling Marlin and one with Jamie McMurray. (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
Nov. 11, 2005:
Sorenson to start at Homestead: Reed Sorenson is going to get a badly needed Nextel Cup start next week thanks to an old friend who has helped his career in the past. Sorenson will drive the No. 1 Dodge for James Finch, the same car owner who provided the Busch car that Sorenson drove in his second start in that series last year, at Memphis, and recorded his first top-10 finish. Sorenson is set to move to the Cup circuit next year, but unlike most rookies who run the NASCAR maximum of seven races the year before, he has just one start, at Atlanta. Finch said he's glad to help Sorenson advance his career by offering the car to drive at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Nov. 7, 2005:
Mears promoted in Ganassi Racing, moves to #42: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) and its sponsor Chevron Products Company announced today that they have selected Casey Mears to pilot the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge starting in 2006. In addition, CGRFS has agreed to release Jamie McMurray from his contract to drive for the organization through the '06 NEXTEL Cup Series season. "We've been working hard to find a driver solution for Texaco/Havoline and we are fortunate that we could offer them Casey," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "Some recent positive developments have allowed us to make this move and we couldn't be happier with how things are shaping up for the 2006 season. Casey is a driver and a person that we think a lot of and have a lot of faith in." Mears has been with CGRFS since being selected by the organization to drive its #41 NEXTEL Cup Series entry in 2003. He has competed in 106 races and recorded two poles, three top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes. "I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to drive the Texaco/Havoline Dodge next season," said Mears. "Texaco/Havoline has been a sponsor in this sport for a long time and they've had an impressive list of drivers compete and win in their cars. I look forward to joining that group and taking them and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates back to Victory Lane." In 2006, Texaco/Havoline will embark on its 19th season as a NASCAR sponsor. (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and Home123 End Sponsorship: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that CGRFS and Home123 have mutually chosen to terminate their sponsorship relationship. “We have enjoyed working with Home123,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “This was a good decision for us both and our separation was amicable. We wish them well in their future endeavors.” “While we have enjoyed working with the Ganassi organization and have seen benefit in the team sponsorship, we will be refocusing our 2006 dollars in other areas,” said Pat Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer of Home123 Corporation. “We are committed to having marketing programs that strategically position the Home123 brand among our target audiences. We will continue to support the racing sport as the official mortgage company of NASCAR. In addition, we continue to be excited about announcing the winner of the Home123 “Pay Off Your Mortgage Sweepstakes.” (Ganassi Racing/Felix Sabates PR)
Mears to be promoted in Ganassi Camp?
Nov. 5, 2005:
No deal yet for Busch and McMurray: Jack Roush said yesterday afternoon that an agreement still hadn't been reached in the three-way negotiations to move Jamie McMurray to Roush Racing and Kurt Busch to Penske in 2006. The deal, which also would send an unnamed driver to Chip Ganassi Racing to replace McMurray, has been in the works for weeks and was reported done by ESPN on Monday. Roush Racing President Geoff Smith recently said the trade's deadline is this week. (Times-Dispatch)
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