#42 Team Past News and Rumors
NOTE: many of the links in the past news will be old and may not work
decided it was not worth the time to go thru each one on all the Team Past News pages
2008 News
2008 Races [19] that Juicy Fruit or Big Red Gum is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
1. California 2/24, Juicy Fruit
2. Atlanta 3/9, Big Red
3. Martinsville 3/23, Big Red
4. Phoenix 4/12, Big Red
5. Talladega 4/27, Juicy Fruit
6. Darlington 5/10, Big Red
7. All-Star Race 5/17, Juicy Fruit
8. Michigan 6/15. Big Red Slim Pack
9. Daytona 7/5, Juicy Fruit
10. Chicago 7/12, Juicy Fruit
11. Indianapolis 7/27, Big Red Slim Pack
12. Watkins Glen 8/10, Big Red Slim Pack
13. Bristol 8/23, Juicy Fruit Slim Pack
14. Richmond 9/6, Juicy Fruit Slim Pack
15. New Hampshire 9/14, Juicy Fruit Slim Pack
16. Dover 9/21, Big Red Slim Pack
17. Charlotte 10/11, Juicy Fruit Slim Pack
18. Martinsville 10/19, Big Red Slim Pack
19. Homestead 11/16, Juicy Fruit Slim Pack
Latest Ganassi merger rumor? Petty? UPDATE4 negotiations fell thru?:Trying to pin down the state of Petty Enterprises, under its new Boston Ventures' management, and the future of the Chip Ganassi operation has been tough enough the last few weeks, but now the speculation of a GM-Chrysler corporate merger has thrown things into a real tizzy. Insiders at both the Petty and Ganassi Dodge camps say there is speculation that the two struggling teams may somehow merge, and that that speculation is fueled by the sense that fellow Dodge owner George Gillett, who has majority interest in Gillett-Evernham-Motorsports, is "99 percent" certain to jump to Toyota. Ray Evernham was Dodge's mainstay in NASCAR racing, making such a move highly unusual. Dodge officials a few weeks ago denied such a change might be coming. One major complication for Dodge teams like Petty's and Ganassi's is that Gillett-Evernham has been a major Dodge engine operation. If Gillett moves to Toyota, then Dodge loses a very big player.(Winston-Salem Journal)(10-12-2008)
UPDATE: hearing that a Ganassi-Petty Enterprises merger is still possible with Target being the sponsor for Bobby Labonte in the #43. With #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and #44-Chad McCumbee as teammates and a possible 4th team with Kyle Petty running part time in the #45.(10-21-2008)
UPDTE 2 - DEI?: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is negotiating with several organizations, including Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Petty Enterprises. "We're talking to a lot of different people," Sabates said on Tuesday. "We're keeping our options open. Obviously, the way things are going today with sponsors, unless you have the sponsors you can't run. We only have a sponsor for the 41 car [Target] and the 42 [Wrigley's Big Red/Juicy Fruit] for half a year. We're looking at all possibilities." DEI and Petty Enterprises are in similar situations. DEI has only the #1 car of Martin Truex Jr. fully sponsored for next season, with partial sponsors in line for the #8 and none for its other two cars. Petty Enterprises is looking for sponsors for the #43 and 44 that is expected to replace the #45. So how would a merger with DEI help Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates? "They have a sponsor for one and a half cars and we have a sponsor for one and a half cars, that makes three cars, doesn't it?" Sabates said. "The same thing with Petty. They've got one car. There are other people out there, too." The biggest stumbling block for DEI to merge with Ganassi or Petty may be manufacturer permission. DEI is under contract with General Motors to field Chevys and the other two are under contract with Dodge/Chrysler. The proposed merger between GM and Chrysler could help that situation, but there remain other obstacles on both sides. "Everything is up in the air," Sabates said. "We're just talking in theory. We don't know what is going to happen. We don't have anything concrete with anybody. And I'm not saying we will do anything."(ESPN.com)(11-4-2008)
UPDATE 3: An alliance is in the works that would combine the #s 1 and 8 Chevys at DEI with the #s 41 and 42 of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates next season. The newly combined outfit would boast a lineup consisting of Martin Truex Jr., with Bass Pro Shops sponsorship, Juan Pablo Montoya, with Wrigleys sponsorship, and Aric Almirola. Ganassi still has a deal in place with sponsor Target, but it is unknown right now whether that will be for Almirola or for a yet-to-be-determined fourth driver. Ganassi could offer the presence of an at-track, hands-on owner, an important element that's been missing at DEI since the death of its founder Dale Earnhardt. Ganassi won four titles in Champ Car and two titles as an owner in the IRL IndyCar Series, including this season. Ganassi's current contract with Dodge extends through 2010. Given the economic climate and uncertainty of the Dodge program beyond 2009, the move would align Ganassi with Chevrolet for next year and beyond. Max Siegel, president of global operations declined comment on the report.(FoxSports)(11-5-2008)
UPDATE4: hearing that DEI and Ganassi are not going to merge after meeting Wednesday and there was no deal and negotiations are off.(11-7-2008)
No further penalty for Gilliland: #38-David Gilliland swore that he didn’t mean to tag #42-Juan Pablo Montoya on lap 263 of the Dickies 500, but that didn’t mean that NASCAR didn’t penalize him. NASCAR parked Gilliland after the accident, which left Montoya fuming and with a torn-up race car. Gilliland didn’t tear up his race car, but NASCAR sat him for the rest of the race leaving him in 42nd while Montoya was 43rd. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby said there will be no further penalties although both drivers likely will be talked to again prior to practice at Phoenix informing them not to keep the feud going on the race track.(Scene Daily)(11-3-2008)
Juicy Fruit scheme for Montoya at LMS: The #42 Dodge of Juan Pablo Montota will sport the colors of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway (LMS). The Juicy Fruit Slim Pack car will be seen once more this season in the Sprint Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(CGRFS PR), see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Scheme page.(10-10-2008)
Mars Acquires Wrigley: In a move that ends more than a century of family control, shareholders of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. approved the company’s $23 billion sale to Mars Inc., which now becomes the world’s largest candy maker. The deal, which bumps Britain’s Cadbury PLC from the top candy-making slot, will offer gums such as Juicy Fruit and Big Red, M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles under the same corporate banner. Under Mars’ ownership, the firm will be able to grow in new directions, Bill Wrigley Jr. said. Wrigley’s is slated to take over control of Mars’ non-chocolate candy, such as Starburst and Skittles.(csnews.com), no word on how or if it will effect the sponsorship of the #18 M&M's Toyota of Kyle Busch or the #42 Big Red/Juicy Fruit Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya.(10-2-2008)
#42 team likly not to be penalized: Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, said Sunday that Chip Ganassi Racing and Brian Pattie, crew chief for the #42 Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya, are not likely to be hit with any further penalties for the technical violation that cost them the Kansas pole. "We'll continue to review it, but this is a lot like when we find a car is a little too high or too low in inspection," Pemberton said. "It's not a major offense and losing the pole is probably enough of a penalty." Montoya beat out #48-Jimmie Johnson for his first Cup pole on Friday, but the postqualifying inspection found the gas pressure in his rear shocks exceeded the allowable maximum. Johnson was moved up to the pole and Montoya had to start 42nd. Montoya did the best he could with a tough situation, moving his way up to 16th in the first 100 laps and finishing 20th. "To get a top-20 from starting dead last is a pretty good day here," Pattie said.(Associated Press/ESPN)(9-29-2008)
Montoya on pole at Kansas: UPDATE: Time Disallowed: #42-Juan Montoya won the Coor's Light Pole for the Camping World RV 400 at Kansas Speedway with a speed of 172.150mph for his first pole of this NASCAR career. #48-Johnson will start 2nd followed by #8-Martin, #17-Kenseth, #19-Sadler, #1-Truex, Jr., #15-Menard, #21-Elliott, #9-Kahne, and #83-Vickers. #88-Earnhardt Jr. will start 12th, #18-Busch 28th, #99-Edwards 35th, and #20-Stewart 42nd.
The Go-or-go homers [non top 35 in owners pts] to make the race: #21-Elliott, #10-Carpentier, #47-Ambrose, #45-Petty, #77-Hornish, Jr., #70-Raines, #96-Logano, and #78-Nemechek. Missing the race are #00-McDowell and #08-Sauter.
UPDATE: Montoya's time has been disallowed due to the fact that the car's rear shock exceeded the maximum pressure allowed. He will start 42nd.
See starting lineup, qualifying results/order, pole progression and more on my Kansas Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(9-26-2008)
Next merger rumor - Ganassi and GEM? Since early July, Ganassi's future existence has been linked to a merger with virtually every multi-car team left in the sport. The car owner had lunch with Michael Waltrip at Daytona; immediately, rumors sprouted up the two were joining forces. Since then, rumors have swirled that anyone from Roger Penske to Robby Gordon was buying Ganassi out, or that the owner was looking to get out of the business altogether. Like Gordon's team, CGRFS is a prime target for any interested owner due to his organization's "locked in" qualifying spots (both are in the Top 35) as well as his race shop's prime real estate. Built in 2004, the top-notch facility was built right next to the Concord airport, and is just a heartbeat away from Charlotte for teams looking to move closer to racing's central hub.
Speculation peaked on Thursday, when multiple sources told SI.com Ganassi was planning to join forces with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Gillett has been looking to add a fourth car since buying a 50% share in Evernham Motorsports last season. Rumored to be brokering a deal to buy Bill Davis Racing this week, negotiations on that side have fallen through. Bill Davis Racing officials had no comment on the process, but all indications are their organization is still up for sale -- just not to GEM. (A spokesman for Gillett Evernham Motorsports said the team won't comment on any merger speculation). That prompted a strong response from Ganassi, who told SI.com he adamantly denies anything's going on with Gillett. Ensuring SI.com he's here to stay in NASCAR for the long haul, Ganassi claimed in an exclusive interview he has no plans to merge with any organization at this moment -- with plans to run his two cars full-time in 2009.(Sports Illustrated)(9-19-2008)
Big Red scheme for Montoya: The #42 Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya will carry the bold red scheme of Big Red for this weekend’s 400-lap race in Dover. The #42 Dodge will carry the Big Red Slim Pack colors in one more event after Dover this season at Martinsville Speedway. Montoya will be celebrating his birthday this weekend at Dover. He turns 33 on Saturday.(CGWFS PR), see my #42 Team Schemes page for the image of the car.(9-17-2008)
Ganassi-Waltrip merger? UPDATE: 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)(7-26-2008)
UPDATE: The hottest rumor floating around the Cup garage this weekend [at New Hampshire] is that Chip Ganassi still is trying to make a deal with another team to keep himself in NASCAR. This week it was supposedly an arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing, which would expand to four cars and put Montoya in a Toyota.(Yahoo Sports)(9-15-2008)
Montoya confident in direction of Ganassi team: He's lost both of his teammates and his primary sponsor, yet #42-Juan Pablo Montoya remains staunchly committed to car owner Chip Ganassi. So much so, Montoya insists Ganassi is being unfairly critiqued for his struggling NASCAR program. "I think the NASCAR organization has to go through major changes, and that's the process we are going through right now," said Montoya, a former Formula One driver who won an Indianapolis 500 driving for Ganassi. "In a way, it's good because everyone who is here wants to succeed and wants to be here. Chip is working very hard to get us better. Are we there? No. But things are starting to click and there's a lot of things coming, and when all those things arrive and you put them in place, we'll be in good shape." Montoya, who was openly critical of Ganassi earlier this season after a series of crew changes, said his boss has everything under control. "If I wasn't committed to him, and believed in him, then I wouldn't be here," Montoya said. "It's that simple."(full story and Q&A at Associated Press/ESPN.com)(9-10-2008)
Texaco leaving NASCAR UPDATE: Sirius Speedway has learned that Chevron-Texaco will not return as sponsor of #42-Juan Pablo Montoya's Dodge next season. The Texaco-Havoline brand is in the final year of its sponsorship contract with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and a media representative for Ganassi Racing confirmed the move this afternoon. Texaco-Havoline will not move to another team in 2009, electing instead to end their longstanding involvement in NASCAR. That decision leaves Ganassi Racing in need of at least two new sponsors in 2009, and possibly three. Team owner Chip Ganassi recently parked the #40 Dodge driven by Dario Franchitti due to lack of sponsorship, and there are longstanding rumors that Target may not return to the #41 Dodge currently driven by Reed Sorenson. (Sirius Speedway/Motorsports Soapbox)(8-19-2008)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will need to find another sponsor for Juan Pablo Montoya in 2009 because Texaco sponsorship will dry up at the end of the season. Texaco/Havoline is leaving NASCAR and therefore will not return to the #42 next season, Ganassi officials said Tuesday. Ganassi is now looking for sponsors for Montoya for half of next season. Wrigley's will sponsor the other half, as it has done this season. The #40 team with driver Dario Franchitti was shut down earlier this year when no sponsors could be lined up. Team officials said they were not surprised by Texaco's decision, saying they knew the company was looking to leave the sport.
Ganassi's other team -- the #41 of Reed Sorenson -- is sponsored by Target, which also sponsors Ganassi's championship-contending IndyCar Series teams. Ganassi officials said the Target sponsorship is solid for both NASCAR and IndyCar beyond this season. Ganassi still plans to field at least two teams in 2009 and hopes enough sponsorship can be found for a third.(ESPN.com)(8-20-2008)
Ganassi-Waltrip merger? 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)(7-26-2008)
Big Red Slim Pack on the #42: The #42 Dodge will sport the Wrigley's Big Red Slim Pack paint scheme this weekend for the Brickyard 400 at IMS. Indy will be the fifth time this season Montoya's car will carry the bold red colors of Big Red.(Chip Ganassi Racing)(7-23-2008)
Ganassi Racing gets 100th win: Scott Dixon's win in the IndyCar Series Nashville Superspeedway race Saturday marked the 100th overall win for Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc. Chip Ganassi created his own one-car IndyCar team in 1990 and established a partnership with a new sponsor, Target. Today, his teams include two IRL IndyCars, and along with Felix Sabates he has two cars in the Sprint Cup Series, one entry in the Nationwide Series and a Daytona Prototype in the world of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series racing.(Ganassi Racing PR)(7-13-2008)
Breakfast between team owners...mean anything? It was probably just an innocent breakfast. Then again ...On the morning of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway, there was an eye-catching breakfast gathering at Doc Bales' restaurant in the Hilton Ocean Walk hotel. The group at a large table, front and center, included Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates, owners of the NASCAR organization that bears both their names, along with Michael Waltrip Racing executive vice president Cal Wells and Michael Waltrip's partner and money man, Rob Kauffman. "Rob Kauffman said he wanted to meet Chip and me," Sabates said matter-of-factly at the Speedway later that afternoon.
Perhaps we should consider the backdrop. Ganassi recently shuttered his No. 40 Dodge Cup team, leaving open-wheel star Dario Franchitti to ponder his future in the sport. That left Ganassi with two active Cup teams and roughly 70 fewer employees, with more layoffs reportedly in the offing. There have been layoffs and a realignment of personnel at MWR. To Kauffman, that's a natural process for a team that raced for the first time in 2007. The issue of sponsorship is fundamental. UPS will leave Waltrip at the end of this season, likely finding a new home with Clint Bowyer at Richard Childress Racing, now that Bowyer has extended his contract with RCR. That leaves Waltrip with NAPA on his #55 car and Aaron's as part-time sponsor of Michael McDowell's #00. If additional sponsorship isn't forthcoming, Waltrip will have funding for two cars, the same number Ganassi now has.
Would it be too far-fetched to speculate that Waltrip and Ganassi might benefit by joining forces in some way, each bringing two teams to the table? Asked whether he might find a deal with Ganassi intriguing under the right circumstances, Kauffman deflected the question. "That's a highly speculative, theoretical thing," he said. "We just wanted to have breakfast with Felix and Chip, more than anything. We have a lot of common friends down in the North Carolina area. ... I think getting MWR on the right track and solidifying our position on the grid and improving our performance -- that's job one, two and three." Kauffman asked rhetorically whether the group would have met openly if they were talking about a deal. Probably not.(in part from the Sporting News)
NOTES: heard from one source the 'meeting' was nothing more then discussion over selling personal items and another source saying there is somethign to this and Ganassi and Waltrip could merge and become a four car team in 2009, no word if they would become a Dodge team [Ganassi] or a Toyota team [Waltrip]. Currently with five teams in the top-35 of ownes points, one could be sold off for points. Other rumored mergers include: Red Bull Racing and Ganassi Racing; Bill Davis Racing and Red Bull Racing.(7-10-2008)
More cuts at Ganassi? 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 #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 #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 #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. Franchitti, the reigning IndyCar Series champion, has struggled to make the transition to stock cars. Ganassi has offered him a ride in the Nationwide Series for the rest of the season, but the Scot has yet to make a decision. Those left behind now are bracing for more cuts. Many of those who lost their jobs last week apparently didn't take the news well. In fact, the team had 12 police officers on hand to keep order.(Florida Times Union)(7-6-2008)
Montoya and Kyle Busch tangle: While trying to wreck #18-Kyle Busch on Sunday, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya managed to wreck himself in the process near the end of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. And he did it during a caution. After a caution flag flew with 21 laps to go, Montoya ran into the right-rear fender of Busch's car. It caused Busch to spin and hit Montoya's car as Montoya was driving by. "We always give each other lots of room," Montoya said of Busch. "But he went wide like I wasn't there. Then I got beside him and he started banging me like he was trying to wreck me. I looked at him like, 'What are you doing?' " Montoya had no problem admitting he deliberately ran into Busch's car.
"Yeah. I did what he did to me," Montoya said. "I don't appreciate people who race me like that. There's a fine line and he crossed it." Apparently, NASCAR officials felt the same was about Montoya's retaliation move. He was assessed a two-lap penalty for rough driving outside of race procedure. It dropped Montoya to 32nd in the finishing order. Busch finished 25th, but still leads the Cup standings by 64 points over #31-Jeff Burton. So what caused the altercation with Montoya? "I have no idea," Busch said. "I got a run on him earlier. I didn't turn down into him. He ran me up the race track. The caution came out and he thought he had to beat me. I touched his door and he spun me out. I don't know what his beef is."(ESPN.com)(6-30-2008) Comment here
Montoya happier now with changes: As #42-Juan Pablo Montoya tried to explain his renewed commitment to Chip Ganassi Racing, the boss man walked up the stairs into the driver's motor home for a surprise visit. "Were your ears burning?" Montoya asked Ganassi. "No, why? Were you talking about me?" Ganassi answered. Before his star driver could reply, the owner had Montoya in a headlock as the two playfully greeted each other at Pocono Raceway. The relationship between the two is as strong as ever, surviving a rocky stretch last month when Montoya openly questioned the direction of Ganassi's NASCAR team. His criticism came after crew chief Donnie Wingo was transferred off his team, and a month later, replacement Jimmy Elledge was fired. It gave Montoya his third crew chief in just over a month, and despite the praise everyone around him had for Brian Pattie, the driver wasn't pleased with the change. Montoya wasn't convinced Pattie wanted the job, and didn't think the crew chief liked him very much. Three races and two test sessions later, he's had a complete change of heart. "A lot of people told me Brian would be good, but until it happens -- I've been told so many times in my career that things are going to be great and then they are not," Montoya said. "I'd rather wait and see. The way I've always been is if you expect great things, the fall is a lot bigger. This way I got to be pleasantly surprised." Montoya has been impressed with Pattie's dedication and focus on fostering the relationship. He praised Pattie for the frequent visits he makes to Montoya's motor home to go over notes, future setups and, more importantly, to bond with the driver. "He's the one making the extra effort to bond together and we go at it the right way," Montoya said. "It gives you a lot of confidence as a driver. You can see the guy trying hard and you'll do what he wants. You'll go the extra mile for him. With Wingo, we worked really hard, we worked really well together and I thought it was pretty good and we had a lot of respect for each other. With Elledge, I liked the guy because he was really aggressive and he was willing to try anything whether it was stupid or not. With this guy, he's a combination of both." And as for the rumors that Montoya might leave Ganassi to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing next season? Nothing to them, Montoya said. "I've got a deal with Chip, and I am 100 percent behind Chip," he said.(in part from the Associated Press)(6-12-2008)
Special schemes for the #40 and #42 at MIS: This weekend, the Wrigley’s Brand’s will rev up the new Juicy Fruit and Big Red Slim Pack, sleek 15-stick envelope packages that are more durable and portable. New Slim Pack paint schemes on the Big Red and Juicy Fruit Dodges as well as the new Slim Pack television commercials will air and will run throughout the race on TNT. Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Dodge will feature Big Red, while his teammate Dario Franchitti will carry the Juicy Fruit logo on his #40 Dodge.(Chip Ganassi Racing)(6-11-2008)
Montoya gives Ganassi an earful; JGR looking at Montoya? UPDATE denied: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya requested a face-to-face meeting with his boss and got it the day before the Indianapolis 500, when owner Chip Ganassi flew to North Carolina to talk with his emotional driver. The early morning meeting Saturday let Montoya express his frustrations over the race team's direction, including the firing of crew chief Jimmy Elledge, a move Montoya vehemently opposed. "I told him everything I was thinking and how it was," said Montoya, who finished 30th. "The hope of the meeting is that everything that has happened turns into results. I need to run better. That's what will calm me down." Meanwhile, there is speculation that Joe Gibbs Racing may make a run at Montoya to fill the seat Tony Stewart is expected to leave at the end of the season.(Chicago Tribune)(5-29-2008)
UPDATE: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, who is on his third crew chief this season, says he is getting more settled with new crew chief Brian Pattie. A few weeks after venting frustration over his crew chief situation, Montoya said don’t translate that frustration into his looking to leave Chip Ganassi Racing, which brought him into Sprint Cup racing full time last year. “People have got to understand that I’ve got a long commitment to Chip [Ganassi],” Montoya said Friday after qualifying at Pocono Raceway. “This is where I am and this is where I am going to be for a couple of years.”(SceneDaily)(6-8-2008) Comment here
Ganassi and Penske? Preposterous: Rumors that have surfaced recently about a possible alliance between Chip Ganassi [#40,#41,#42] and Roger Penske [#2,#12,#77] in NASCAR racing, or of a possible Penske buyout of Ganassi's stock car team? Both men field Dodges in Sprint Cup racing, and at the recent Indianapolis 500, won by Ganassi driver Scott Dixon, the two pillars of the sport reportedly appeared a lot more chummy than usual. Sunday at Dover, Mike Accavitti, director of Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing Communications, said he had read the rumors but scoffed at them. "Absolutely preposterous," Accavitti said. "That would be like putting the Hatfields and McCoys together."(Sporting News)(6-2-2008) Comment here
Ganassi working to calm Montoya: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya posted the second slowest qualifying lap out of 48 entries and dejectedly climbed from his car. "What did you expect?" he asked. "Seriously, what did you expect?" Montoya is still reeling from the midweek firing of Jimmy Elledge, a personnel decision that's given the former Formula One driver his third crew chief in a month. Frustrated that his opposition to the dismissal went unheeded, Montoya is now worried that his team is ill-prepared for Sunday's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Because new crew chief Brian Pattie had just two days to dissect Elledge's setup on the No. 42 Dodge, changes were made on the fly during a difficult Thursday practice session that saw Montoya post the 45th slowest speed. It didn't improve during qualifying, when Montoya was 47th out of 48 cars and will start next-to-last in the Coca-Cola 600. Team owner Chip Ganassi sympathizes with Montoya's frustration, but said Elledge's dismissal was warranted after the crew chief engaged in a heated argument with competition director Steve Hmiel during last week's All-Star race. "We had an employee step over the line, and I'm sorry it happened because I like Jimmy personally, but it had to be done," Ganassi said. "I know Juan is upset and he comes out on the short end of this deal. I apologize for that, but unfortunately it was unavoidable collateral damage." Elledge declined to comment on his dismissal, but Montoya has been vocal in his opposition of the decision. Elledge had only been atop his pit box for four races, dating back to an earlier crew chief swap that sent Donnie Wingo over to Reed Sorenson's slumping team.(AP/ESPN.com)(5-24-2008) Comment here
Montoya named first-quarter winner of NMPA Pocono Spirit award: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya has been named the first quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association Pocono Spirit Award. Montoya was recognized by NMPA members for the work he and his wife, Connie, do in support ofJuan Pablo Montoya their Formula Smiles Foundation in Colombia. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and a number of NASCAR executives visited Cartagena, Colombia, in March, where they saw one of the sites where Montoya's charity is helping children in need, teaching them sports and providing them with the facilities and resources to develop their learning. As part of NASCAR's support, France presented Montoya and his wife Connie a $25,000 from the NASCAR Foundation, to help the efforts of Formula Smiles. The NMPA Pocono Spirit Award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership. The 2008 overall winner will be announced during the NMPA's annual convention and awards ceremony in January 2009. Also receiving votes in the first quarter were NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Kevin Harvick and Jamie McMurray, Motor Racing Outreach founder Max Helton and longtime NASCAR photographer T. Taylor Warren.(Pocono Raceway)(5-23-2008) Comment here
Crew Chief change at the #42 UPDATE: Been told that Jimmy Elledge has been released as crew chief from the #42 Juan Pablo Montoya Dodge at Chip Ganassi Racing. Brian Pattie will assume the crew chief role for Lowe's Motor Speedway and beyond. No plans on Elledge's plans.(5-20-2008)
UPDATE: Juan Pablo Montoya heads into this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 with his third crew chief in less than a month after Jimmy Elledge was released by Chip Ganassi Racing on Tuesday. And the racer isn't happy about it. Elledge came aboard in late April when Ganassi moved Donnie Wingo, who had guided Montoya's transition from Formula One into NASCAR, to Reed Sorenson's team. Montoya got Elledge and was pleased with the direction his #42 Dodge was headed. But in what Montoya described as a "management decision," Elledge was let go and Brian Pattie was moved from one of the Nationwide Series crews to run Montoya's team. "I wasn't really part of it, so, I am pretty frustrated," Montoya said. "They told me 'We are thinking of getting rid of Jimmy' and I said 'Don't do it.' Next thing I knew, they did. That's what happened. You are going to have to ask somebody else about it, because I wasn't involved in this." Although he didn't think he needed to lose Wingo when that move was made, Montoya said he understood it because he believed Wingo could help Sorenson save his struggling season. And even though the results weren't there yet with Elledge -- they were second in their debut race at Talladega, but struggled in the three after that -- Montoya liked the direction Elledge was taking the team. "We were taking a very different route, and I was willing to see where it led," he said. Montoya said he's spoken several times with Ganassi in the 24 hours since Elledge was let go, and expressed his frustration with the situation. "We talked, and I told him how I felt and that's it really," Montoya said. Montoya said he's got faith in Pattie, "He's a really smart guy," he said, but worries that all the changes over the past month are unsettling to the entire race team. He expects more movement behind the scenes.(ESPN.com)(5-22-2008) Comment here
Big Red back on the #42: Wrigley's Big Red brand will once again adorn the hood of the #42 Dodge Charger that Juan Pablo Montoya will pilot at Darlington Raceway
this weekend. This will be the third race for the Big Red paint scheme this season.(CGRFS) see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(5-7-2008)
The Wrigley Company Agrees to Merger with Mars: The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company announced that it had reached an agreement to merge with Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading confectionery and consumer goods companies. As a result of this transaction, Wrigley will become a private company and part of one of the world's premier family-owned companies. The combined organization will have a product portfolio containing some of the world's most recognizable and well-loved confectionery brands -- including Orbit, Extra, Doublemint, M&M's, Snickers and Mars -- as well as leading food, beverage and pet care brands, totaling over $27 billion in global sales. Mars, Incorporated, will acquire 100% of Wrigley's outstanding shares and all of its outstanding options will be cashed out. The Wrigley Company will operate as a separate, stand-alone subsidiary, keeping its headquarters in Chicago and continuing its civic and philanthropic involvement, both locally and in its communities around the world. Additionally, Bill Wrigley, Jr. will continue serving as the Company's Executive Chairman. The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder approval and certain governmental regulatory clearances. Both parties are committed to working to close the transaction as soon as possible, with the merger expected to be completed within six to twelve months.(MSN Money Central), NO WORD how or if this merger will effect M&M's sponsorship of the #18 Toyota of Kyle Busch and the #42 Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya.(4-29-2008) Comment here
Montoya named to People en Español's 50 Most Beautiful: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya will make his first appearance in People en Español's special-edition magazine as one of its 50 Most Beautiful of 2008. Montoya earned a spot beside singer Christina Aguilera, designer Daisy Fuentes and actor and current participant on "Dancing with the Stars" Christián de la Fuente on the exclusive list. Montoya is one of just four athletes whose photos will appear in the magazine along with NFL quarterback Tony Romo, NHL center
Scott Gómez and basketball player Alexis Castro. Montoya participated in a special photo shoot on location in Miami for the magazine in February before heading out to the NASCAR race at California Speedway. Aside from an interview for the magazine, Montoya made a few wardrobe changes and even spent a few minutes in the make-up chair in preparation for the shoot.(Ganassi Racing)(4-27-2008) Comment here
Juicy Fruit colors for Montoya: The Wrigley's Juicy Fruit brand will adorn the hood of the #42 Dodge this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway with Juan Pablo Montoya.(CGRFS), see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(4-25-2008)
Johnson and Montoya on QVC: Sprint Cup drivers #48-Jimmie Johnson and #42-Juan Pablo Montoya are scheduled to appear live on QVC For Race Fans Only with QVC on-air host and NASCAR enthusiast Dan Hughes, live from Talladega, Ala. For Race Fans Only will be broadcast Friday, April 25, 2008 from 8-10 pm/et.(QVC PR)(4-24-2008) Comment here
#41 and #42 crew chief swap: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced that Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) crew chiefs Donnie Wingo and Jimmy Elledge will change roles, with Wingo assuming duties on the #41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson and Elledge on the #42 Texaco/Havoline/Juicy Fruit Dodge driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, respectively. "I really feel that these changes can be instrumental in moving Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates to the next level," said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. "I have a lot of respect for both Donnie and Jimmy and the jobs that they do and they both agree that this move can be very beneficial to the entire organization. I have said all along that I believe us to be a championship organization and that Felix and I will do whatever we can to make us better. This is toward that end." Wingo will call his first race for the #41 team with Sorenson, and Elledge with the No.42 team and Montoya, following the NSCS off weekend in Round 9 of the season at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27.(Chip Ganassi Racing)(4-15-2008) Comment here
Ganassi promises changes if Cup teams don't improve: Chip Ganassi wasn't pleased with his NASCAR teams long before #40-Dario Franchitti failed to qualify for Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway. Just how unhappy the car owner actually is became clear Saturday when he unleashed a blistering indictment of his team's performance so far this season. "Frankly, there are 46 cars there and if you can't beat three of them, that's pretty pathetic," Ganassi said on Sirius Satellite Radio. "I certainly have all the faith in the world in (Franchitti's) driving abilities. I don't think it's that. The fact of the matter is, we didn't give him a car that was capable of doing it." Although he praised the work Montoya and his # 42 crew has done to rebound from a slow start to the season, Ganassi was particularly upset with the performance of Sorenson's #41 team. The third-year driver has four finishes of 31st or worse."The 41 team, it's the same old things that take them out," he said. "One week its this, the next week it's that, and it's sort of this combination of all of the above. Everybody on the 41 team is going to have to take a good look in the mirror and ask themselves if they are prepared for what's coming down the pike." Ganassi, who was in St. Petersburg, Fla., with his IRL teams, said later Saturday he won't hesitate to make personnel changes if that's what it will take to get his teams turned in the right direction.(Associated Press/CBS Sports)(4-6-2008) Comment here
Juicyfruit on the #42 at Calif: Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Dodge Charger will be carrying the signature yellow of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit brand this weekend at California Speedway. This will be the first of 19 races either Juicy Fruit or Big Red will be the primary sponsor on Montoya's car during the 2008 Sprint Cup season.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), see images on the #42 Team Schemes page.(2-22-2008) Comment here.
Dodge re-ups with Penske and Ganassi: Dodge executives have taken team owners Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi out of the Toyota equation by signing new contracts with the two. That keeps Dodge with a four-team lineup, including Petty Enterprises and Gillett-Evernham. When Toyota first announced its NASCAR plans, there was considerable speculation that both Penske and Ganassi would eventually switch.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2008)
Goodyear to run tire test at Texas this week: Two Sprint Cup teams will conduct a tire test Tuesday and Wednesday at Texas Motor Speedway, a Goodyear spokesman confirmed today. #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and #07-Clint Bowyer will participate in the two-day test. Goodyear wants to come up with a tire that's suitable for the track, where NASCAR"s new car will be raced for the first time this year.(SceneDaily.com)(1-15-2008) Conversation
2007 News
Montoya, Franchitti, Pruett to Run Rolex 24 At Daytona:Defending Grand-Am Rolex 24 At Daytona winners Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced a two-car effort for the Rolex Sports Car Series' 46th running of the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona, featuring eight drivers representing some of the best talent the motor racing world has to offer. Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas will unite for the twice-round-the-clock classic to form the driver lineup in the #01 TELMEX/Target Daytona Prototype, while Team Target IndyCar pilots Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon join Salvador Duran and Alex Lloyd in the #02 Target/TELMEX Daytona Prototype.(CGRFS PR)(12-11-2007)
Montoya wins Raybestos Rookies of the Year Award:
· #42-Juan Pablo Montoya finished his Raybestos Rookie season with one win, three top-five and six top-10 finishes. He was Raybestos Rookie of the Race 16 times in 36 races.
· Montoya scored a 15th-place finish in tonight’s race [at Homestead].
· This is the second Raybestos Rookie of the Year title for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Jamie McMurray claimed top rookie honors in 2003.
· This is the Fourth Raybestos Rookie of the Year title for Montoya’s primary sponsor, Texaco/Havoline. He joins Davey Allison (1987), Kenny Irwin, Jr. (1998) and Jamie McMurray (2003).
· David Ragan was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in tonight’s Ford 400. Ragan scored a 10th-place finish, his third top-10 effort this season.
· Ragan led once for one lap and was the only freshman driver to lead tonight’s race.
(Raybestos PR)(11-18-2007)
Wrigley and Texaco to be co-primary sponsors of the #42: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced that the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and its iconic Wrigley's Brands- Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Winterfresh, Doublemint and Spearmint - will join with 21-year NASCAR sponsor Texaco/Havoline as co-primary sponsors of Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Dodge Avenger for the 2008 Sprint Cup Series. Together, the two companies will combine to be on the car every time Montoya takes to the track in the #42 Dodge in 2008. For every race that Texaco/Havoline is the primary sponsor, Wrigley's will be the associate sponsor on the car and vice versa when Wrigley's is the primary sponsor. The global brands will each hold the primary role in 18 races next season. In addition, Texaco/Havoline and Wrigley's will look to combine forces wherever possible in order to better promote their associations with Montoya, the #42 team and CGRFS.(CGRFS PR)(11-17-2007)
Hmiel to Ganassi: UPDATE: Steve Hmiel has joined Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Hmiel will be responsible for competition management, race preparation, race engineering and testing. John Fernandez remains managing director. Tony Glover will remain as team manager overseeing race weekend activities.(10-26-2007)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced Steve Hmiel, former director of technical operations at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., has accepted a new position with the organization to serve as manager of competition of its Concord racing operation. John Fernandez will continue to manage the long-term strategic direction of the CGRFS race operations while Steve will focus more on the competition management and preparation – including race engineering. Both Hmiel and Fernandez will report directly to Ganassi.(CGRFS PR)(10-26-2007)
No more contracts for Ganassi crews: Car owner Chip Ganassi [#'s 40,41,42] is reshuffling his massive operation for 2008, releasing a number of crewmen and saying he will not be signing any crewmen to contracts anymore.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-22-2007)
Big Red returns with Montonya at Calif: Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Dodge Charger will carry the colors of Wrigley's Big Red for the final time this season at California Speedway. The 500-mile race in Fontana is the third time Montoya's Cup car has carried the Big Red logo, he previously ran this paint scheme at Chicagoland and Watkins Glen.(CGRFS PR), see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(8-29-2007)
Harvick vs. Montoya....still brewing: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and #29-Kevin Harvick were asked to pay a courtesy visit into the NASCAR hauler Friday, to make sure there were no lingering effects between them following last Sunday's contretemps at Watkins Glen. NASCAR's interest may have been piqued by comments made by the two. "He drives like he doesn't know what he's doing, to be honest with you," Harvick opined about JPM. "He goes out, he can run fast but he's all over the place and every week it seems like he runs into a different person."
"You know, I think he's a great guy, he's a great racer and it's a shame the position he's in," Montoya said of Harvick. "I think we're mature enough and big enough being in the sport, I haven't been in this sport long enough but I've been racing all my life and I learned to get over things like this because we're going to meet again and again and again in the race track and it's a lot nicer and better when you have a good relationship."(Ford Racing)(8-18-2007)
No fines planned for Harvick-Montoya: On the first turn after a restart [lap 72 at Watkins Glen on Sunday], #1-Martin Truex Jr. got into the back of #42-Juan Montoya, who climbed the track and got into the side of #29-Kevin Harvick to send both into a spin. As Montoya's car came to a rest, Harvick drove the front of his car to block him from continuing to the garage. Harvick, unaware that Truex instigated the incident, then gave Montoya an inappropriate gesture that Montoya obviously didn't appreciate. The two climbed out of their cars and met on the track, with Montoya grabbing the bottom of Harvick's helmet like a football player would an opponent's face mask. The two then had an in-your-face verbal exchange that continued until Montoya shoved Harvick in the chest. NASCAR officials and Harvick's teammate, #31-Jeff Burton [also involved in the wreck when he couldn't avoid the #42 car], eventually separated the two. "I went to Kevin and said, 'It wasn't my fault. I got hit from behind,'" Montoya said. "He started shouting and grabbing me and I don't appreciate that. I have a little respect for the guy. Well, I used to have a little respect for the guy like that, because he helped me out a lot to start with." For the record, neither is expected to be fined. "I don't think they were fighting," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition. "They were discussing things." Said series director John Darby, "I thought it was cool as hell."(more at ESPN.com)
AND Harvick will not be fined for saying 'kick his a**' as that is a word that is allowed on network TV by the FCC.(8-13-2007)
Big Red scheme for Montoya at Watkins Glen: Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Dodge Avenger in the Nextel Cup Series and his #42 Dodge Charger in the Busch Series will carry the colors of Wrigley's Big Red this weekend at Watkins Glen International. This weekend marks the second time Montoya's Cup car has carried the Big Red logo, he previously ran this paint scheme at Chicagoland. Next weekend the car returns to the black and red of Texaco/Havoline for Michigan. There is one additional race for Big Red, which is Labor Day weekend at California Speedway.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(8-10-2007)
Montoya to appear on ABC's Good Morning America: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and his wife Connie Montoya will be guests on ABC's Good Morning America on Wednesday, August 15 promoting ABC's NASCAR in Primetime Special. The ABC News crew spent weeks with Montoya at the track and obtained minute-by-minute footage of his victory in Sonoma. The program took a glimpse into the lives of several drivers including Montoya and his Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates teammate David Stremme. The show captured his life away from the track, on the golf course and at home in Miami with his wife and children. The six-week, six-episode program premieres Wednesday, August 15 at 10:00pm/et (not 9pm/et) on ABC.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-10-2007)
"NASCAR in Primetime" Premieres Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 10/9c: Stock car racing has its origins in Prohibition-era bootlegging and until recent years was popular mainly with Southern white men. Today, NASCAR casts a far wider net. NASCAR is a multibillion dollar empire built on brilliant marketing, speed and the American dream. It already has a firm hold on the hearts and minds of Americans and now it's fixing its eye on the rest of the world. NASCAR in Primetime is the first time that NASCAR has given any news organization uncensored access to its inner workings. ABC News spent six months following drivers, fans and officials, documenting everything that happened on and off the racetrack. Our cameras saw people and places that NASCAR has never before allowed to be filmed for TV. For the first time, viewers will get an inside look at the real world of NASCAR. The show will air the next five Wednesday's, starting August 15th, at 10:00pm/et on ABC.(ABC)(8-10-2007)
Montoya could make history: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya will look to make Nextel Cup Series history this Sunday at Watkins Glen International by becoming the first driver to win on three different road courses in the same season. So far this year, Montoya won road-course events in the Busch Series (Mexico City) and in the Nextel Cup Series (Infineon), becoming only the third NASCAR driver to ever post two road course wins in different series in the same year. Ernie Irvan in 1992 at Infineon, Nextel Cup Series; Watkins Glen, Busch Series; and Darrell Waltrip in 1986 at Riverside, Nextel Cup Series; Road Atlanta, Busch Series have also accomplished that feat.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-9-2007)
Montoya at Indy historic; going for the double: One way or another, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya will make history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, becoming the first driver to ever compete in the Indianapolis 500, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and an IMS Formula 1 race. The energetic and affable Colombian would also like to become the first driver to win both IndyCar and Nextel Cup races at the Brickyard.(SPEEDtv.com)(7-28-2007)
Lauletta Joins Chip Ganassi Racing as President: Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc. announced that Steve "Jake" Lauletta has been named president of the organization. Lauletta will oversee all aspects of the Chip Ganassi Racing’s business and marketing operations including both its Concord and Indianapolis facilities. Lauletta was formerly the president of Radiate Sports, the sports marketing division of Omnicom’s The Radiate Group. Prior to Radiate, Lauletta enjoyed a successful 11-year career at Miller Brewing Company. He served in a variety of marketing leadership positions with Miller, most recently as director of sports and event marketing.(Chip Ganassi Racing PR)(7-20-2007)
Big Red colors for Montoya at Chicago: Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Dodge Charger will look a little different this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. His Dodge will carry the colors and logo of Wrigley's Big Red gum. It is the first of three races that Montoya will compete in the Big Red car.(CGRFS PR), see an image of the scheme on my #40 Team Schemes page.(7-12-2007)
Dan Wheldon thinking about NASCAR UPDATE denied: Dan Wheldon loves to race, and a visit to NASCAR country with the IndyCar Series only highlights that passion - and makes him think more about moving over to stock cars and getting to do just about all the driving he can handle. 'In my position, you always want to be making yourself better and you always want to be involved in a series that's getting bigger and better,'' he said. "I think everybody knows that I certainly would consider NASCAR. For me, I want to look at the IndyCar Series this year and really consider .. is it going to get a lot bigger than this? Are we going to continue to go to races where we fill the grandstands?"(TSN/AP)(7-1-2007)
UPDATE: team owner Chip Ganassi doesn't foresee open wheel star Dan Wheldon moving to stock cars anytime soon. "I personally don't see it on his radar screen [for] next year," Ganassi told ESPN.com Monday. Ganassi did say he and Wheldon discussed the proposition several months back, but discontinued those talks with the plan to resume them later in the summer. They've yet to do so, Ganassi said. "Having said that, we've had discussions along the lines of 'Hey, let's renew our deal,' and there's some other opportunities within the team for him," Ganassi said. "To be honest, I don't see [NASCAR] as one of the top-five things I'm conversing with him about. I do not consider [a move] imminent." Ganassi said Wheldon's true interest presently is winning a second IndyCar championship. Wheldon won the 2005 crown, then surrendered last season's title to Sam Hornish Jr. by way of a tiebreaker. The drivers finished with an equal number of championship points, but by rule Hornish was awarded the title due to having scored more victories during the year. Wheldon recently expressed interest in NASCAR. In fact, he was especially intrigued by that which deters many open-wheel drivers from jumping to stock cars -- the lengthy schedule.(ESPN.com)(7-3-2007)
Dodge gives away new Avenger after first victory: Dodge made a promise to its drivers back in February that the first win in a
Dodge Avenger would be rewarded with a new 2008 Dodge Avenger passenger car for the driver to donate to their favorite charity. Juan Pablo Montoya collected on that promise today with the first Dodge Avenger victory at Infineon Raceway. Not only did he drive his Dodge Avenger to victory lane, he gets to drive away with one, too.(Clear!Blue PR), no word on what charity, but with his wife Connie, Juan Pablo Montoya has a charity foundation called "Formula Smiles". It is an organization dedicated to help children with no resources.(6-28-2007)
Montoya wins at Sonoma: #42-Juan Pabloe Montoya won the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway for his 1st ever Nextel Cup Series win in his 17th career start. The win adds Montoya to the 2008 All-Star race. Montoya led 7 of the 110 laps and won from the 32nd starting spot, the worst spot ever a driver has won a road course race on either of the current road course tracks:
Infineon Raceway, it was 13th by Davey Allison in 1991
Watkins Glen, it was 18th by Steve Park in 2000
and even at Riverside which NASCAR ran fron 1959-1988, it was 12th by Geoffrey Bodine in 1984
#7-Robby Gordon led the most laps at 48 and finished 16th. Pole sitter, #26-Jamie McMurray led 30 laps, but ran out of gas with 2 laps to do and finished 37th, one lap down. #29-Harvick finished 2nd, followed by #31-Burton, #07-Bowyer [2-3-4 by RCR], #16-Biffle, #20-Stewart, #24-Gordon [after starting 41st], #5-Busch, #60-Said and #11-Hamlin. It was the first win for Dodge in 2007 and since Charlotte in Oct. 2006. #00-P.J. Jones was the highest finishing Toyota at 12th. There were 7 cautions for 14 laps and 8 drivers lead the race with 11 lead changes.
Race Results on my Sonoma Race Results/Awards Page.
Points Standings on my Drivers/Owners Points after Sonoma page
Race Rundown: see my Sonoma Race Info/Rundown Page for my race rundown page, laps led, top 10, race notes, lucky dogs and more.(6-24-2007)
Some first wins since stuff, some ironies: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya's win at Infineon Raceway is the first win for sponsor Texaco since Ricky Rudd won in the #28 RYR Ford...at Infineon Raceway in 2002 and the first win for the 42 number since Joe Nemechek won for Felix Sabates at New Hampshire in 1999, the 68th win for the #42 [8th on the all time list]. In 2000, Kenny Irwin Jr. took over the #42 ride at Sabates Racing and was killed in a practice wreck in July that year at New Hampshire [the site of the next race], the team then switched to #01, which it ran, even after Ganassi bought the majority of the team from Sabates, thru 2001. Then switched the #01 to the #41 when Target came aboard to sponsor the team with driver Jimmy Spencer for the 2002 season. Montoya's win is Ganassi Racing's first Nextel Cup win since Jamie McMurray won at Charlotte in 2002. In 2003, Ganassi started a third team, resurrecting the #42 with Texaco as the sponsor and McMurray as the driver. Texaco had also been Irwin's sponsor when he drove the #28 for RYR in 1998-1999.(6-25-2007)
First foreign born driver to win since 1974: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya of Colombia, is the first driver born outside the United States to win a race in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup series since Canadian Earl Ross triumphed at Martinsville in 1974. The other foreign born driver to win a Cup race is Mario Andretti, born in Italy, won the 1967 Daytona 500.(6-25-2007)
Wins in Multiple Series: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya becomes the third driver to earn victories in F1, NASCAR and Indy cars, joining Mario Andretti and Dan Gurney.(ESPN.com)(6-25-2007)
Ganassi adds name to list of owners interested in Busch: Add Chip Ganassi Racing [#s 40, 41, 42] to the list of teams that are interested in #5-Kyle Busch. Team owner Chip Ganassi said he is interested in talking to the driver. "Who wouldn't be?" Ganassi said when asked if he was interested in pursuing Busch. "A good guy comes along like that, yeah I'm interested." Ganassi said he is not in the position to add a team since the best of his three drivers is #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, who ranks 21st in the points. "Before we can get to a fourth car, we've got to move our three cars up the grid a little bit," Ganassi said.(SceneDaily.com)(6-17-2007)
Ganassi cars to feature Father's Day tribute at MIS: As a tribute to the fathers of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) drivers and dads everywhere, the #40 Coors Light Dodge driven by David Stremme, the #41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson and the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge driven by Juan Pablo Montoya will each feature their father's name above the passenger side window in this weekend's race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS).(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(6-15-2007)
Montoya Commerical to air Monday: Sprint Nextel will debut its first TV commercial with #42-Juan Pablo Montoya on June 18 [Monday]. As the premier sponsor of the Nextel Cup Series, Sprint Nextel brings the sport of NASCAR closer to Hispanic consumers and uses the sport’s intensity to demonstrate the speed of Nextel’s products. Titled “Gotera” (A Water Leak), the 30-second, Spanish-language commercial shows the Colombian-born driver making his pit stop during a race. While his pit crew works on refueling and changing worn tires in less than 15 seconds, Montoya is instantly connected to his wife via a Nextel Walkie-Talkie phone, and helps negotiate the cost for a plumber’s work. It’s the energy and adrenaline of the pit stop, coupled with the speed of the Nextel Walkie-Talkie service which demonstrates that Nextel service is immediate and reliable. Promoted in the TV commercial, the “Viva la Copa Nextel de NASCAR” National Sweepstakes invites consumers to sign up for a chance to meet Montoya.(Business Wire)(6-14-2007)
Sabates to be recognized at college commencement: Felix Sabates Jr., co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS), will be awarded with an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service by The University of North Carolina at Charlotte during its commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 12 at 10:00am/et. Sabates is being recognized for his generous philanthropic contributions, unwavering dedication to the Charlotte community and continual support for UNC Charlotte. He served on the board of directors of The Foundation of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Inc. from 1994-2005. "I have seen this institution grow from Charlotte College to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte," said Sabates. "I am grateful to receive such an honor from such a great university, and it is something I will cherish for the rest of my life." Over the years Sabates has made many philanthropic contributions and has received numerous honors and awards for his charitable efforts. Belmont Abbey College (Belmont, N.C.) has a dining hall named for him and Elon College (Elon, N.C.) awarded him an Honorary Doctorate. He also received a "Special Blessing" in writing from Pope John Paul II.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(5-11-2007)
NASCAR investigates Stewart, Montoya incidents UPDATE: #20-Tony Stewart is not expected to be fined for skipping the post-race press conference last weekend at Phoenix, but #42-Juan Pablo Montoya may be for an obscene gesture made on camera prior to a Busch Series practice. NASCAR officials are reviewing whether to penalize the former Formula One star who made the gesture at a cameraman following him from Nextel Cup qualifying to the Busch garage for practice. According to officials at Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Montoya thought the cameraman was a person who has been shadowing him as part of a documentary for more than a month and that the gesture was all in fun. There is nothing in the NASCAR by-laws differentiating between using an obscene gesture or word in fun or anger. NASCAR officials plan to speak with Stewart and remind him of his post-race responsibilities. Stewart left the Phoenix track without fulfilling his media obligations because he was upset with a second-place finish.(ESPN.com)(4-25-2007)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced today that Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Dodge in the Busch Series, has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 because of an inappropriate gesture made during a practice session this past Thursday at Phoenix International Raceway. Montoya was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(4-25-2007)
Montoya gesture could result in Busch Series penalty: NASCAR will look into whether Juan Pablo Montoya violated any of its rules by using an obscene gesture that was telecast by a Speed in-car camera during the final Busch Series practice Friday, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston confirmed. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver apparently was unaware the camera was being used for live television. NASCAR has fined and penalized drivers for obscene gestures caught on live television in the past.(SceneDaily.com)(4-21-2007)
#42 Dodge to honor legacy of Jackie Robinson:: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that in honor of baseball legend and civil rights leader Jackie Robinson's 60th Anniversary of his debut into Major League Baseball, they will display a small tribute to him on their #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger on Sunday, for the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. On Sunday, April 15, Major League Baseball will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson's entrance into baseball as all players
will honor his legacy on Sunday by wearing a decal featuring his uniform #42 on their helmets. Numerous members of Major League clubs will also wear jerseys bearing #42. The #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge is driven by former CART champion, Indianapolis 500 winner, Monaco Grand Prix winner and winner of seven Formula 1 races, Juan Pablo Montoya.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(4-14-2007)
Raines and Montoya clear the air on wreck: Tony Raines, driver of the #96 DLP HDTV Chevy for Hall of Fame Racing, talked with Juan Pablo Montoya between practice sessions. Raines was looking at a possible top-10 finish at Martinsville until Montoya swerved inside of Raines and sent him into the wall on lap 377 of 500. "I thought we needed to talk about it and find out why it happened to put it behind us so it won't happen again," Raines said. "I shared my point of view and he shared his. I didn't want things to build because sometimes a bunch of little things turns into a big thing." Raines ended up 20th. Montoya was not available for comment.(Dallas Morning News)(4-14-2007)
Sabates leaving in five years: Felix Sabates plans to sell his 20% interest in the Nextel Cup organization he owns with Chip Ganassi in five years. "I'm leaving," Sabates said. "I've told Chip I'm leaving in five years." Sabates got into stock car racing in 1989. He sold 80 percent of the company to Ganassi in 2001. He doesn't want to stay in the sport so long that he can't get over the pit wall by himself. "I'm going to leave at Richmond because Richmond always falls on my birthday," said Sabates, who is 65. "I'm going to walk over and look at Ganassi and say, 'See ya. I'm gone.' And watch it on TV."(ESPN.com)(4-2-2007)
Montoya Speaking Engagement in NYC on Wed and on TV: #42-Juan Montoya be the featured guest for an exclusive one-on-one interview on opening day of the 2007 World Congress of Sports in New York City this Wednesday. One of the largest gatherings of senior executives in sports business, the World Congress of Sports features panel discussion on critical topics with the sports industry's most important leaders. Commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig is the one-on-one guest for the closing day of the event.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
AND Juan Pablo Montoya and the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger will visit the set of ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) Wednesday morning. Montoya and the car will be featured during the 8:30 a.m. segment of the morning show which had almost 5 million viewers last week. Montoya will stop by the set while in New York City for the World Congress of Sports hosted by the Sports Business Journal.(NASCAR)(3-21-2007)
Montoya allowed to test at Darlington Tire test: As if the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. needed any more headaches after 39 spins and accidents last week at Las Vegas, the company got even more criticism this week when Juan Pablo Montoya was allowed to do a tire test at the Darlington Raceway. Goodyear routinely conducts tire tests. It randomly invites drivers, but Montoya was allowed to drive although he wasn't on Goodyear's list. The test at Darlington was important because that race will feature the new Car of Tomorrow. Goodyear invited #24-Jeff Gordon, #22-Dave Blaney, #41-Reed Sorenson and #16-Greg Biffle, but Montoya showed up and was allowed to drive Sorenson's car. Goodyear said Montoya had NASCAR's blessing. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said NASCAR allowed Montoya, a rookie, to drive because he's never been at Darlington. Montoya's appearance at Darlington may prove to be a one-time exception. NASCAR said invited drivers are the only people who will be allowed to test in the future.(Savannah Morning News)(3-18-2007)
Montoya to film safety commercial: In conjunction with NASCAR, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Florida Department of Transportation, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya will be filming a public service announcement
(PSA) for the "Click It or Ticket" campaign designed to promote seat belt safety. The PSA will be filmed in both English and Spanish.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(3-15-2007)
Ganassi to four teams in 2008? Owner Chip Ganassi [#'s 40,41,42] said he would like to expand his Nextel Cup stable to four teams by as early as next season, if he can secure sponsorship. Dan Wheldon, who drives for Ganassi's IndyCar team attended the Daytona 500 and has been fitted for a seat in a Busch car, is intrigued by the possibility. ''It would be perfect, right?'' Wheldon said this week. ``Chip has to let me try the NASCAR first, so I can see if I like that. That would be something I would definitely consider. I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure I can take the [IndyCar] title back from Sam [ Hornish Jr.]. If I do that, and I'm able to win the Indianapolis 500, it would be very hard to say no to a [Cup] opportunity like that. I've got to do that and have that opportunity presented to me before I can make a decision.''(Miami Herald)(2-23-2007)
Montoya on Sirius weekly: Sirius Satellite Radio, has announced that Juan Pablo Montoya, who will drive the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in the Nextel Cup and Busch Series in 2007 for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, will participate weekly in an exclusive interview spot heard only on Sirius Radio. Starting January 29 [at 3:15pm/et], Montoya will be heard every Monday on Sirius Speedway, the exclusive talk show hosted by Dave Moody that airs weekdays (3:00-7:00pm/et) on Sirius NASCAR Radio/ch. 128. Montoya will provide updates on the #42 team and comment weekly on his experiences in NASCAR as he transitions from open-wheel racing to stock car racing.(Sirius Radio PR)(1-29-2007)
Montoya, Pruett win Rolex 24 At Daytona for Ganassi: The finish in the 45th anniversary of the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona came down to a three-car battle on the same lap in the final hours. The #01 Telmax Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley and driver Scott Pruett outlasted the #11 Samax Citgo Pontiac Riley and Patrick Carpentier and the #10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley and Jan Magnussen to win the Rolex 24. It's the second straight victory in the Rolex 24 for owner Chip Ganassi
and the second Rolex 24 victory for Pruett, who won the twice-around-the-clock challenge back in 1994 with Nissan. For Salvador Duran and Juan Pablo Montoya, the other co-drivers on the #01 car, it was their first Rolex 24 triumphs in their first Rolex 24 starts. The #01 car had the third closest Rolex 24 margin of victory - 1 minute, 14.749 seconds - over the #11 car while the #10 SunTrust Pontiac Riley, which battled clutch and brake problems in the final hours, finished third. The winning #01 car turned 668 laps and 2,378 miles on the historic 3.56-mile road course, which is equivalent of a road trip from Daytona Beach to Phoenix, AZ. The #10 car featured the driving lineup of Magnussen, Wayne Taylor, Max Angelelli and three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon. Montoya becomes the first driver since Mario Andretti to win a Rolex 24, a Formula One race, an Indianapolis 500, and a Champ Car/IndyCar Series title. Meanwhile, Gordon, who was joined by fellow NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte, hopes to return again in the future for the Rolex 24.(DIS PR), for news see daytona24hr.com and/or grand-am.com.(1-28-2007)
Wheldon may test for Ganassi at Las Vegas: The 2005 Indy Racing League champion, an Englishman who lives in St. Petersburg [FL], will have his first test in a stock car, perhaps as early as next week in Las Vegas. If all goes well, he said, he might eventually follow [Juan Pablo] Montoya to NASCAR's highest level. "I look to have a good IndyCar season," said Wheldon. "But I definitely want to start looking very seriously at the NASCAR stuff." Wheldon was unable to conduct his first scheduled Busch test last week on the road course at Virginia International Raceway because of rain. He insists he needs to feel he can be as good in stock cars as in Ganassi's open-wheel machines to make a full-time switch.( St.
Petersburg Times)(1-23-2007)
No 2007 Indy 500 for Montoya: New NASCAR driver #42-Juan Pablo Montoya is back with Chip Ganassi's organization, for whom he won the 2000 Indianapolis 500, but that doesn't mean he is likely to return for this year's race. "I want to really focus myself at the moment on stock cars," Montoya said. "If Chip would come and say, 'I want you to do it (Indy 500)' . . . I don't know. Been there, done that."(Indy Star)(1-20-2007)
2006 News
Bobcat's owner blocks Sabates from donating stock in team: A minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats wants to donate his share of the basketball team to a charity, but is being blocked by team managing partner Bob Johnson. Felix Sabates [part owner of Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates #40,#41,#42] wants to give his Bobcats stock, which he values at about $1.34 million, to the foundation that supports Carolinas HealthCare System. The Cuban-born Sabates, also a prominent NASCAR team owner, is a member of the system's board. "I was surprised Bob wouldn't approve this, considering it's a donation," Sabates told the newspaper in an interview Friday. Sabates received a letter from Johnson's attorney, Van Sinclair, on Nov. 29 denying his request to transfer the shares, saying the NBA does not allow not-for-profit or charitable entities to own an interest in its franchises. A subsequent letter from Sabates to the health care system quoted Johnson as saying the NBA had nothing to do with the decision, which was made because Johnson "does not wish to have any charitable organization in partnership with the Charlotte Bobcats."
"I am really surprised at his decision. I thought this would be a great opportunity for the Bobcats to become a real part of this community," Sabates wrote. NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Friday that nothing in the NBA's constitution specifically bars a not-for-profit or charitable organization from owning stock in a team. But, he noted, the league's Board of Governors must approve any ownership change. Sabates' share of the Bobcats is less than 1 percent of the original $300 million franchise fee.(Associated Press)(12-28-2006)
Montoya to race Daytona 24 Hours? The word in America is that Juan Pablo Montoya will exploit his new-found liberty to race with a run in the Daytona 24 Hours at the wheel of one of Chip Ganassi's Riley-Lexus GrandAm sportscars. It is anticipated that Montoya will join Scott Pruett in the CompuUSA-sponsored car. The team is looking for a fulltime team mate for Pruett next year but Montoya is not on the list, having his hands full with NASCAR Busch Series and Nextel Cup events. The one thing that Montoya is not going to get in 2007 is a lot of time off.(GrandPrix.com)(12-6-2006)
Montoya's Cup debut at Homestead? UPDATE 5 yes...but..: Speculation is rampant that Juan Pablo Montoya [who will drive the #42 Dodge in Cup for Ganassi in 2007] may announce today that he'll make his Nextel Cup debut in next Sunday's NASCAR tour finale at Homestead, Fla., down the road from Montoya's Miami home.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-12-2006)
UPDATE: from a Clear!Blue PR asking Ganassi: - WILL MONTOYA ATTEMPT TO QUALIFY FOR NEXT WEEK'S CUP RACE? "We'll see. We're making the decision this week. We'll have our post-race review from this weekend and go from there. If we so decide there is a car entered there."(Clear!Blue PR)(11-12-2006)
UPDATE 2: Car owner Chip Ganassi has entered a Nextel Cup car for Juan Pablo Montoya in next week’s season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but remains undecided as to whether or not Montoya will actually race. Ganassi said Sunday he likes what he’s seen so far of the Colombian in his first venture into NASCAR’s Busch Series.(SpeedTV.com)(11-13-2006)
UPDATE 3: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will enter Juan Pablo Montoya in the Ford 400 qualifying field in the #30 Texaco/Havoline Dodge. It will be his first attempt at making a Nextel Cup starting grid. Montoya will attempt to make his Nextel Cup Series debut by qualifying on Friday for the Ford 400, scheduled for Sunday. Last July,Montoya announced his plans to switch to
NASCAR where he will pilot the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger in 2007 while running for the Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year title, along with an assortment of NASCAR Busch Series races. In doing so, Montoya will become the first Formula 1 regular to ever join the Nextel Cup ranks full time.(HMS PR)(11-14-2006)
UPDATE 4: Chip Ganassi Racing has moved Juan Montoya to the #42 Texaco Dodge for the Nextel Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday. Montoya, who will be making his Cup debut, is now guaranteed a spot in the field based on owner points. Casey Mears will try to qualify Ganassi's #30 Dodge. Mears is leaving the team after the race to join Hendrick Motorsports as driver of the #25 Chevrolet.(NASCAR.com)(11-15-2006)
HOWEVER: PR folks at Ganassi sent out a Mears #42 Pre-Homestead press release and when asked, confirmed Mears would be in the #42 at Homestead and NOT the #30.(11-15-2006)
UPDATE 5: Juan Pablo Montoya will make his Nextel Cup debut in the #30 Texaco/Havoline Dodge this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Montoya, a Miami resident, will compete in both the Busch Series and Nextel Cup races this weekend. Steve Boyer will crew chief the #30 Dodge Charger for Montoya in the Cup Series, while Brad Parrott will continue his role as his Busch Series crew chief. RaceWatch is the fan's resource for the latest news on what's going on within NASCAR. Distributed free to all fans
upon entering each and every Nextel Cup Series event, RaceWatch provides added value to their race-day experience. In its commemorative season-ending issue at Homestead-Miami Speedway, included in RaceWatch will be a miniature #42 Texaco / Havoline Montoya hero card. There will be 42 lucky readers who will find their hero card signed by Montoya. Montoya and his wife Connie will be participating in the NASCAR Foundation Track Walk on Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway at 8:30am/et.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-26-2006)
Wrigley to sponsor Montoya for 3 races in 2007? UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing will announce that the William Wrigley Jr. Co., through its Wrigley gum brand, will be a primary sponsor for three races on the #42 Nextel Cup Dodge [main sponsor Texaco] driven by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2007 and 25 races as an associate sponsor for the #41 Busch Series car driven by Reed Sorenson.(Sporting News)(11-12-2006)
UPDATE: The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company will make its NASCAR debut with a partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix
Sabates (CGRFS) that features Wrigley's Spearmint, Doublemint, Big Red, Juicy Fruit and Winterfresh brands. Wrigley will sponsor rising stars Reed Sorenson and David Stremme, who will drive the #41 Dodge in the first 25 Busch Series races in 2007, and former Indianapolis 500 champion and Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who will drive the #42 Big Red Dodge in three Nextel Cup races for the 2007 NASCAR season. Sorenson and Stremme will alternate as the driver of the #41 car on the first 25 races of the Busch Series. Their car will feature a rotating paint scheme of Wrigley's Spearmint, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, and Winterfresh brands. Wrigley will be an associate sponsor of the car for the remaining 10 races. When Montoya grabs the wheel of the #42 Big Red Dodge for three Nextel Cup races, his car and uniform will feature a bold black-and-red Big Red color scheme. Wrigley, through its Big Red brand, will also be an associate sponsor of the car for the remaining 33 races.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-12-2006)
Chip Ganassi Racing signs Brady Bacon: Open-wheel standout Brady Bacon has signed on to become a part of the Chip Ganassi Racing driver development program. For the remainder of 2006, Bacon will be the feature driver at Keith Kunz Motorsports, filling in for injured teammate and fellow Ganassi prospect Bryan Clauson. The 2006 Southern Midget Racing Series champion, Bacon finished third this past weekend in the USAC National Sprint Car race in what was his first outing at the prestigious Eldora Speedway in Ohio.(Brady Bacon site)(11-10-2006)
Chipganassiracing.Com Expands To Include Spanish Version of Website: Largely due to the addition of Juan Pablo Montoya to Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates' (CGRFS) Nextel Cup Series lineup for 2007, the team announced its official
website www.chipganassiracing.com would expand its online arsenal to include a fully-functioning microsite in Spanish, located at espanol.chipganassiracing.com. Montoya's vast international fan base, in addition to NASCAR's growing fan base worldwide, now has the ability to stay informed on his historic move from Formula One to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series as the pilot of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger next season. Anchored by the CGRFS homepage, which also includes the recently launched online store (store.chipganassiracing.com, future plans for the Spanish site include rolling out additional team content and audio clips specifically catering to the Spanish speaking market.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-31-2006)
Montoya to run remaining 2006 Busch races UPDATE 2: Juan Pablo Montoya most likely will run the remaining three Busch Series races this year, team owner Chip Ganassi confirmed Sunday morning. Ganassi was pleased with Montoya's debut, an 11th-place finish at Memphis Motorsports Park. Whether Montoya, who will run a full season in the #42 Texaco Dodge for Ganassi next year, will make his Cup debut this season remains to be seen, Ganassi said.(SceneDaily.com)(10-29-2006)
UPDATE: NASCAR's John Darby, who watched Montoya in the Memphis race with keen interest, said that Montoya could run in the Nextel Cup season finale at Homestead, too, if Ganassi and Montoya both feel comfortable with that.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-30-2006)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today Juan Pablo Montoya and the #42
Texaco/Havoline NASCAR Busch Series team is scheduled to compete in the final three races of the 2006 Busch Series season, including Texas Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. This upcoming weekend's Busch event at Texas Motor Speedway will be the fourth stock car competition for the Colombian native since he joined the CGRFS organization in late September. The 31-year old driver also participated in his first official NASCAR sanctioned test at Homestead-Miami Speedway last week.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-31-2006)
Montoya Scheduled to Test Nextel Cup Car in Homestead: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today it plans to have Juan Pablo Montoya test one of the team's Nextel Cup Series Dodge Chargers at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS) on Oct. 17-18. The HMS test is the final session of the NASCAR-determined testing schedule for 2006. Montoya's CGRFS teammates #42-Casey Mears (Oct. 16-17), #41-Reed Sorenson (Oct. 16-17) and #40-David Stremme (Oct. 17-18) will also be testing at the 1.5-mile speedway in preparation for the NEXTEL Cup Series season finale on Nov. 19. "I'm excited to get some more laps in the NEXTEL Cup car," said Montoya. "All of my testing so far has been extremely beneficial, but obviously this will be one of the most important as we prepare to compete full time in the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in 2007. This will be my first test with all my teammates present and I look forward to their assistance and feedback."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-12-2006)
Montoya to Compete in ARCA Event at Iowa Speedway: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today Juan Pablo Montoya will continue his stock car education next weekend in the ARCA RE/MAX Series event at the Rusty Wallace designed and owned Iowa Speedway. Montoya will pilot the #4 Texaco/Havoline Dodge for his second start in a stock car. "Iowa Speedway is a tough track and will be a real test for me," said Montoya. "The hardest thing for me during the test session last week was the braking. I got up to speed pretty quick, but I wasn't racing with anyone else. I'm looking forward to the short track experience, especially at such a great facility. Rusty (Wallace) built a great race track." Montoya made his stock car debut on Friday in the ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway. He started on the outside pole before taking the checkered flag in the third position. Montoya and the Texaco/Havoline team also tested at Iowa Speedway last week as part of his preparation to take over the driving duties of the #42 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in 2007. The Prairie Meadows 250 is scheduled to begin at 2:30pm/et on Sunday, October 15 and will air live on Speed Channel.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-8-2006)
Montoya finishes 3rd in Stock Car debut at Talladega: Juan Pablo Montoya put on a show in his first stock-car race, leading the first nine laps, making a sterling save to avoid a spin and rallying from 36th in the final 40 laps to finish third. Frank Kimmel triumphed in a race shortened 13 laps by darkness, but Montoya scored a valuable and successful lesson in the first major test of his much-anticipated transition from Formula One to NASCAR. The Colombian will start racing in the Nextel Cup Series full time next season for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates [#42 Texaco Dodge], and the Daytona 500 will mark his next start in a restrictor-plate race akin to those at Talladega. "I think what I learned today is nice," Montoya said. "It's definitely necessary to come here. You've got to live it and experience it. All the Cup guys are here, and they can see this. It's all about getting experience and playing smart. If you don't bring the car home, it doesn't matter. You have to be at the right place at the right time." The 31-year-old acquitted himself well in the 2.66-mile superspeedway's finicky draft, where choosing the wrong lane or making a rash move can result in the loss of several positions. He swung past polesitter Bobby Gerhart and into the lead out of Turn 2 on the first lap and fended off several challenges in the opening laps.(USA Today, also see more on the ARCAracing.com site)(10-7-2006)
Gerhart wins ARCA Pole; Montoya on outside pole: Driving a car he had never raced before, Bobby Gerhart turned in a qualifying lap of 189.485 mph Thursday, giving him the pole position for Friday's running of the Food World 250 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Gerhart also sat on the pole at Talladega in 2001, and he went on to win that race. Joining Gerhart on the front row will be Formula One star #4-Juan Montoya, who turned in a fast lap of 189.451 mph. Matt Hagans qualified third at 189.204, followed by ARCA points leader Frank Kimmel (188.252), A.J. Henriksen (188.097), Billy Venturini (187.875), Mike Wallace (187.783), Kelly Bires (187.544), Brett Rowe (187.298) and Justin South (187.013). The race starts at 5:30pm/et and will be televised on SPEED at 8:00pm/et.(TSS Site)(10-6-2006)
Tennis accident key to Montoya exit? Juan Pablo Montoya's shock decision to turn his back on Formula One for NASCAR can be traced back to an off-track accident last year, McLaren team boss Ron Dennis said on Sunday. "The accident that damaged his shoulder was very counter-productive, it took that year out of play," he told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix.
"That created some tensions, but not tensions that anyone created other than the circumstances that existed as a result of that."
Colombian Montoya missed two races in the early part of last season after fracturing his shoulder, officially while working out with a game of tennis, although there was strong speculation in the paddock that he had fallen off a motocross bike. He returned in pain at the Spanish Grand Prix but the championship was already turning into a straight fight between his Finnish team mate Kimi Raikkonen and Renault's Fernando Alonso. Although Montoya won three races last year, Raikkonen won seven, the same number as Alonso who was then signed as a McLaren driver from 2007 before the start of the new season.(Reuters)(10-1-2006)
Montoya to test at Kentucky Oct 3-4: Chip Ganassi Racing's Juan Pablo Montoya will prepare for his Oct. 6 ARCA RE/MAX Series debut with a two-day test at Kentucky Speedway Oct. 3-4. He will be joined Oct. 3 by new Brewco Motorsports
NASCAR Busch Series driver Casey Atwood in the #27 Kleenex Ford and five-time NASCAR Elite Division Kentucky Speedway race winner Jeff Fultz, who will practice in a #72 CJM Racing machine. Fultz also is scheduled to test Oct. 4. Fans will be able to view testing for free from the designated area outside the speedway Fan Center off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Rte. 35.(9-30-2006)
Montoya tests at Iowa: Juan Pablo Montoya's crew took about 45 minutes to become acclimated at Iowa Speedway on Friday morning. Montoya needed far less time to adapt. Turing laps in a stock car for only the second time since announcing his move to NASCAR, the former Formula One and Indianapolis 500 winner posted impressive speeds during an ARCA Series test on the 0.875-mile track. Montoya ranked third of 18 drivers with a 99.713-mph lap in the morning. After an hourlong break for lunch, he was third fastest in a four-hour afternoon session at 102.727 mph. Former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace, who retired from the Cup series in 2005, and Blake Bjorklund led the session at 103.294 mph. Montoya, who missed most of the first hour of practice while his team fixed a mechanical problem on the car, was surprised by the pace of his learning curve. He tested Monday at Talladega Superspeedway, a 2.66-mile oval where a driver has much less input on speeds. Wallace, who designed the speedway that sits among cornfields about 40 miles east of Des Moines, was impressed by Montoya and hopes he returns to Iowa Speedway for its ARCA race on Oct. 15. "To come right out of the box and be right up to speed, there's no doubt in my mind that Ganassi made the right decision, and you made the right decision to come to NASCAR," Wallace told Montoya during a break from testing a Rusty Wallace Inc. car as a substitute for his youngest son, Stephen, who was practicing a Busch Series car at Kansas Speedway on Friday. "The fans here really love you, and you have been the buzz around NASCAR. I know it'll be a winning team. There's no concerns in my mind about that." Montoya will make his first start in a stock car in the ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6. The treacherous 2.66-mile oval also will mark his first experience with racing in traffic. Brad Parrott, who will serve as Montoya's crew chief for the rest of the season, said the Talladega race would be an important step in Montoya's development. It's expected Montoya will spend as much time as possible in a car through the final two months of the season, racing in the ARCA and Busch series and possibly attempting to qualify for the Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 19.(full story at USA Today)(9-30-2006)
Montoya to make stock car debut in Talladega ARCA race: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the #4 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in the ARCA/REMAX Series event on Friday, October
6 at Talladega Superspeedway. Montoya and the CGRFS team tested at Talladega earlier this week in preparation for the ARCA event, as well as his first start in a stock car. In July CGRFS announced that Montoya would be piloting the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger in the Nextel Cup Series in 2007. The 31-year-old Colombia, South America native will become the first Formula One driver in the 58-year history of NASCAR to compete on the circuit full time. He returns to the CGRFS organization with 137 starts competing in CART, IndyCar and Formula One, where he's tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes. Over his five complete
seasons in Formula One, Montoya has finished sixth or better in the standings. Montoya previously worked with team owner Chip Ganassi in the CART Series in 1999 and 2000. He captured the CART Championship and Rookie of the Year honors in 1999 while visiting Victory Lane 11 times in those two years, including a win at the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 2000. The Food World 250 is scheduled to start at 4:30pm and will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on Speed Channel.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-28-2006)
Montoya to test Friday at Iowa: Former Formula One star Juan Pablo Montoya of Chip Ganassi Racing will test a stock car Friday at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Heather Kincel, a public relations contact with Ganassi's organization, confirmed today.
Montoya, who signed with Ganassi to drive in NASCAR next season, tested Monday at Talladega Superspeedway. Montoya, who won the 2000 Indianapolis 500 driving for Ganassi, could run ARCA RE/MAX Series, NASCAR Busch and Nextel Cup Series races before the end of this season, according to an Associated Press article. "I'm 100 percent committed to this," Montoya said in the article.
ARCA's season finale is Oct. 15 at Iowa Speedway and will be broadcast live on Speed Channel.(Des Moines Register)(9-27-2006)
No Montoya in Kansas Busch race: Hopes that Juan Pablo Montoya would begin his stock-car racing career at Kansas Speedway have apparently ended. There just wasn’t enough time to get Montoya, who has been driving Formula One cars since leaving the CART series in 2001, ready for the coming weekend of racing at Kansas. Montoya spent Monday testing ARCA cars for team owner Chip Ganassi at Talladega Superspeedway. He will also practice in ARCA cars Friday at the new Iowa Speedway, which means he will not be able to participate in Busch series practice at Kansas that day.(Kansas City Star)(9-26-2006)
Montoya ready to test Cup cars? UPDATE 3 Tests at Talladega; what's next?: A deal has been struck that will allow Juan Pablo Montoya to begin testing with Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates' NASCAR operation, possibly as soon as next week, Yahoo! Sports has learned. Montoya has been unable to practice in a stock car due to a contractual issue with his soon-to-be former employer McLaren-Mercedes F1. An agreement releasing Montoya from his contractual obligations to his F1 team is necessary before he can begin testing with Ganassi. That agreement has been reached, according to a source within the Ganassi organization. Details of the agreement have not been disclosed, though an announcement is expected soon. Ganassi/Sabates officials want the former F1 and Indy 500 winner behind the wheel of one of their cars as soon as possible in order to prepare for his entrance into Nextel Cup next season. Tentative plans have Montoya running at least four races and as many as nine before the end of the season, including the Busch Series races at Texas, Phoenix and Homestead-Miami and the Cup finale at Homestead – all markets with large Latino populations. Montoya also might run the ARCA race at Talladega in October, which would give the Colombian experience on a restrictor plate superspeedway.(Yahoo Sports)(9-22-2006)
UPDATE: Juan Montoya will get his first taste of stock car racing Monday at Talladega, Ala. and Chip Ganassi plans to run his open-wheel star in a few races before the 2006 season is over. “Yes, Juan has been set free,” said Ganassi on Saturday night when asked if the 1999 CART champion had worked out his contract issues with Team McLaren. “And we’re going to get with a pretty heavy testing schedule real quick starting with an ARCA car on Monday at Talladega.” Asked if the 30-year-old Colombian would do any racing, Ganassi replied, “Absolutely, A-B-C.” That reference was to ARCA, Busch and Nextel Cup – Ganassi fields teams in all three series. Montoya, who shocked the racing world July by announcing he was leaving Formula 1 for NASCAR, was being blocked from changing careers until he settled his contract with McLaren, which was paying him through December.(Speed Channel)(9-24-2006)
UPDATE 2: Montoya could be in a NASCAR event as soon as next weekend's Busch Series race at Kansas Speedway. Montoya, who was released from his Formula One contract earlier this week, will test an ARCA car for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates on Monday at Talladega. He also will test an ARCA car in Iowa on Thursday. Ganassi plans to get Montoya into an ARCA or Busch Series race as soon as possible, and hopefully at least one Cup race before the end of the season.(NASCAR.com)(9-25-2006)
UPDATE 3: The process of transforming Juan Pablo Montoya from a top-flight Formula One driver into a NASCAR regular began Monday as the South American driver participated in an ARCA test session at Talladega Superspeedway. Montoya ran laps in a Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge Charger as Ganassi, crew chief Donnie Wingo and much of the Ganassi hierarchy looked on. Although official speeds were not released [see speeds link at end of this post], team members said Montoya ran laps in the 187-mile-per-hour range. "I went out on the track for the first time, and it was like, 'Oh, my God,'" Montoya said. "I went into [Turn] 3 and 4 and started to lift, but I said, 'Oh, let's just try it.' I went into 1 pretty fast. They told me running flat [full speed around the track] here was easy. I did it, and it felt pretty quick. The car moves around a lot more than I'm used to, but I'm getting there. It will take some time." Unless Ganassi's plans change, Montoya will make his stock-car-racing debut in the Food World 250 ARCA race here Oct. 6. He is scheduled to run the full Nextel Cup series next season. Monday's laps were Montoya's first in a full-bodied NASCAR-style stock car, although he raced 12 years ago in Trans-Am-type cars in his native Colombia.(SceneDaily.com)
AND Montoya made his first test run as a stock car racer Monday at Talladega, beginning his transition from open wheel racing star to NASCAR neophyte. Montoya ran the Superspeedway in an ARCA Car for Chip Ganassi Racing, with whom he won the 2000 Indy 500 in his first try. Ganassi said he plans for Montoya to log as many miles as possible this season. He has also said he wants Montoya to run in ARCA, Busch and Nextel Cup races by the end of the season, but said Monday he didn't know yet where his first race would be. The Talladega ARCA race is Oct. 6.(Associated Press) and see the ARCA Speeds run by 31 drivers Monday at RacingOne, Mark Mitchell was the fastest at 187.768mph, Steve Wallace was 5th and Juan Pablo Montoya was 6th at 186.667mph.(9-26-2006)
Ganassi waiting on Montoya: Chip Ganassi Racing officials are still waiting anxiously for Juan Pablo Montoya to get in one of their race cars, according to this week's NASCAR Scene. Montoya still has not gotten out of his Formula One contract. He was replaced after announcing in July that he will drive the #42 Ganassi Dodge in Nextel Cup Series beginning next season but is not allowed to even test a Cup car until the F1 season ends Oct. 22. Once he is allowed to test, Montoya could possibly race in Busch and Nextel Cup before the 2006 season ends, Ganassi Managing Director John Fernandez said Sept. 9. After the F1 season ends, there are four race weekends where Montoya could race: Atlanta (Cup) and Memphis (Busch) Oct. 28-29; Texas Nov. 4-5; Phoenix Nov. 11-12; and Homestead Nov. 18-19. If Montoya were to become available earlier, Fernandez said he would entertain running him in ARCA races Oct. 6 at Talladega and Oct. 15 at Iowa Speedway. Which races Montoya will do depends on how he feels during the tests. "We want to make sure that he's ready, so we want to make sure that he progresses at the rate he wants to progress at," Fernandez said. "He's a veteran driver, and he will tell us when he is ready to step up from ARCA to Busch and Busch to Cup."
Fernandez said pulling Casey Mears out of the #42 car early for Montoya is unlikely. Mears is headed to [#25] Hendrick Motorsports next year. "We would probably run a fourth team," Fernandez said. "Casey has done a great job for us. We're hoping to get him a win before he leaves."(SceneDaily.com)(9-13-2006)
Congrats: Juan Pablo Montoya became a father for the second time this morning. Montoya's wife Connie gave birth to their second child, Paulina, in Miami. Paulina was born in Florida at around 9:00am, and both mother and daughter are reported to be in good health and spirits. Montoya, who has spent time between the US and Colombia since he left the McLaren team, became a father for the first time in April last year, to son Sebastien.(Autosport.com)(9-13-2006)
Ganassi Racing Hires new VP of Business Development: Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc., announced the hiring of Chris Weiller as Vice President of Business Development. Weiller will be based out of the team's Concord, N.C. race shop and will be responsible for creating and implementing new business and marketing opportunities for the team and its drivers across NASCAR, the Indy Racing League and the Grand Am series. Weiller joins Chip Ganassi Racing from the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats where he served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-7-2006)
Montoya can get out of F1 contact..if: McLaren boss Ron Dennis says Juan Pablo Montoya can be freed of his contractual obligations to the Woking team – provided he is willing to forego the remainder of his salary. The Colombian abruptly split with McLaren last month, two days after sensationally announcing that he would be leaving Formula 1 for the American NASCAR series in 2007. Since then his future employers, #42-Chip Ganassi Racing and manufacturer Dodge, have made little secret of their desire for Montoya to begin his stock car apprenticeship as soon as possible.(itv.com/f1)(8-27-2006)
Dodge working on Montoya's release: Dodge Director of SRT and Motorsports Marketing Mike Accavitti said today that the manufacturer is still trying to free up Juan Pablo Montoya from his contract with the McLaren-Mercedes Formula One team so Montoya can begin driving stock cars. The F1 season ends October 22, and even though McLaren replaced Montoya soon after he announced he would join Chip Ganassi Racing in 2007, Montoya, who will replace Casey Mears in the #42 car, is still prohibited to drive stock cars.(SceneDaily.com)(8-21-2006)
Montoya's first test could be at Lakeland: Team owner Chip Ganassi said former Formula One driver and Champ Car champion Juan Pablo Montoya, once he is contractually free, will make one of his first stock car tests at USA Speedway in Lakeland before a scheduled Nextel Cup campaign in 2007. Montoya is under contract with the McLaren F1 team, though he has been replaced as driver. "If he's made available, I'm sure it'll be at Lakeland," Ganassi said. Ganassi said he also expects to see defending Indy Racing League champion Dan Wheldon test a Nextel Cup car after his season ends Sept. 10. "We haven't formally talked about it, but we both know it's coming, so that's good," he said.(St Petersburg Times)(8-5-2006)
Dodge's Fernandez to Ganassi? UPDATE 2: Hearing that Dodge Motorsports Director, John Fernandez, will assume the General Managers position at Chip Ganassi Racing on July 1st. Fernandez would replace Andy Graves, who stepped down a few months ago.(6-19-2006)
UPDATE: 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.(Speed Channel)(6-24-2006)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced Friday John Fernandez, former Director of Dodge
Motorsports, has accepted a new position with the organization to serve as Managing Director of its Concord racing operation. "John has been involved in racing for a long time as an engineer with Dodge and as head of its racing programs," said Chip Ganassi. "I am
very excited to add someone to the team that has so much experience in a number of different areas. He brings so much to the table."
Fernandez will manage all aspects of the organization's racing operation in North Carolina, including overseeing all four teams, as well as the engine, fabrication and paint shops. Fernandez' move to CGRFS follows a long career with the DaimlerChrysler Corporation, where he served for 35 years.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-4-2006)
Bully Hill Vineyards interested in sponsor Montoya in Busch race at Watkins Glen UPDATE 2: Watkins Glen International has partnered with Bully Hill Vineyards to work on a potential sponsorship opportunity for Chip Ganassi Racing driver Juan Pablo Montoya for the upcoming Zippo 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on August 12. "When the announcement was made regarding Montoya's involvement with NASCAR we thought; what better place for him to race, than right here at The Glen," stated Craig Rust, President of Watkins Glen International. "We hope Juan Pablo makes his NASCAR debut here in 2006 and is able to take advantage of Bully Hill's generous offer."
"Juan Pablo Montoya is an iconic figure, and his entry into NASCAR will undoubtedly have a tremendous impact on the sport," comments Lillian Taylor, owner of Bully Hill Vineyards. "We would be proud to have him represent our winery at The Glen." Although an announcement regarding Montoya's NASCAR debut has not been made, Watkins Glen International has been contacted by members of the Columbian press for media credentials anticipating a possible track debut at The Glen. Montoya's history at The Soul of American Road Racing includes a 6th place finish in the open-wheel cockpit of a Barber SAAB Pro Series race in 1994. During the 15 lap Skip Barber support race, he reached speeds of 103.751 mph driving for Nectar/Autoniza/Avianca Airline.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-19-2006)
UPDATE: From Ganassi Racing: "Nothing has changed for us. As far as Juan Pablo, we don't know what the timeline is for his debut in a stock car. We hope that over the next few weeks the dust will settle and we will have a much clearer picture as to how this will all play out. The one thing that I can tell you for sure is that Juan Pablo Montoya will be in the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in 2007."
AND Being a Champ Car, Indianapolis 500 and Monaco Grand Prix champion isn't enough to ensure Juan Pablo Montoya of a Nextel Cup license, NASCAR officials hinted this Wednesday. Speaking to NASCAR's official website, the sanctioning body's VP of competition, Robin Pemberton, recommended that the 30-year old Colombian, recently signed to drive Chip Ganassi's #42 Dodge next year, start out in the Busch Series before dipping his toes in Cup waters - at least as far as ovals are concerned. "We would recommend that [Montoya and Ganassi get a couple of Busch races under their belt and get the dynamics of full-body, side-by-side racing and the problems that may arise on pit road at different places," he said. Ganassi himself isn't bothered by the demand, as that was his plan for the Colombian anyway.(SpeedTV.com)(7-20-2006)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates confirmed that Juan Pablo Montoya will not be driving a Dodge festooned in Bully Hill Vineyards colors at Watkins Glen Inter-national, but it isn't out of the question for the international star driver's Nextel Cup Series debut to happen at The Glen. “(Ganassi) said he's already set up with his sponsor commitments, but he didn't say anything about (Montoya) debuting here,” said Eiron Smith, WGI's press liaison. “He appreciated it, but wasn't interested.” Officials from WGI released a statement Tuesday that revealed a pitch made to Ganassi's Nextel Cup operation from Bully Hill Vineyards owner Lillian Taylor. Taylor expressed interest in sponsoring a car driven by Montoya if the Colombian driving star made his stock car debut at The Glen. However, Ganassi has contracts with companies Chevron Corp., Dayton Hudson Corp. and Molson Coors Brewing Co. - to name a few - and told the WGI marketing staff “thanks, but no thanks.”
“She would have love to be on the hood of (Montoya's) car,” Smith said of Taylor. “She had high hopes, and we were working as liaison, but it didn't happen. Its disappointing we couldn't confirm (Montoya) would be in a car, but he could still race, (Ganassi) still hasn't released where or when Juan Pablo would make his debut, but I hope its here. It would be awesome.”(The Corning Leader)(7-21-2006)
Montoya Schedule? BUT: no word when Juan Pablo Montoya will run his first race [Watkins Glen? MIS? Calif] but been told he will run in a combined 22 events, scattered thruout Nextel Cup, Busch and ARCA.
BUT: McLaren boss Ron Dennis has made it very clear that Juan Pablo Montoya will not be able to drive a Dodge Nextel Cup car for Chip Ganassi until the end of his contract at the end of the year – unless a financial deal of some kind is made in the interim. There is a DaimlerChrysler link between the two camps, but that does not seem to have helped smooth the waters. “He is a contracted McLaren driver and it 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 Friday at the French Grand Prix. He added that Montoya would not be allowed to test for Ganassi this year, and that the contract extended beyond the end of the racing season. “There is a conflict of sponsors, advertising campaigns and a whole raft or reasons why that is not a practical proposition.”(Speed Channel site)(7-14-2006)
Montoya could debut at Michigan or Calif in a stock car UPDATE: 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. Bill Janitz, MIS public relations director, confirmed contact with Chip Ganassi Racing. "We would be proud to welcome back an MIS champion in August, perhaps in an ARCA or Busch race, or both," Janitz said. Montoya is booked to drive the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge, which Casey Mears will vacate, in 2007. As a NASCAR rookie, Montoya may need to have gained superspeedway stock car experience before he would likely be allowed to start in the Daytona 500, the first race of the series next season. He could do that at MIS Aug. 18-19, or at California in September or Talladega in October. "Michigan is big, fast and wide," Janitz said. "It would make a lot of sense for Montoya to race here next month. He knows the track and he's a winner at MIS."(Detroit Free Press)
UPDATE: Juan Pablo Montoya is no longer competing in Formula One, but when he will start driving in NASCAR for Chip Ganassi Racing is still to be determined. Team owner Chip Ganassi said Wednesday he has not received the details of Montoya's release from his McLaren-Mercedes ride in F1, and he does not know when the 30-year-old Colombia will be allowed to test and/or race. The owner said he hoped to have Montoya in a car by the middle of August.(SceneDaily.com)(7-12-006)
Could Montoya be dropped from F-1 ride? UPDATE 3 released from F-1 ride: The Spanish TV station Tele 5, which broadcasts F1 races is reporting that Juan Pablo Montoya may be dropped by McLaren and replaced for the rest of the year by Pedro de la Rosa. There is a certain amount of logic in all of this as Montoya wants to start preparations to go into NASCAR as soon as he can. The key point in all this is that McLaren is partially-owned by DaimlerChrysler and Montoya will be driving next year in a Dodge, an American brand also owned by DaimlerChrysler. Thus it makes sense for let Montoya get on with his new project and not force him to stay on racing in a series where he has no future and little to gain. All that is really needed is some kind of a financial settlement. De la Rosa should be able to score points, as he did when Montoya was out with injury last year, and he is sure to be highly motivated as he wants to convince the team that he is the best man to be Fernando Alonso's team mate next year.(grandprix.com)(7-10-2006)
UPDATE: Juan Pablo Montoya’s Formula 1 career may be over sooner than anybody thought after McLaren announced on Tuesday morning that the Colombian will play no further part in the 2006 season. The team issued a statement saying that test driver Pedro de la Rosa will take Montoya’s place in the second race seat alongside Kimi Raikkonen with immediate effect, starting from this weekend’s French Grand Prix. McLaren said Montoya’s departure was by mutual agreement to enable him to adjust to his new life in NASCAR.(itv-f1.com)
UPDATE 2: 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. "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's second child (due in September) – to begin testing immediately with his new NASCAR team. "We believe that Juan Pablo's decision to move to NASCAR is very important for him professionally and we will give him every support to ensure that it is a successful transition," said Norbert Haug, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport vice president.(Yahoo Sports)
UPDATE 3: Chip Ganassi, the team owner who signed Montoya to the NASCAR deal, told The Associated Press on Tuesday he does not yet know the details of the driver's release from McLaren. "But if Juan is available earlier than we expected, our program for him will definitely get an early start," Ganassi said. In making the announcement Sunday, Ganassi said that Montoya would likely make a few starts in the Busch Series after the F1 season ends in October. Asked Tuesday if the possibility of having Montoya in NASCAR earlier than expected means he also could run a few Nextel Cup events this year, Ganassi said, "It's certainly possible, but that's about the third or fourth step in this whole situation. We need to know all the details first before we start making plans."(ESPN.com/AP)(7-11-2006)
Montoya to NASCAR? #42? UPDATE: Another big F1 name which very recently surfaced in regard to a possible American move is former open wheel champion and Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya, who likely is losing his F1 ride with the Mercedes-McLaren team at the end of this season. In the past few weeks, Montoya's name has been linked to his old boss, Chip Ganassi, who last month told Autosport magazine, "I'd love to have Montoya back. I'd take him in a second," a comment which many had interpreted as having the Colombian take a seat in one of Ganassi's IRL cars. However, according to sources close to Montoya, what the 31-year-old former CART champion really is interested in is Ganassi's soon-to-be vacant #42 Nextel Cup car. Despite never having competed in a Cup car, Montoya did spend some time behind the wheel of Jeff Gordon's Monte Carlo in June 2003. Most observers agree that Montoya did a fine job his first time in a stock car, although he did misjudge the braking power of the much-heavier stock car and overshot the first turn. He went on to run six laps at full speed. Last weekend at the U.S. Grand Prix, Montoya was part of a press conference with DaimlerChrysler chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche [Ask Dr Z], his current boss Ron Dennis and NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, who helped usher Dodge back into NASCAR. DaimlerChrysler is the manufacturer of both the Dodge and Mercedes Benz brands, and Ganassi, of course, runs Dodges in Nextel Cup. Although staged during the F1 race weekend, the press event was designed to reaffirm DaimlerChrysler's commitment to motorsports and specifically to NASCAR, which it recently has been rumored to be leaving. However, it also provided an excellent opportunity for Montoya to be reintroduced to the American press and linked to NASCAR, as well as to be embraced by DaimlerChrysler's top execs. They see Montoya as a strong link between their company and the Latino audience, especially in regard to a series like Nextel Cup. Should Montoya take up residence with Ganassi's NASCAR team, he would replace another former open wheel racer in Casey Mears, who heads to Hendrick Motorsports next season.(in part from Yahoo Sports)
MORE: been told that Montoya has been signed by Ganassi to take over the #42 Dodge in 2007 and will run a few Busch Series races this year.
UPDATE: Juan Pablo Montoya is leaving the elite Formula One series at the end of the season, bringing star power and international appeal to NASCAR. The Colombian driver will reunite with team owner Chip Ganassi, with whom he had considerable success in Indy-style racing before moving up to Formula One in 2001. Montoya joined Ganassi at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday morning, meeting with his new crew members and attending a closed-door meeting with NASCAR president Mike Helton and other series officials. Ganassi said Montoya will drive the #42 car full-time next season, but may enter selected Busch Series this year after he finishes the F1 season with the McLaren-Mercedes team. Montoya, who won a CART series championship in 1999 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2000 with Ganassi, will replace Casey Mears, who will drive for Hendrick Motorsports next season.(Associated Press)(7-9-2006)
Marco Andretti to Ganassi...in Cup? UPDATE Denied: not much to report...but on the Fox Sports pre-race show at Sonoma, it was just mentioned in their news of the week, IRL driver Marco Andretti could be headed to Ganassi Racing as the driver of one of the three cars?(6-25-2006)
UPDATE - Denied: Indy Racing League rookie Marco Andretti will be in Kansas City, Kan., this weekend, but he's not going to NASCAR. As he prepared to head for Kansas Speedway for Sunday's Kansas Lottery Indy 300, the 19-year-old third-generation racer seemed truly puzzled when queried about driving NASCAR stock cars in his future. Several print media reports and FOX-TV commentators, during the pre-race segment of last Sunday's telecast from Sonoma, Calif., had Marco being a candidate to join Chip Ganassi's Nextel Cup team. "Absolutely not. No way. No talk about NASCAR with anyone," the youngest Andretti said. "I don't know where that rumor started, but that's a part of our sport." Andretti insisted it was news to him when he received a recent call from his cousin, John Andretti, a NASCAR veteran currently racing in the Busch Series. "Man, you're actually the third person who told me -- next to John," Andretti said Wednesday. "He called me and said, 'Man, why don't you tell me these things?' I told him he just told me for the first time." Marco is a rookie Indy car driver under contract to his father's Andretti Green Racing organization. "Man 19 years old I'm just happy to be where I am. I'm definitely loving to be where I am here at AGR for the next three years," Andretti said.(Express Times)(7-2-2006)
Pruett not thinking about 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. 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." The three-car Ganassi Cup team has two rookies — Reed Sorenson and David Stremme — in its stable. Mears, 28, signed two weeks ago to run with Hendrick Motorsports in 2007, leaving a hole to fill. "Right now everybody's being considered," Ganassi said. "There are a lot of good drivers out there, good people, and we're going to give it a shot, pick the best driver and go with it."(USA Today)(6-29-2006)
OFFICIAL - Mears to Hendrick #25 team in 2007: Car owner Rick Hendrick today announced the signing of driver Casey Mears to pilot Hendrick Motorsports' #25 Chevys in the Nextel Cup Series beginning in 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Mears, 28, inked a multi-year agreement that will keep him with the team through at least the 2009 racing season. He will replace Brian Vickers, who is slated to complete the current schedule after being granted a release from contractual obligations to Hendrick Motorsports beyond 2006. "Casey is a talented driver and a high-character person who is going to be a great fit with our organization," Hendrick said. "He has the ability to win races and ultimately contend for championships, so we're thrilled to welcome him to Hendrick Motorsports." In the midst of his fourth full season, Mears has posted two pole positions, five top-five finishes and 21 top-10s on the NEXTEL Cup circuit. The Bakersfield, Calif., native kicked off the 2006 campaign with a career-best second-place performance in the Feb. 19 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, where on Jan. 29 he became the first full-time NASCAR driver to be part of a winning Grand American Rolex 24 team. "I'm committed to winning races and going after championships with the No. 25 team," said Mears, the son of legendary off-road racer Roger Mears and nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Rick Mears. "This is an opportunity for me to work with close friends and start fresh with one of the top organizations in all of sports. It's an exciting situation for me, both personally and professionally."(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(6-14-2006)
Wheldon to Ganassi Cup team? UPDATE 2: ESPN's Mike Massaro reported on ESPNEWS Monday Night NASCAR the time could be right for Dan Wheldon, Ganassi's IRL Driver, to move to a Chip Ganassi Racing Cup team in 2007, since the team will have an open seat with Casey Mears leaving the #42 team.(6-13-2006)
UPDATE: According to an official at Chip Ganassi racing :”There is no truth to the Wheldon story.”(CupSceneDaily.com)(6-13-2006)
UPDATE 2: Dan Wheldon wouldn't comment directly about reports he would be switching to NASCAR next season, but did say he would consider driving stock cars sometime in the future. Wheldon, the 2005 Indianapolis 500 champion, spoke to reporters Tuesday during IndyCar testing at Kanasas Speedway. "It's certainly something that intrigues me," said Wheldon. "Everybody knows I went to some of the races last year to look and to see what it was all about. The one thing that does appeal to me is the schedule. I don't have a family or other commitments. All I love to do is be in the race car. Would I be good? Yes, but it would take awhile." Wheldon said it would have to be an owner who knows his ability and would be willing to give him the proper time to perform.(Racinboys.com - Sports Radio 810 WHB)
AND 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."(AP)(6-14-2006)
Mears to Yates? or is it Hendrick? hearing that Casey Mears, current driver fo the #42 Texaco Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing could leave and go to Robert Yates Racing to drive the #88 Ford in 2007....no word yet on sponsor.
MORE: but hearing now that Mears is more likely headed to the #25 Hendrick Chevy that Vickers is leaving....(6-8-2006)
Preparing a Texaco celebration: The 2007 season will mark Texaco/Havoline’s 20th year as a sponsor in NASCAR. From Davey Allison to Mears, Texaco/Havoline has a rich history in the sport. To commemorate its history, Texaco/Havoline is printing a one-of-a-kind book filled with photos and stories submitted by fans, drivers, crew members and media. Fans can submit their favorite story, interesting tale or special moment in their life involving the Texaco/Havoline race team beginning May 24 at www.texacohavoline42.com or by calling 800-518-0028.(PR)(5-25-2006)
RYR Hopes to hear from UPS on decision soon; 4 Cup teams? UPDATE 2 Mears? Vickers?: Robert Yates Racing hopes to hear in the next two to three weeks whether UPS will return as a sponsor [on the #88 team], team general manager Eddie D'Hondt said Friday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. UPS is trying to decide whether to stay with RYR, move with current RYR driver Dale Jarrett over to Michael Waltirp Racing, where Jarrett will run a Toyota starting in 2007. or go to another team. "We're still talking with them," said D'Hondt, who added that there is no timeline for UPS to decide. "In three weeks time, I think we'll all know what we're all doing." The team is still in the early stages of looking for a replacement. It has two development drivers - Stephen Leicht and Matt McCall - currently running part-time Busch schedules. "There is a chance you may see them in a Cup car to get a race under their belt as the year goes on," D'Hondt said. "That's not written in stone, but it has been talked about. We're not going to rush them beyond what they are capable of. ... A year from now, I think Matt and Stephen will be ready." D'Hondt said eventually RYR would like to have four Nextel Cup teams and two Busch Series teams. "We're setting ourselves for a good future; we just have to live with what we're going through now," D'Hondt said.(SceneDaily.com)(5-20-2006)
UPDATE: RYR is also waiting to hear if #88 team sponsor UPS will remain with RYR next year, move to the Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota team with Dale Jarrett or go to another team entirely. If UPS moves to Waltrip’s organization, that may bump the team from two to three cars. Waltrip’s own Toyota will be sponsored by NAPA and a second team car will fly the Burger King colors in 2007, leaving UPS as a possible sponsor for a third MWR car. On the driver front, the Yates crew is said to be hot after Casey Mears, the biggest remaining name free agent.(Speed Channel)
AND Who's the lead candidate for the #88 (possibly UPS) Ford in 2007? One name mentioned more than once is Brian Vickers, driver of the #25 GMAC Chevy owned by Rick Hendrick.(CircleTrackPlus.com)
UPDATE 2: In response to the CircleTrackPlus.com posting up on the site today. The "Unsubstantiated Rumors' as they're classified as on the Web-Site are in fact just that. Vickers and Hendrick Motorsports remain committed to each other.(Hensrick Motorsports)(5-22-2006)
Red Bull Shop...and rumors: Mears? Sadler? Knaus?: Toyota's Marty Gaunt has turned the lights on over at Roger Penske's old shop [in Mooresville, Lakeside Park], hired about 40 people for NASCAR's newest team, and is now looking for a couple of good men to run Dietrich Mateschitz's Red Bull [Toyota] Camrys on the Cup tour next season. #42-Casey Mears may be signing with Red Bull for 2007, leaving Chip Ganassi. Mears, in the final year of his Ganassi contract, was courted by car owner Richard Childress, either to fill Kevin Harvick's ride if Harvick had decided to leave, or to run a fourth Childress car. #38-Elliott Sadler [but is signed with RYR thru 2008] may also be signing with Red Bull, leaving Robert Yates, who is already dealing with the defection of Dale Jarrett to Toyota's Michael Waltrip for 2007. #48-Crew chief Chad Knaus, who has put Jimmie Johnson in the thick of the Nextel Cup championship race for four years now, may also be getting a major offer from the Red Bull team, though his current contract with car owner Rick Hendrick runs through 2007. Hendrick just extended Johnson's contract through 2010, but Knaus said that no one has talked with him about a contract extension.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-21-2006)
Mears still talking to Ganassi about extension: #42-Casey Mears says he has yet to sign a new contract extension with car owner Chip Ganassi; however talks have stepped up in recent weeks and have been positive. “We’ve been talking a lot in trying to work things out” said Mears during a break in Busch Series testing at Lowes Motor Speedway. If his phone has been ringing more often concerning possible rides Mears isn’t biting. “Anybody’s that’s had an open ride has had interest but I haven’t really pursued any of it, said Mears. I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now and talking to Chip. We’ve got our best run going that I’ve ever had in cup so
far and we’re really focused on trying to make that chase. Chip and I haven’t finalized anything yet but neither one of us are really panicked about it.”(PRN's Garagepass Radio Show)(5-11-2006)
Mears looking? 88? Garage insiders say that Casey Mears is the frontrunner for the #88 Ford ride and that UPS would stay on as a sponsor at Yates if the company hires a young gun that could compete with the marketing image of Denny Hamlin and Fed Ex. It is speculated, however, that Mears may have a letter of intent to run a fourth car at another organization already [RCR was rumored last week].(Motorsports.com)
BUT: Casey Mears’ contract ends after this season, but he says he’s talked to car owner Chip Ganassi about an extension.(Virgina Pilot)(5-6-2006)
4th RCR team,,,with Mears? denied: RCR team sources tell [Marty Smith - NASCAR.com] the organization would like to add a fourth team with [Casey] Mears [current driver of Ganassi's #42 Dodge] as driver, but RCR spokesman David Hart discounted the speculation Wednesday. "No decisions have been made to add a fourth team with Casey Mears or any other driver," Hart said.(NASCAR.com)(4-27-2006)
Fennig to Ganassi? Denied: hearing former #26/97/6 Rosuh Racing crew chief, Jimmy Fennig is the new team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing.
UPDATE: been to by folks at Ganassi that the hiring of Jimmy Fennig is not true.(4-25-2006)
NASCAR Looking at Kyle Busch - Mears incident UPDATE no penalties: #5-Kyle Busch didn't have much to say and #42-Casey Mears probably didn't feel there was much to say about Busch's running into Mears under the red flag following their accident on lap 100 of the Nextel Cup race Saturday. Busch was mad at Mears over the accident in the Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway and showed his displeasure with the light tap. Busch was about 45 laps down when he returned to the race and NASCAR held him five laps for rough driving, but Busch would have finished in the same position with or without the five-lap penalty. NASCAR will revisit the issue this week to determine whether any additional penalties are warranted. After meeting with NASCAR officials in the hauler following the race, Busch left the track without commenting to reporters, and Mears, frustrated with his car even before the Busch tap, was atypically terse. "I'm not really worried about Kyle," Mears said. When asked if he was surprised Busch hit him during the red flag, Mears replied: "I'm not surprised with anything he does."(SceneDaily.com)(4-24-2006)
UPDATE: NASCAR has decided it will neither fine nor take points away from #5-Kyle Busch for running into the back of #42-Casey Mears during the red flag period of last Saturday's Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, according to NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp. NASCAR officials met with Busch following the race and Tharp indicated on Tuesday that NASCAR now considers the issue closed. After leaving the hauler, Alan Gustafson, Busch's crew chief, said he hoped the team would not get a penalty. "[NASCAR said] just that we need to respect the red flag, and I agree with them," Busch's crew chief, Alan Gustafson, said after leaving the hauler. "he No. 1 priority in that situation is the safety of other people and that's what we've got to worry about."(SceneDaily.com)(4-25-2006)
Graves Steps Down as Ganassi Team Manager: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today 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)(4-18-2006)
Mears Tested at Caraway: #42-Casey Mears, crew chief Donnie Wingo and the Texaco/Havoline team tested at Caraway Speedway last week and on Wednesday in preparation for the Food City 500 at Bristol and next week's race at Martinsville.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(3-23-2006)
Mears Comments on being the possible points leader: Circletrackplus.com reports/comments - Does Casey Mears know something we don't? In a teleconference transcript from Dodge Motorsports, Mears responded to a question [which was from the media and read: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE POINTS LEADER?] about being the Nextel Cup Series points leader and here's what he said, "We kinda thought about that, too. We thought about the scenarios if they are going to take points away from the 48 car. In that case we'd be leading the points. It's awesome. Obviously it's one event. Next week everything can completely turn around and go backwards, but leading into California we've got a lot of confidence. That's been a good race for me. It feels great. Obviously I've left Daytona in worst shape." CircletrackPlus.com contacted NASCAR immediately and 1:30pm/et, a source stated that Casey was not the points leader but Jimmy Johnson. Who's right here? Mears or NASCAR? (CircletrackPlus.com), Mears said 'IF" and NASCAR has not made any announcement on a #48 Team penalty as of 3:30pm/et.(2-21-2006)
Felix 1 spot from being bald: Felix Sabates, minority owner at Chip Ganassi Racing, told CGR driver Casey Mears that he would shave his head if Mears won the Daytona 500. Sabates' mane is safe, barely. Mears finished a career-best second in the #42 Texaco Havoline Dodge.(Dallas Morning News)(2-20-2006)
Ganassi doesn't want wing: While the wing on the NASCAR "car of tomorrow" is intriguing, team owner Chip Ganassi said that he didn't want to see a wing on the cars. Ganassi said he is happy that NASCAR has had dialogue with the teams and considered their input - and he hopes that could include eliminating the idea of a wing on the cars. Ganassi has had experience with wings in open-wheel and road racing. "There better not be a wing on the car of tomorrow," Ganassi said. "It is an area that is wide open and rampant for cheating, and it's an area that's very hard to police. Why they would want to get involved in something that's hard to police, I have no idea."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(1-31-2006)
Ganassi's comments about Toyota: Q) Does the new Manufacturer's Lineup [now with Toyota] surprise you and would you consider joining them [Toyota]? A-Chip Ganassi - #40, #41, #42 team owner) "I've been in Phoenix all week, so I'm not exactly sure what they announced or who they announced. Whoever they go with, I think you saw in the truck series they made winners out of teams that were otherwise not. I don't really know what their plans are for teams or drivers, but I can assure you they'll do it right no matter who they're with. We were with them for a lot of years and had some success with them on the Indy car side. Right now we don't have any plans to switch off from Dodge. We'll see what happens down the road, but right now that's not in our plans."(Clear!Blue PR)(1-26-2006)
2005 News
Mears to the #42; McMurray released; Ganassi staying at three cars UPDATE 4 OFFICIAL: now hearing that Ganassi is going to remain at three teams with one of the four Cup sponsors they have may change their sponosrship around and appear on more of the Ganassi cars [#40,#41,#42 and #30?]. WIth...McMurray moving to Roush Racing and Kurt Busch to Penske Racing.(11-6-2005)
UPDATE: hearing Mears to the #42, with Texaco staying as the primary sponsor and Home 123 as a major assocciate and being hte primary in a few races as they were this year on the #42. Expect an announcement early this week and could be as soon as Monday.(11-6-2005)
UPDATE 2: There is speculation that if Ganassi can't get a top-name driver for the McMurray-Texaco ride, he is willing to promote Casey Mears.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-7-2005)
UPDATE 3: been told the deal is done, Ganassi stays a 3-car team, #40-David Stremme, #41-Reed Sorenson and #42-Casey Mears with Texaco.(11-7-2005)
UPDATE 4: 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)(11-7-2005)
OFFICIAL - Busch released from Roush Racing Contract, McMurray in: Roush Racing has announced that Kurt Busch has been released from his Roush Racing contract obligations effective at the end of the 2005 year and that Jamie McMurray has signed to drive for Roush Racing commencing in the 2006 season. Newell-Rubbermaid and Diageo [Crown Royal/Smirnoff] will continue as primary sponsors of the McMurray driven entry in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series.(Roush Racing)(11-7-2005)
Ganassi/Home 123 part ways: 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."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-7-2005)
Bobby Labonte to the #43? Bobby Labonte to the #43 Petty Enterprises ride Jeff Green would vacate [for the #0 Chevy].(Sporting News)(10-17-2005)
UPDATE: Speed Channel's Bob Dillner reported on Saturday's Speed News that he is hearing Bobby Labonte will go to Petty Enterprises and drive the famed #43 Dodge....while I WAS hearing he would go to Ganassi Racing in the #42, it seems that deal broke down and ALSO hearing Labonte could end up in the #22 Caterpillar Dodge....looks like the Dodge part is a lock.(11-6-2005)
UPDATE 2 - Yeley to the #18? #18-Bobby Labonte has refused for several months to talk about his future plans, and he has become increasingly testy when pressed on the issue. Labonte is being actively wooed by both Bill Davis and Kyle Petty for 2006, and Joe Gibbs, Labonte's current car owner, has been told that Labonte won't be back, according to sources. Gibbs has tentatively set a press conference for next week at Phoenix to announce J. J. Yeley as Labonte's replacement, regardless of which direction Labonte takes.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-7-2005)
Latest on Busch-McMurray deal: Expect to see #97-Kurt Busch and #42-Jamie McMurray be released from their respective contracts with Jack Roush and Chip Ganassi in short order. That’s the word from Roush, who said Friday he figures the deal to send McMurray to Roush’s #97 and Busch to Roger Penske’s #2 Dodge to be completed very soon. “I think that if Jamie and Kurt are going to be mutually released — and I would put it in that order — then I think it’s very close to the time that’s going to happen,” Roush said.
None of the remaining Silly Season dominos, most notably who will replace McMurray in Ganassi’s #42 Dodge next season, were resolved on Friday, but could be before the weekend is out.(Speed Channel)
AND 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.(Richmond Times Dispatch)
AND II Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray still don't know if they will be driving for new teams next year. The anticipated swap of drivers involving three teams isn't done. If a deal is done, the changes are these: Busch will leave Roush Racing and drive the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge next season, replacing Rusty Wallace. McMurray will replace Busch for Jack Roush. And someone – possibly Bobby Labonte or Ricky Rudd – will replace McMurray in the #42 Havoline Dodge. "Ultimately it's Jack's decision if we want to separate and move on," Busch said. "If we can work out all the details, great." Jack Roush said he isn't sure everything will get resolved. "I don't have a drop-dead date," he said. "Geoff Smith [team president] is handling those negotiations, and he said it needs to be done quickly."
Roush was asked if he and Busch had spoken recently. "I haven't had a conversation with Kurt of any consequence since he told me he wanted to be released from his contract for 2006. I'm immune to frustration when it comes to Kurt Busch."(Dallas Morning News)....yikes!(11-5-2005)
More on the Busch McMurray 'swap': You get the feeling a formal announcement could come at any time, however Roush
Racing President Geoff Smith denies reports a deal has been cut between car owners Jack Roush, Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi involving the early release of Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray. Smith said “The fiction is the deal is done and the fact is the deal is not done. All the parties are working to try to have a solution that’s acceptable to everyone and we’re still a few pieces short although everyone is working in good faith trying to make it happen. My feeling is that we are at a 70-75% probability that it’s going to be done, but there are about twelve moving pieces and every single piece is conditioned on another. They all have to close or the whole thing unwinds.”
(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(11-1-2005)
Dominos Should Fall this week - Busch-McMurray released? UPDATE 2 McMurray release DENIED:: This will be the crucial week for a decision, Roush Racing president Geoff Smith says, in the long-running driver-swap negotiations involving Jack Roush's Kurt Busch, Chip Ganassi's Jamie McMurray, and Roger Penske. If it does happen, McMurray would join Roush [#97], and Busch would join Penske [#2]. "In order for it to work, there has to be a driver for Chip," Smith said. "Ten days ago it wasn't working for Chip, but now it can work, so I presume he's got somebody." That could be Ricky Rudd, who isn't saying what his 2006 plans are, but who is reportedly very close to a decision simply to retire at the end of the season. Or it could be Bobby Labonte. Or Labonte could be headed to Bill Davis, according to sources. If Labonte leaves Chevrolet's Joe Gibbs to join the soon-to-be-Toyota Davis team as Michael Waltrip's teammate, that would be a major pick up by Toyota, expected to join the Nextel Cup tour for the 2007 season. If Davis doesn't get Labonte, he will likely get Dave Blaney, according to sources. Blaney once drove for Davis. Penske officials, saying that Rudd isn't one of their options, agree that this is the week that will tell the tale, and they agree with Smith that the complicated deal will in fact be completed.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-31-2005)
UPDATE: ESPN's Mike Massaro is reporting that Roush Racing has released 2004 Nextel Cup Champ #97 Kurt Busch from his 2006 contract obligations, allowing Busch to go to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge that Rusty Wallace will be retiring from at the end of 2005. ALSO Massaro is reporting that Jamie McMurray has been released from his 2006 Ganassi Racing contract to drive the #42 Texaco Dodge, allowing him to go to Roush Racing, taking over for Busch in the #97/#28 car or whatever number they will use with Crown Royal as the primary sponsor.(ESPN.com) So......who goes to the #42 Texaco Havoline Dodge? I am still hearing it'll be Bobby Labonte, and other reports have Ricky Rudd taking the #42 ride over.(10-31-2005)
UPDATE 2: Jamie McMurray has not been released from his 2006 contract commitments at this time.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-1-2005)
Labonte to the #42? UPDATE 2: Hearing Bobby Labonte, driver of the #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy, is the top candidate to replace Jamie McMurray in the #42 Texaco-Havoline Dodge at Chip Ganassi Racing, which would allow #97-Kurt Busch to drive the #2 in 2006 and McMurray to head to Roush Racing and drive the #97. Both McMurray and Busch signed deals to go to those teams in 2007 and both are trying to get out of their contract to run with their new teams in 2006.(10-21-2005)
UPDATE: Bobby Labonte could hold the key to the Jack Roush-Chip Ganassi-Roger Penske driver-swapping puzzle that has bedeviled the NASCAR garage area since July. Labonte's name has been circulating for months in the NASCAR rumor mill, though he has insisted several times he's not particularly interested in leaving Gibbs, his boss for more than a decade. However several car owners have said they are actively pursuing him, if he is available. Labonte's contract with Gibbs isn't up, but that would apparently not be a stumbling block if the two do decide to split.
The scenario under debate: Labonte moving to Ganassi, who would in turn free Jamie McMurray to join Roush as a replacement for Kurt Busch next season and then as a replacement for Mark Martin in 2007. In turn, Roush could then release Busch to join Roger Penske as a replacement for Rusty Wallace, who is retiring at the end of this season. Kyle Petty, meanwhile, said if Labonte is looking, Petty Enterprises wants to talk to him: "Oh, gosh, yes, if Bobby were available, his name would be in our hat." Petty is in the market for a driver to take over Jeff Green's ride in the team's 43 car.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND Queried about his plans for where he’ll drive in 2006, Bobby Labonte declined to offer any specifics. “It’s not in my best interest to tell you, so I’m not going to tell you,” said the 2000 NASCAR Cup champion. Labonte did confirm that he has two years left on his contract with Joe Gibbs, but he’s been rumored to be on his way out, possibly to drive for either Petty Enterprises or Chip Ganassi.(Speed Channel)(10-24-2005)
UPDATE 2: Native Texan Bobby Labonte laughed off a rumor that he is being considered for the driver's job with Hall of Fame Racing, the start-up Cup team co-owned by former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. Labonte, the 2000 Cup champion, has driven for Joe Gibbs Racing since 1995. Interestingly, Hall of Fame Racing's 2006 Chevrolets will be supplied by Gibbs, making the team a satellite operation of Joe Gibbs Racing. Labonte declined to divulge the duration of his current contract with Gibbs. "That's my business, not yours," Labonte said. "As far as I know, I'm driving their car."(Fort Worth Star Telegram), no mention of the #42 rumor........(10-26-2005)
UPDATE 3: hearing that Bobby Labonte has signed with Ganassi Racing for next season. Supposedly they are only waiting for the lawyers to finish up with the paperwork. There was no mention as to whether or not Interstate Batteries would be going with him.(11-1-2005)
Rudd to the #2? #97 to #28? MORE: Lee Spencer reports on Around the Track that Roger Penske spoke with Ricky Rudd
regarding taking over the #2 ride if Kurt Busch is not released from the #97 team. The #97 is expected to switch to the #28 in 2006. Around the Track runs on Fox Sports South [TV] at 10:30pm/et tonight.(10-30-2005)
MORE: Bobby Labonte might be the most popular driver in the garage right now when it comes to teams that need drivers. What team wouldn't want to tease potential sponsors with a former champion? He has been mentioned as a candidate to drive the Nos. 43, 42 and 22. If Labonte drives the No. 43 for Petty Enterprises, Shell looks good as the sponsor. If Labonte jumps into the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing ride, that opens the door for Jamie McMurray to move to Roush Racing to drive the #97 (which could switch numbers and become the 28). Kurt Busch could in turn take over the No. 2 Penske Racing car after Rusty Wallace retires. Roger Penske admitted in Atlanta that he had spoken to Ricky Rudd about possibly doing a one-year deal if Busch were not released, but the surest bet in the driver's roulette would be on Busch in the #2 at Daytona.(Sporting News)(10-31-2005)
Are the Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray contract deals any closer? A: Yes. Now that team owner Chip Ganassi apparently has softened his stand against releasing McMurray from his contract one year early to join Roush Racing next season, the de facto three-way trade — McMurray to Roush, Busch to Penske, suitcases full of cash to Ganassi — could happen soon. Roush has always been willing to let Busch go to Penske a year early, provided the team gets another driver to take his place next season (preferably McMurray). And Roush Racing president Geoff Smith says he has convinced the #97 team's sponsors to extend their deadline for having a driver made final for next season. "My probability meter has gone from 2% to probably 50-50," Smith said.(USA Today)(10-28-2005)
OR is it Rudd to the #42? Speculation has run rampant around what Ricky Rudd's plans are for next season, but thus far he's kept quiet. But I [Yahoo Sports] heard an unconfirmed rumor Friday at Martinsville that perhaps makes the most sense of any buzz that I've heard in a long time. Instead of retiring at the end of this year, Rudd could leave the #21 car to drive the #42 car [Rudd ran for Texaco with RYR 2000-2002] for Chip Ganassi next season. Jamie McMurray would be released from the final year of his contract with Ganassi so that he can drive the #97 Ford for Roush Racing, thus freeing up Kurt Busch to get out of his contract with Roush one year early to replace Rusty Wallace in the #2 Dodge next season. Sources indicate that Ganassi could also receive payment from the Roush camp, which in turn likely would receive funds from Penske Racing South and primary sponsor Miller Lite for Busch's early release to replace Wallace. From what I've [Yahoo Sports] heard, Texaco Havoline is not pleased with having McMurray as a moody, unhappy lame-duck driver in 2006 and has been applying pressure to Ganassi to let McMurray go. Texaco Havoline would then build a significant one-year farewell tour marketing campaign around Rudd. As for the Wood Brothers, John Andretti [denied by the team] is rumored to be a possible one-year fill-in until Jon Wood is ready to go full-time on the Cup level in 2007. The #21 car still needs sponsorship for next season, which is one more thing Rudd would not want to worry about. Rudd added that he has no plans to race in the Busch or Craftsman Truck ranks.(Yahoo Sports), Jayski Note: heard that Bobby Labonte could be headed to the #42..see story below.(10-23-2005)
McMurray may get release from Ganassi....if UPDATE: Chip Ganassi has softened his stance regarding driver #42-Jamie McMurray, who wants out of his contract so he can drive for Roush Racing. McMurray signed a contract in July to drive for Roush beginning in 2007 [supposedly the #6, but now the #97], hoping that the early announcement would force Ganassi to let him leave at the end of this year. Ganassi steadfastly refused to even negotiate an early release. But on Friday, Ganassi sounded a little bit more flexible about finding a solution.
"There are no talks at this time, but there could be if someone came to me with a solution," Ganassi said. "I need a solution, not a pile of money. I need a driver to replace Jamie." The McMurray situation got complicated when Kurt Busch said he was leaving Roush to drive for Penske Racing in 2007. Penske has an opening next season in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge because Rusty Wallace is retiring and would like to put Busch in the car right away. But Roush will not let Busch leave because it would give him two holes to fill: Busch's ride, plus the seat McMurray was supposed to fill upon Mark Martin's retirement. It was believed Roush and Penske were trying to work out a deal, but any solutions would likely have to include Ganassi giving McMurray an early release. "Look, I am not going to be Jack Roush or Roger Penske's whipping boy," Ganassi said. "I'm the end of the line on this thing and I'm trying to put together my team, too."
If nothing changes, Martin has indicated he will postpone retirement and drive one more season for Roush in the #6 Ford. If that happens, Roush said he'd likely put McMurray in Busch's seat (assuming Busch stays through 2006) and move Todd Kluever up to Martin's ride in 2007.(ESPN.com/AP)(10-15-2005)
UPDATE: Penske South officials remain optimistic that Kurt Busch will replace Rusty Wallace in 2006, but they say it will not happen unless Jamie McMurray is released to join Roush Racing. That would open the door for a three-way deal in which Penske would get Busch, Roush would get McMurray and Chip Ganassi Racing would get a driver to replace McMurray. “Jamie has to get free first,” said Penske Race president Don Miller before Saturday night’s Nextel Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “That’s the only way it’s going to work.” Roush president Geoff Smith agreed. “For us, that’s step one,” he said of McMurray, who is signed for the 2007 season to drive Busch’s No. 97 car. “They know what our criteria are. I believe there are discussions with Chip from Penske.” Ganassi, who has insisted for months that he would not release McMurray, softened his stance this weekend, saying he would be willing to listen.
“I need a solution, not a pile of money,” he told reporters. “I need a driver to replace Jamie.” Because of tampering rules, most of the talks are between Busch’s attorneys and the attorneys at Penske and Roush Racing. Smith said he has made sure Busch’s lawyers have a list of available drivers that might interest Ganassi. But Smith and team owner Jack Roush said that driver will not come from Roush Racing.
“I am not in negotiations for, nor do I have any personal preference to having him driving my car in 2006,” Roush said of McMurray, who originally was signed to replace Mark Martin in the No. 6 before Busch announced his deal with Penske for 2007. “I want him in my car in 2007. If things develop so he’s available, then there will be something (done) about that. I’m not going to offer up a junior driver and two choices in the future.”(The State)(10-16-2005)
McMurray's car flunks post-insp at Talladega: Following a weekend of rules controversies, Jamie McMurray’s #42 Chip Ganassi-owned Dodge flunked post-race inspection when right-rear quarter panel didn’t meet the minimum height requirement. No penalty will be issued, NASCAR officials said, because McMurray’s car was one of many that had been damaged in a wreck during the race.(Speed Channel)(10-2-2005)
More on McMurray/Busch moving on in 2006: #42-Jamie McMurray said leaving Chip Ganassi Racing a year early to join [#6] Roush Racing remains a possibility. "If people above me get things worked out and it happens, I'd rather be at Roush Racing next year because that's where my future is," said McMurray, who has a year left at Ganassi and signed with Roush for 2007. "It's going to be tough to stay with a team that you know you're not going to be with the following year." This week, #97-Kurt Busch affirmed #2-Rusty Wallace's comment at Dover that lawyers are working to move up Busch's departure from Roush Racing to Penske Racing South by a year.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-1-2005)
Shine On Scheme for #42 at Talladega: The #42 Dodge will sport a special "Shine On" paint scheme this weekend, with the hood displaying the only hexagon Texaco logo ever released by the company. During this time (1963-1980) the company launched the very
popular advertising slogan, "trust your car to the man that wears the star." The "Shine On" series of four different paint schemes pays
tribute to Texaco/Havoline's successful NASCAR history while emphasizing the iconic status of the star. The other "Shine On"
events included Texas (April 17), Charlotte (May 29) and Infineon (June 26).(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), see schemes of each one on my #42 Team Schemes page.(9-28-2005)
McMurray in the #97 instead of #6? UPDATE 2: here is a new one....from the Tampa Tribune: When Jamie McMurray [current #42 Texaco driver] joins Roush Racing in 2007, he may drive [Kurt] Busch's #97 Ford rather than Martin's #6 Ford as originally planned, Roush said. McMurray is scheduled to join Roush in 2007, after his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing expires. Busch is leaving no later than 2007 to take over Rusty Wallace's #2 Miller Lite Dodge at Penske Racing South in 2007. Busch's contract with Roush runs through next year.(Tampa Tribune)(9-13-2005)
UPDATE: Jack Roush confirmed on Sunday that Jamie McMurray, who is slated to move from Chip Ganassi Racing to Roush Racing in 2007, might wind up in the #97 Ford, which is being vacated by Kurt Busch. McMurray originally was pegged as the driver to take over the #6 Ford driven by Mark Martin. "Yes, there is a possibility of that," Roush said. "We're having discussions right now with sponsors and have several things on the table." Roush said he's close to finalizing his 2006 plans.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
AND hearing Penske Racing and Roush Racing are close to working out as buyout deal for Kurt Busch so he can move to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in 2006 and not have to wait until 2007, for which Busch signed to start.(9-19-2005)
UPDATE 2: Rusty Wallace said lawyers are currently working to get Kurt Busch out of his contract at Roush Racing so he can drive the #2 Dodge at Penske Racing South next year. "I know he wants to drive the car next year," Wallace said. "They're trying to get everything worked out."(Augusta Chronicle)(9-26-2005)
Harvick staying at RCR in 2006 UPDATE but?: Kevin Harvick will be back behind the wheel of Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet for the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. Speculation has fueled rumors that the 2001 NEXTEL Cup Series Rookie of the Year would move to another team at the end of this season. RCR President and CEO Richard Childress hopes to put that speculation to rest. "Kevin will be the driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy next season," said Childress. "He and I have committed to moving forward together in fulfilling our current agreement, which runs through 2006, and we anticipate being together for many years beyond that. Our focus is on continuing to improve our performance this year and being a championship contender in 2006."
Harvick is in his fifth year of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition, all with RCR, and has five victories, 30 top-five and 63 top-10
finishes, and four poles. He is currently 14th in this season's point standings with one victory, three top-five and seven top-10 finishes.
In his sixth season of driving in the NASCAR Busch Series for RCR, he has 16 victories, 60 top-five and 85 top-10 finishes, and 13 poles.
"Richard has made key additions to RCR that will benefit the organization," said Harvick. We are both committed to make 2006 a
successful season. I've always intended to fulfill my obligations to Richard, RCR and all of our sponsors."(RCR PR)(9-16-2005)
UPDATE the Winston Salem Journal reports.....Kevin Harvick has been noticeably unhappy this season. And even Friday's unusual announcement by car owner Richard Childress that he and Harvick would be living up to their contract and sticking together through the 2006 season hasn't diminished speculation that Harvick has something in the works. There's speculation that he might have a 2007 game plan with car owners Roger Penske or Chip Ganassi. The Ganassi option seems logical. Jamie McMurray has signed a 2007 contract to take Mark Martin's place with Jack Roush, so Ganassi has that hole to fill. So this year's version of NASCAR's annual game of musical chairs has taken on an unusual tone. Now, might Ganassi release McMurray to Roush for 2006, if Ganassi could get Harvick from Childress, and would that be enough inducement for Roush to release Kurt Busch to Penske for 2006?(Winston Salem Journal)(9-18-2005)
Harvick to the #42? No Comment: Childress: Rumors here [California Speedway] are widespread that Kevin Harvick may be headed to Ganassi’s #42 Texaco Dodge, thus freeing Jamie McMurray to move to Roush Racing [#6] a year early [he signed for 2007]. Richard Childress, who owns the cars Harvick currently drives, wouldn’t comment directly on speculation that the team might be breaking up. Childress did, however, reminisce on the longstanding relationship between him and the late Dale Earnhardt. “He (Earnhardt) had a chance to leave,” said Childress. “I told him in 1985 after we had blown 11 engines that year and run horrible. I told him on the way back from Pocono, we met out by my pool, and I said, ‘Dale, you’re too good of a race driver to be here.’ He said, ‘We made a commitment commitment together, and we’re going to finish it together.’ That was 1985 and we came back next year and won 11 races and the championship, and the same thing in 1987, and the rest is history.”(Gaston Gazette)(9-4-2005)
The Softball Champs: Chip Ganassi Racing Won the NASCAR Softball Championship 22 to 9 against Hendrick Motorsports on Tuesday night [Aug 23]. Team photo and players names are on www.racecitymarketing.com/softball.(8-25-2005)
Ernie Elliott Re-Ups with Ganassi: Ernie Elliott, the engine-building expert from Dawsonville, GA who provides the power for several NASCAR teams including the Chip Ganassi-owned operation, won't be retiring to his Montana ranch anytime soon. He recently signed a multiyear extension with Ganassi, his principal customer. Although Elliott, the older brother of Bill Elliott, has been building racing engines on the Cup circuit since the early 1970s, he said he still relishes the competitive nature of his job. "I wish we were running better, but Chip and his people will get that worked out," he said. "Our Busch cars are running good, but there have been too many Cup races since we've won." Ganassi's last Cup victory was in 2002 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, but Reed Sorenson has driven a Ganassi car to two victories on the Busch Series this season.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(8-19-2005)
MAXIMum Exposure for McMurray: MAXIM Magazine invited Jamie McMurray to Michigan International Speedway on Monday to test drive the magazine's top-10 picks for the best cars of 2006. The feature will appear in the November issue.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-17-2005)
Ganassi Announcement on Friday UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi will be on hand for a special announcement at Watkins Glen International regarding sponsor activities and plans for the 2006 season on Friday, August 12, 2005 at the Watkins Glen International Victory Lane.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)
Hopefully this will help clear up some of the Silly Season rumors, such as does Casey Mears stay in the #41 Target Dodge? move to a 4th team, #39? go back to Busch so Reed Sorenson can move up to the #41? does Jamie McMurray get out of his contract? if so, then who goes in the #42 Texaco Dodge? Mears? Sorenson? someone else? So far the only thing we know for sure is David Stremme in the #40 Lonestar/Coor Light Dodge in 2006...supposedly #41 crew chief, Jimmy Elledge will be his crew chief.(8-10-2005)
UPDATE: been told that Ganassi will expand to a full four car team in 2006, with Casey Mears moving to the Home 123 Dodge, possibly #39, with Ganassi Busch Series driver, Reed Sorenson going to the #41 Target Dodge and also running the #41 Discount Tires Dodge on the Busch Series. The fate of the #42 Texaco Havoline team is unknown, but at present Jamie McMurray is expect to drive the car unless he can get out of his contract for 2006 and move to the #6 Roush Racing Ford, the team he signed to drive for in 2007.(8-11-2005)
UPDATE 2: Home123 Corporation, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation , together with Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates (CGRFS), today announced plans to expand their partnership to sponsor a fourth NEXTEL Cup Series entry in 2006 with current CGRFS driver Casey Mears taking the helm. Mears and his Home123 Team will take to the track in 2006 in an all-out pursuit to win races and build awareness of one of America's premier providers of home mortgage loans.
Home123 Corporation, the official mortgage company of NASCAR, joined forces with CGRFS prior to the 2005 season as a major associate on both the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge driven by Jamie McMurray in the NEXTEL Cup Series and the #41 Discount Tire Dodge piloted by Reed Sorenson in the Busch Series. In addition to Home123's NASCAR involvement, New Century Mortgage Corporation, also a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation, is the primary sponsor on Chip Ganassi Racing's #02 Rolex GrandAm Series team with drivers Cort Wagner and Stefan Johansson. Casey Mears has been driving for CGRFS since joining the NEXTEL Cup Series ranks in 2003. To date he has amassed two pole positions, two top-five finishes and 13 top-10 finishes in 93 starts. Prior to moving up to NASCAR's elite division, Mears cut his racing teeth competing in the NASCAR Busch Series, CART, IRL, Indy Lights Series and USAC Triple Crown, along with many other forms of motorsports. To find out more about Home123 or New Century, please visit www.Home123.com
AND UPDATE 2 1/2: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today its complete 2006 driver line up for
its NASCAR NEXTEL Cup programs. The multi-car team will expand its Concord-based racing stable to four NEXTEL Cup Series teams in 2006 with drivers Casey Mears, Reed Sorenson, Jamie McMurray and David Stremme piloting the Dodge Chargers.
"I'm extremely excited about our 2006 driver line-up," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "We began working toward this goal in 2002 when Felix and I signed David, and it continued with the addition of Reed, Jamie and Casey in 2003. This is a testament to Lorin Ranier and our driver development program as well as our unparalleled sponsor services team and the investments we've made over the past few years to achieve our goal of a four-car operation. It is my belief that these four drivers will help us accomplish our mission of winning races and adding value to our sponsor partners."
4th Team: Mears will continue his driving duties with CGRFS in 2006, but will pilot the Home123 Dodge Charger for a full season with backing from one of America's largest providers of home mortgage loans, New Century Mortgage subsidiary Home123. Mears is set to begin his fourth year with CGRFS next season after serving as driver of the No. 41 Target Dodge since 2003.
#41: Having already notched victories at Nashville and Gateway, and establishing himself a championship contender in his first full season of NASCAR Busch Series racing for CGRFS in the #41 Discount Tire Dodge, Sorenson's reward will come in the form of a full-time NEXTEL Cup Series ride in 2006 behind the wheel of the #41 Target Dodge. The 19-year-old rookie will remain the driver of the Discount Tire Busch machine next season, and will benefit significantly from running a full slate of Busch and Cup Series races in 2006.
#40 ream: As previously announced, Stremme will be piloting the #40 Coors Light and #40 Lonestar Steakhouse & Saloon Dodges for 2006 in the NEXTEL Cup Series for CGRFS. Stremme, the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year, will be making a run at the NEXTEL Cup Rookie of the Year honors alongside Sorenson. And if last weekend's Busch Series performances at Indianapolis Raceway Park were any indication of things to come, the two will have plenty for the competition as they stand third (Sorenson) and eighth (Stremme) in the championship standings.
#42 team: As the team's leading contender for 2005's edition of "The Chase for the NEXTEL Cup," McMurray (11th) will again pilot the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in his fourth year of tenure at CGRFS. The former NEXTEL Cup Series race winner will return to the familiar black and red Dodge Charger with the Texaco/Havoline sponsorship he's enjoyed every season at CGRFS since joining the squad in 2003.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-12-2005)
McMurray wants Truce with Kenseth: #42-Jamie McMurray is ready to put an end to his three-week feud with #17-Matt Kenseth. McMurray was livid at Kenseth after being knocked out of a race three weeks ago at Loudon, N.H., and refused to return Kenseth's phone calls. They are due to become teammates when McMurray replaces Mark Martin at Roush Racing in 2007. Perhaps sitting in the rain all day Friday finally cooled McMurray off. "I need to find Matt this weekend and get it all worked out. It doesn't do any good to let it go on," he said. "It's probably somewhat my fault. I didn't call him back (because) I didn't really know what to say at the time. I'm over it."(Indianapolis Star)(8-6-2005)
Ganassi Racing to pick up McMurray's option UPDATE 2 more: from a Q&A at USA Today:
Q.) Will Chip Ganassi's team let Jamie McMurray out of his contract for next season?
A:) No. Team co-owner Felix Sabates said Thursday that the team would pick up its option on McMurray's contract for next season and expected him to honor it. "There never was any question on our part," Sabates said. Sabates said McMurray would remain in the No. 42 car with sponsorship from Havoline next year. Ganassi hasn't announced its full driver lineup for next season; Casey Mears' fate is still up in the air, and the team might expand to four cars in an attempt to keep up with the Roush and Hendrick superteams. "We've talked about it, but right now we don't have anything in concrete," Sabates said.(USA Today)(7-22-2005)
UPDATE: It looks more and more like Mark Martin will be back in the #6-car next season. When car owner Felix Sabatas told USA Today the team would pick up its option on Jamie McMurray's contract for 2006 Mark Martin's reaction was "That's what I
would do if I was them. You know Jamie is probably the most sought after driver in the cup garage...we're fortunate enough to have him signed up for '07...that's where we're at...we'll see what happens and if it's '07 then it's '07 and I'll drive the car" in '06.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(7-22-2005)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing has exercised the option in Jamie McMurray's contract that will keep McMurray in the No. 42 Dodge for the 2006 Nextel Cup Series season, a team source said Friday. "The option for Jamie is exercised," said Tyler Epp, Ganassi team manager. "Unless something tragic happens, he will be in the #42 next year driving for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates." Sources close to McMurray said Friday that he is unhappy with the decision, and that McMurray is legally unable to discuss the matter at this time. Mark Martin, whom McMurray will replace in the No. 6 Ford in 2007, isn't ready to completely accept the viability of the team's stance. Are you going to take and say that is concrete, or take that and say that's what they say today?" Martin said. "I've been given indication he'll be at Chip's next year. It's Chip's option. There's been no indication otherwise. That's not new news. That's exactly what Chip said when Jamie told him what he was going to do."(NASCAR.com)(7-23-2005)
Award for McMurray: #42-Jamie McMurray received an achievement award from the Autism Society of America recognizing his commitment to raising autism awareness. The award was presented to him at the Autism Society of America’s 36th Annual National Conference and Exposition on July 14th in Nashville, Tenn.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)(7-22-2005)
Owners spat over McMurray, Roush for sale?: Car owners Felix Sabates [#39,#40,#41,#42] and Jack Roush [#6,#16,#17,#97,#99] had a brief spat in the garage after Sunday’s race. At issue was Roush’s signing of Jamie McMurray to drive for him, beginning in 2007. Roush signed McMurray this week. McMurray’s team, owned by Chip Ganassi and Sabates, has a one-year option on McMurray for next season and is expected to exercise that. After the race, Sabates saw Roush and commented about the move. “I just said it was a great, great move hiring Jamie, so he’ll have a stable of great drivers, so when he sells the company, he’ll get a bunch of money,” Sabates said. “He’s been trying to sell it.” Roush responded to Sabates: “I’m not for sale, pal.” Roush walked away from Sabates soon after that comment.(News and Record)(7-12-2005)
More on McMurray signing with Roush: [Jamie] McMurray, who drives for Chip Ganassi [#42 Dodge], has just signed a multiyear contact to drive for Jack Roush beginning in 2007 [in the #6 Ford]. That surprising move is so legally ticklish that McMurray yesterday dodged reporters and refused to answer questions, issuing a brief statement only after it was cleared by his attorneys. McMurray's move has sparked numerous questions, including the thorny legal issue of whether it's OK to sign a contract to drive for somebody else while still under a contract. The sticky issue of "interfering" with a driver under contract has been debated, on and off, for more than 10 years, since driver contracts became the norm in NASCAR. Two NASCAR team owners, who asked not to be named, both said they felt that there was a significant potential for legal action over the move. But Roush quickly dismissed any such legal questions, saying that the issues had been thoroughly scrutinized: "We have had discussions, being fully aware of what his contract is. We don't intend to interfere with his contract in any way. We don't intend to talk about our sponsors or his sponsors, which would be one of the things to be concerned about. We only have interest in him getting in our car when he has fulfilled his commitments to Chip, whatever they are. We won't stand in the way of anything. And we're not interesting in any discussions of a buyout or anything else that might be an inducement for Chip to release him." Roush said that it's possible McMurray might even join Roush Racing for the 2006 season, though Ganassi, in a news release, said he wants to keep McMurray through the end of 2006.
"He is not under contract for 2006 until Chip elects or chooses not to take his option going forward in September," Roush said. "This 2005 year for Jamie is the first year of two one-year extensions which were at Chip's option. Chip is obliged to let him know if he wants him to drive in 2006. And lacking an indication of that, he is released. It isn't clear what Chip will do. I haven't had any conversations with him. I don't think he's indicated to Jamie what he's going to do."(Winston Salem Journal)(7-9-2005)
McMurray to the #6?.....in 2007? UPDATE 2: hearing that Jamie McMurray, current driver of the #42 Texaco Dodge for Chip Ganassi, has signed a multi-year agreement with Roush Racing to drive the #6 Ford beginning in 2007. Hmm...so who drives the #6 in 2006?(7-6-2005)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that it will part ways with driver Jamie McMurray following the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "Jamie's made a decision to go in another direction after we've both fulfilled the commitment that we made to each other in 2002," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "We didn't do a good job of conveying to Jamie where this team is headed, but we expect a lot of success with Jamie the rest of this year and next year, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors beyond that.” Team owner Felix Sabates added, “This is a total team sport and the Texaco/Havoline team will continue to stay focused on making the Chase and running for the Championship this season, next season and well into the future."
(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(7-7-2005)
UPDATE 2: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says they got the man who was at the top of their wish list of drivers to replace Mark Martin in the #6-car. Jamie McMurray will part ways with Chip Ganassi after next season to pilot what is now the
Viagra Ford. “He was at the top that’s for sure, but we didn’t know whether it was going to be available and when and so we were able to work through it and we’re good to go in 2007." If McMurray is released from his contract with the 42-car at the end of this season it would free him to join Roush next year; however Smith isn’t counting on that. “We’re not planning on that at all at this time. The message he’s conveyed to us is that he’s expecting to stay in the #42-car all next year. We’re not planning on any scenario other than that one." So, who takes over for Mark Martin in 2006? Smith said, “There have been so many balls in the air that we’ve been juggling between drivers and sponsors and when this came up we could do this for 2007 that’s now triggered us into a whole new round of assessment about what we’re going to do for 2006. We hope in a very short period of time we’ll have our 2006 solution figured out."(PRN's Garage Pass), Ricky Craven is one driver rumored as a driver for the #6 for one year.(7-7-2005)
AND from Roush Racing: Roush Racing announced today that it has signed Jamie McMurray to a multi-year contract to drive its #6 NASCAR Nextel Cup entry commencing with the 2007 season. No decision has been made with regard to the driver of the #6 for the 2006 season.(Roush Racing PR)
New 2006 Sponsor for Ganassi....team? #40? Stremme? Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced the signing of Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon to a multi-year sponsorship. The long-term agreement begins with the 2006 NASCAR season. Specific details are to follow at a later date. Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon is a restaurant chain that offers full-service casual dining, featuring Texas-style ambiance. There are over 300 locations nationwide.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
AND Though no further details were announced, sources tell the Observer the new sponsor will pair with Coors in sponsoring David Stremme in the #40 Dodges in Nextel Cup next year.(Charlotte Observer/David Poole)(6-9-2005)
McMurray quiet about 2006: #42-Jamie McMurray gets asked every week if he's going to replace Rusty Wallace in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge next year. "Sometimes you get asked questions and just don't know what to say," McMurray said. "Last year, I talked about my contract, but I'm not going to do that this time. I don't want to get any more rumors started. I just want to go on and not worry about it." McMurray, who drives the #42 Havoline Dodge, has one year remaining on his deal with Chip Ganassi Racing. It hasn't stopped speculation that he will take over for the retiring Wallace at Penske Racing South. "I've been reading the stuff about it," McMurray said. "It's better to be in the rumor mill than not be in it. As long as they're talking about you it's a good thing."(Dallas Morning News)(5-16-2005)
Home123 to Donate $10,000 to McMurray's Initiative: Home123 Corporation, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation and the primary sponsor on Jamie McMurray's #42 Dodge this weekend in Phoenix, will donate $42 for every lap McMurray leads to the Autism Society of America (ASA)and along with ChevronTexaco, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and McMurray, Home123 will present McMurray with a check for $10,000 to the ASA before the race at Phoenix International Raceway this upcoming Saturday. Last season, McMurray, ChevronTexaco and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates raised more than $28,000 to benefit the ASA during the 2004 "Drive for a Cure." Home123 is committed to assist McMurray in surpassing last year's contribution.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)(4-22-2005)
Different look for McMurray at Phoenix: The #42 Dodge of Jamie McMurray will carry the blue and white colors of Home123, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation, and one of America's largest providers of home mortgage loans, this weekend in Phoenix. This is the first of six events that Home123 will serve as the primary sponsor on the car in 2005.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates), see an image of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(4-20-2005)
McMurray to Shine On at Texas: The first of four special "Shine On" paint schemes will adorn the #42 Dodge driven by Jamie McMurray this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The Texas "Shine On" paint scheme logo, which was used from 1913 to 1935, incorporates the language of "The Texas Oil Company." It also pays tribute to the many Texaco and Havoline employees and retirees who call Texas home.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates), see images of the cars on my #42 Team Schemes page.(4-13-2005)
More on Marlin, Stremme and Sorenson: Sterling Marlin, says the team owner won't call him back about the status of Marlin's #40 car next season. "My contract is up after this year," Marlin says. "I guess you've got to make a change sometimes, but I'd like to know something soon so I can start looking." Marlin says a team was willing to buy out his contract last year, but he remained loyal to Ganassi. Multiple sources at Ganassi say Busch Series regular David Stremme will get the ride over Reed Sorenson because Sorenson is under 21 and the car's sponsor is Coors Light.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(4-13-2005)
Marlin doesn't expect to be back with Ganassi in 2006 UPDATE: #40-Sterling Marlin said Friday he is "99.9% certain" that he won't be back with Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2006 Nextel Cup season. Marlin, 47, has been driving for the team formerly owned by Felix Sabates since the start of the 1998 season. He's won four races with the team after having six victories in the previous four seasons at Morgan/McClure. Marlin, who will be making his 646th career Nextel Cup start in Sunday's Advance 500 at Martinsville Speedway, is in the final year of his contract. Marlin said he has a few very preliminary discussions with others about potential rides for 2006 and beyond, but nothing substantive yet.(David Poole/ThatsRacin.com)(4-8-2005)
UPDATE: FOX's Jeff Hammond said on the Martinsville Pre-race show, that he had heard one scenario had Jamie McMurray, driver of the #42-Texaco-Havoline Dodge for Ganassi, moving over to the #40 Coor's Light Dodge, with Busch Driver David Stremme possible in the #42. Also have heard that McMuarry could still end up in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge to replace retiring Rusty Wallace, with Stremme and Reed Sorenson moving up into the #40 and or #42.(4-10-2005)
Texaco to continue Autism support UPDATE: ChevronTexaco, in conjunction with #42-Jamie McMurray and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, will hold a press conference this Friday, Feb 25th at California Speedway to announce ongoing financial and promotional support for the Autism Society of America (ASA) via its "Driving Autism Awareness" campaign during the 2005 NASCAR racing season and unveiling a special paint scheme. A new primary and associate sponsor on the #42 NASCAR Nextel Cup Dodge driven by Jamie McMurray and the #41 NASCAR Busch Series Dodge piloted by Raybestos Rookie Candidate Reed Sorenson will also be announced and unveiled.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-23-2005)
UPDATE - New Sponsor for McMurray: ChevronTexaco Products Company, a division of Chevron USA Inc., announced today it has signed Home123 Corporation, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation, as an associate sponsor of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in the 2005. In choosing an associate corporate sponsor, ChevronTexaco weighed its options against three critical criteria: a similar value system, a symbiotic customer base from which each company could expand sales, and a mutual agreement on a list of priority races for the 2005 season. Through the new marketing agreement, Home123 will have primary sponsorship rights for six NASCAR Nextel Cup races iincluding Phoenix (April 23rd), Michigan (June 19th), Daytona (July 2nd), Chicago (July 10th), Watkins Glen (August 14th) and Fontana (September 9th). During those races, the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge, piloted by Jamie McMurray, will be painted with a blue and white Home123 color scheme. In addition, Home123 will support Jamie McMurray’s charitable cause, “Driving Autism Awareness,” by matching the $42 donations each being made by McMurray, ChevronTexaco and Chip Ganassi Racing for every lap McMurray leads in the 2005 season. With Home123’s additional financial commitment, each lap that McMurray leads during the 2005 season will generate $168 in donations to assist with autism research and public education. All proceeds from “Driving Autism Awareness” will be given to the Autism Society of America.(Jamie McMurray site)(2-27-2005)
New Season of 'NASCAR DRIVERS: 360' return: The FX network has placed a second season order of seven episodes for "NASCAR Drivers: 360." The show, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday lives of NASCAR drivers, premieres May 13 at 10:30 ET. Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Kenny Wallace, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace will be featured during the seven-week run.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-18-2005)
McMurray to run Mexico UPDATE: Jamie McMurray will be driving a #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge entry [owned by Chip Ganassi] in the Mexico City Busch race.(JamieMcMurray.com via BGNRacing.com)(2-8-2005)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will venture south-of-the-border this season when Jamie McMurray pilots the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge at the Telcel-Motorola 200 in Mexico City on March 6. The 80-lap event heralds not only the historic return of road course racing for the NASCAR Busch Series but a notable event for team and sponsor as well: the inaugural Busch Series entry for the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-10-2005)
Lots of special schemes for McMurray in 2005 UPDATE 2: #42-Jamie McMurray will race five different Texaco/Havoline "Shine On" paint schemes in 2005. McMurray will drive the first special paint scheme at Texas on April 17.(RacingOne)(12-7-2004)
UPDATE: added four schemes that will be run at Texas (Apr), Lowe's (May), Sonoma (June) and Talladega (Oct) to the #42 Team Scheme page. The fifth one, that was posted before, not sure where that will be run, Texas in Nov.?(1-28-2005)
UPDATE 2: Jamie McMurray, a third-year veteran of the Texaco/Havoline race team, will be charging the competition with four new paint schemes during in 2005. Each unique vehicle leverages Texaco's trademark "Shine On" theme, including a retro paint scheme marrying the Texaco/Havoline logo and "Shine On" graphics. These inspired designs pay tribute to Texaco/Havoline's successful NASCAR history while emphasizing the iconic status of the star. "The star has always symbolized quality and performance," says Danny Roden, vice president of North American marketing for ChevronTexaco. The "Shine On" series is about honoring that heritage and using vibrant new designs to reinforce it". This season marks Texaco/Havoline's 18th consecutive year as sponsor in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. McMurray will drive the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge with a different "Shine On" paint scheme at each of the following Nextel Cup races:
· Dallas, TX: April 17, 2005
· Charlotte, NC: May 29, 2005
· Sonoma, CA: June 26, 2005
· Talladega, AL: October 2, 2005
(Ganassi Racing PR), see the new images of the schemes on my #42 Team Scheme page.(2-8-2005)
No McMurray in the #2 in 2006: Rusty Wallace admits he'd love to see McMurray replace him in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in the Nextel Cup series next season. But he knows that's not happening. "I would love to see Jamie drive the 2 car, but Felix Sabates and ( Chip) Ganassi have a contract with him," said Wallace, 48, who is retiring. "If they didn't, I would love to have him drive for me. (But) those two are some of my best friends and there's nothing I could ever do with it." Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates invoked a one-year team option to retain McMurray, the 2003 rookie of the year, this season and reportedly can do so again in 2006 and 2007. Ganassi indicated with a no-dice smile that he doesn't plan to let McMurray get away. "Fortunately, I value our friendship as well," he said.(St Petersburg Times)(1-24-2005)
Waltrip and McMurray.....not back in current rides in 2006? UPDATE: yeah, I know....a little early...but: .............is the question surrounding [#15-Michael Waltrip's future with DEI. The 2005 NASCAR season opener is still a few weeks away, but already the future of two of NASCAR's top stars is being debated: Will Waltrip get a contract renewal, and will #42-Jamie McMurray sign a contract with Chip Ganassi. And the answers to both questions appears to be no. Waltrip said he has to make something happen by April or May "or I probably won't be back." However insiders say Waltrip is already penciled in for a new ride elsewhere in 2006. And McMurray, who was heavily wooed by Joe Gibbs and others last summer, isn't expected to sign a renewal with Ganassi. McMurray yesterday declined to say much about his future. He is widely figured to be #2-Rusty Wallace's choice to replace him in the Roger Penske camp next season. This is Wallace's final season on the tour. "We hear the same rumors you here... and with Darrell tied in with Toyota, there's the question, 'Will Michael going to end up with Toyota?' "Eury Sr. said.(in part from the Winston Salem Journal)(1-14-2005)
UPDATE: been told that Ganassi has an option with McMurray thru the 2006 season.(1-15-2005)
2004 News
McMurray’s Crew Takes Darlington Win - 1 point separates #20 and #8: Just like the Chase for the Nextel Cup, the McDonald’s Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade is also going down to the final race of the season. Entering this weekend’s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a mere one point in the McDonald’s/POWERade standings separates the top two crews of Tony Stewart (1227) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1226). Elliott Sadler’s crew is third (1211) and Kurt Busch’s crew is fourth (1210). The McDonald’s/POWERade season champion pit crew will be awarded a $200,000 bonus. In Sunday’s Nextel Cup race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Jamie McMurray’s pit crew won the McDonald’s/POWERade competition and picked up the weekly purse of $20,000. It was the second win of the season for the No. 42 crew. McMurray’s Texaco/Havoline Dodge spent the least amount of time on Darlington’s pit road with a time of 387.121 seconds. Jeff Burton’s AOL Chevrolet was second at 425.823 and Carl Edwards’ World Financial Group Ford was third at 428.261. “This is cool for the guys on the Texaco/Havoline team," said McMurray. "They've worked really hard this year, and have shown that we're a championship caliber team. It's cool that they are being recognized for their hard work."
The No. 42 over-the-wall crew consists of: Bobby Burrell (front tire changer), Darren Jolly (front tire carrier), David Collins (rear tire changer), Scott Myers (rear tire carrier), Mark Cass (jackman), Mike Bodick (gas man) and Heath Silver (catch can). Donnie Wingo is the crew chief and Mike Brill is the car chief.(DMF Commincations PR), for the top-10 at Darlington and season standings for all the teams, see my Pit Crew News page.(11-18-2004)
$1 Millions Bucks: Clarence Moody could leave Phoenix International Raceway tomorrow $1 million richer. Moody, a 76-year-old from Mustang, Okla., is one of three grand prize winners as guests of ChevronTexaco this weekend as Havoline celebrates its 100th Anniversary with the $1 Million Birthday Bash consumer promotion. Yesterday, the three grand prize winners drew Jamie McMurray's qualifying position for Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline at Phoenix International Raceway. Moody drew the number ten. As fate would have it, McMurray wound up qualifying the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in the 10th position. As a result, Moody is now eligible for the $1 million grand prize. If McMurray wins tomorrow's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race at Phoenix, Moody
will win $1 million. In addition, Anna Bachmann and Patrick Cadigan, the other two grand prize winners, will receive $100,000. Moody qualified through the Birthday Bash sweepstakes entry promotion that ran May 1 - July 31, 2004. Moody is a long-time Havoline user that still changes his own oil. He is an avid NASCAR fan, and this weekend marks the first time he has attended a NASCAR race. Moody, who lost his wife in 1998, has his son Bryon here with him. He retired from the civil service after working 30 years at Tinker Air Force Base. If he wins the $1 million, he will take some vacations, help his kids out and make a few donations to charities.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-6-2004)
Sabates almost on the Hendrick flight: With his helicopter grounded by bad weather, Felix Sabates, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, decided he did not want to take the chance of having the plane diverted and then having to drive to the Martinsville, Va., track in race traffic. Sabates said his helicopter pilot called to say he could have a seat on the plane and he was preparing to leave for the Concord, N.C., airport when Ganassi phoned. Ganassi told Sabates his plane had been diverted from the airport near the track to Danville, Va., 30 miles away. ''Chip said his plane missed its approach in Martinsville because of the weather and he was thinking about going home,'' Sabates said. ''I didn't feel like going to Danville and then having to drive to the track in traffic. If Chip hadn't called me, I would have been on that plane. He saved my life.'' After deciding to pass up the race, Sabates was at his home in Charlotte when he got a telephone call from NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr., telling him the plane was missing and asking Sabates to go to the home of fellow team owner Rick Hendrick. ''When I got to the house, I'm the one that told Rick about the accident,'' Sabates said. ''Then Bill France called to tell me that they had found the wreckage and everybody was dead. I still get chills thinking about it. It's just horrible for everyone.''(USA Today/Associated Press)(10-26-2004)
ChevronTexaco Extends Sponsorship of Chip Ganassi Racing: ChevronTexaco Products Company (CTPC), a division of Chevron USA Inc., announced today it has signed a long-term contract extension with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates to continue sponsorship of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge.Terms of the contract were not announced.
This season marks Texaco/Havoline's 17th consecutive year as sponsor in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Through its long-term sponsorship of motorsports, Texaco/Havoline Racing tests its products in the most demanding of laboratories -- high-speed automobiles performing on the tracks and roads of the international racing circuit. This commitment ensures the excellence of Texaco/Havoline's products and builds customer loyalty among the millions of racing fans in the United States and around the world. "With its rich racing history, Texaco/Havoline is one of the most storied sponsors in the sport," said Chip Ganassi. "Our team couldn't
be more proud to represent Texaco/Havoline and we're thrilled to continue what has been a truly great partnership with ChevronTexaco. Winning a championship requires a long-term commitment to the sport and to the team, and we are well-positioned for success with a partner like ChevronTexaco."
Currently the Texaco/Havoline #42 Dodge is piloted by Jamie McMurray, who was named the 2003 Raybestos Rookie of the Year. "It's an honor to drive that black car with the big Texaco Star on the hood with all its history and with ChevronTexaco being such a great sponsor," said McMurray. "Our team has continued to get better and better. Chip and Felix give us the resources to win and I am really looking forward to competing for the Championship next year and for wins every week."
2004 marks the 100th anniversary of Havoline, which is a highly recognized brand globally. Throughout the year, ChevronTexaco has been celebrating through a variety of marketing programs and promotions, including the Racing for a $1,000,000 Birthday Bash promotion, in which three lucky consumers will win the grand prize VIP Experience trip to the Checker Auto Parts 500 in Phoenix, November 4-8, 2004. At the race, each grand prize winner is eligible to win $1 million.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-15-2004)
Special Texaco/Davey scheme at 'Dega UPDATE: #42-Jamie McMurray will run another special Texaco/Havoline retro paint scheme at Talladega in October to celebrate the life of Davey Allison and the 2004 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame.(RacingOne)(6-12-2004)
UPDATE - The "Rising Star" is Set to Shine this Weekend in Talladega: Texaco/Havoline Racing is continuing its year-long 100th birthday celebration this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway as NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray will sport a retro "Rising Star" paint scheme on his #42 Dodge. The design resembles the one that the late Davey Allison competed with during the 1990 season [see an image of the scheme on the #42 Team Paint Scheme Page]. McMurray will continue Texaco/Havoline's commitment to heritage when he joins Liz, Robbie and Krista Allison, along with Benny Parsons and Richard Petty this Saturday night at the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in Talladega, Ala. McMurray will help induct Kyle Petty into the Walk of Fame.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-28-2004)
McMurray NOT the Future #2 Driver: According to an interview with Kenny Wallace on last Wednesday’s edition of “The SpeedZone” (every Wed. on 590 The Fan, KFNS, at 6 p.m. CST, live via streaming at KFNS.com), Jamie McMurray has become quite close to the Wallace family and has run some races for Rusty Wallace’s Busch Series team . However, Kenny assured myself [Brandon Mudd, interviewer] and Tony Hubert that McMurray WILL NOT be the future pilot of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge. The youngest Wallace said Rusty has too much respect for Felix Sabates (McMurray’s co-owner with Chip Ganase) to try to steal McMurray from the #42 Dodge. Another reason for this is, according to Kenny, McMurray is a dead lock for the #11 Fed-Ex Chevy being fielded by Joe Gibbs Racing next season. While this is big news, a conversation I [Mudd] had with someone in the know said this is impossible, since McMurray’s contract is iron-clad, and the real driver for that JGR ride next year is likely Jason Leffler…[see rumors below on this](KFNS.com)(9-21-2004)
Replacing Wallace: Hornish or McMurray? Now that Rusty Wallace has announced that 2005 will be his final Nextel Cup season, speculation has begun as to who will replace him in the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge [in 2006]. The two names that keep coming up are IRL driver Sam Hornish Jr. and Cup driver Jamie McMurray. Hornish and Wallace have the same team owner in Roger Penske, and Hornish considered moving to NASCAR last year. McMurray is under contract with Chip Ganassi, but contract situations can change. "We've got a year and a half to make that decision," Wallace said. "But I don't think we're in the mood to go through a lot of growing pains. Miller wants a young hot shot. We need a guy who's kicking tail right now."(Dallas Morning News)(9-10-2004)
Ganassi signes Lagasse Jr. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today the signing of 22-year-old Scott Lagasse Jr. to its Talent Development Program. The St. Augustine, Fla. native joins the program with impressive credentials as a driver and a person. Lagasse Jr. becomes the fourth driver on the Talent Development roster at Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, which includes David Stremme, Reed Sorenson and Ryan Hemphill. Lagasse Jr. began running in the ASA series in 2003 where he
earned an impressive four top-10 finishes in just six starts. This year, Lagasse Jr. captured his first win in the series at Kentucky
Speedway and his first pole at Indianapolis Raceway Park. As impressive as his on-track performance is, Lagasse Jr. is also committed to his education. He attends Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. on a full academic scholarship where he is on track to
earn a Business/Marketing degree.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-5-2004)
McMurray to anchor the news: #42-Jamie McMurray will tape a segment as guest anchor on Channel One News. Channel One News is a daily, televised, 12-minute newscast that is beamed via satellite to 12,000 middle, junior and high schools representing over 8 million students and 400,000 educators.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-1-2004)
MTV to film Mears and McMurray's Cribs: #41-Casey Mears and his home will be featured on MTV Cribs. MTV will film at his home next week and his segment will be aired later this year.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
AND #42-Jamie McMurray will open up his house in Statesville, N.C. next week to MTV to film an episode of MTV Cribs that will air later this year. The television show showcases celebrity's homes and lifestyles.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-1-2004)
More on McMurray and Gibbs, for a year..then to Penske: Jamie McMurray is still in play, according to sources close to the driver, who is being wooed by both Roger Penske and Joe Gibbs - if he can resolve his contract with car owner Chip Ganassi. Gibbs wants him for his new third Nextel Cup team, to be sponsored by FedEx; McMurray would be a teammate of Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte. Penske wants him to take over Rusty Wallace's ride when Wallace retires, apparently at the end of 2005. Also in the running for the Gibbs ride is sprint start J. J. Yeley, who was to race here but who didn't make the field because qualifying was rained out. However, FedEx, according to sources, wants a top-10 team out of the box, and that would be a tall order for a rookie.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-23-2004)
McMurray unhappy? sit out a year? to Penske? UPDATE 2: While some close to Jamie McMurray insist that he is unhappy enough to want to leave Ganassi - or sit out the 2005 Cup season - others say he will bite the bullet and remain another year. However, some close to McMurray say he may battle the legal enforceability of the Ganassi contract. If McMurray were to sit out the 2005 Cup season, that might well be a first. McMurray is signing a deal to drive Busch #66 cars for Rusty Wallace next season, and it is unclear if Ganassi's contract covers McMurray's Cup efforts or Busch options, too.(Winston Salem Journal), could McMurray end up in the #2 Miller Lite Dodge if Wallace retires after 2005? see below for the news on the Ganassi PR that McMurray is signed for 2005....(8-9-2004)
UPDATE: Jamie McMurray appears to be Roger Penske's top pick to join Penske South, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-14-2004)
UPDATE 2: If and when Rusty Wallace retires, his personal pick to take his seat, according to those close to him, is Jamie McMurray. And 2005 could be Wallace's final season on the NASCAR tour. However, McMurray is also being heavily wooed by Joe Gibbs to take the [#11 Fed-Ex] ride as Tony Stewart's teammate next season, depending on how McMurray fares in his contract dealings with current car owner Chip Ganassi. Ganassi has exercised an option to retain McMurray for next season. However, sources close to McMurray indicate questions about that contract remain.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-16-2004)
Ganassi extends McMurray's contract UPDATE not set in stone? Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that they have exercised their option to extend Jamie McMurray's driver agreement into the future. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed per company policy. "We are excited about having Jamie (McMurray) as part of the team into the future," said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. "With the way the #42 Texaco/Havoline team has been running up front, we are in position to start winning races soon."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-4-2004)
UPDATE: A statement issued earlier this week by Chip Ganassi Racing - that the organization had exercised an option to extend driver Jamie McMurray's contract - suggested an end to rumors that McMurray was being pursued by or was himself pursuing options with other Nextel Cup teams. Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, just the opposite seemed to be true. The bizarre way the announcement about an extension unfolded has raised a number of questions. And, strangely, McMurray denied to comment when asked about the contract extension on Friday. When a question on the subject was forwarded to owner Chip Ganassi, who was not at the track Friday, this is what the response said: "There is nothing else to say about the statement that was sent out. I do not discuss contracts in public." McMurray, 28, is said to have signed a two-year contract with Ganassi that covered the 2003 and 2004 Cup seasons. However, the contract included one or more additional one-year extensions that could be exercised by Ganassi alone, sources said. Over the past three weeks, rumors have circulated that McMurray was not only seeking a new deal from Ganassi, but also talking with other teams [#11 Gibbs]. The Ganassi organization released a statement late in the day Wednesday that said, in part, the team had exercised its option to extend McMurray's driver agreement into the future. Terms were not disclosed per company policy. The statement was followed by a quote from Ganassi: "Were excited about having Jamie (McMurray) as part of the team into the future. "With the way the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline team has been running up front, we are in position to start winning races soon."
"Where Jamie McMurray wants to go is the same place we want to go. ... He wants to win the Nextel Cup championship," said John Fernandez, director of racing operations for Dodge. The one thing we can do as a manufacturer and to keep him with Chip Ganassi and to keep him in our camp," Fernandez said, "is to show him that we have better capability than the other guys to get him to the promised land. Were trying to show Jamie our goals, his goals are basically the same. We feel we have the best approach to be able to win him a championship."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-6-2004)
McMurray and Gibbs? UPDATE 2: hearing conflicting reports that Jamie McMurray, driver of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge for Ganassi Racing has either.....talked to Joe Gibbs Racing [JGR], is rumored to have talked to JGR or JGR wants to talk to McMurray, but has not..yet.....about the new #11 Fed-Ex team gig for 2005. McMurray is either in his option year or still has one or two [Ganassi] options years left on his contract.(7-7-2004)
UPDATE: The day's top story swirled around the Chip Ganassi and Joe Gibbs teams, with reports that Jamie McMurray may have been talking with the Gibbs team about becoming a teammate with Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte next season, driving for Gibbs' new third team, to be sponsored by FedEx. McMurray downplayed the reports. "You can't believe everything you hear on that deal," he said. "I thought Greg Biffle was going there. "I don't know anything about it. I haven't talked with Joe Gibbs. I am under contract. So I probably couldn't go there, not if I'm under contract." Andy Graves, general manager for Ganassi, says McMurray hadn't expressed any dissatisfaction to the team but conceded he had heard speculation of a McMurray-to-Gibbs move. "I've heard that rumor since Michigan (in mid-June)," Graves said. "But he's under contract to us and he hasn't said anything to us that he wants to get out. So I don't know if Joe and those guys have talked with him or just want to talk with him. I really don't know what the deal is, to be honest. If there has been contact between Gibbs and Jamie I don't know. But Jamie hasn't come to us and said 'I want out. I'm unhappy,' or anything like that. The only thing I can think of is that maybe Gibbs is trying to stir something up in retaliation for that deal with Tony Stewart last year." That was the debate over Ganassi possibly hiring Stewart after Stewart's contract with Gibbs ran out at the end of 2004. Stewart discussed signing with Ganassi until signing a new contract [thru 2009] with Gibbs. Gibbs, J. D. Gibbs, and general manager Jimmy Makar were all unavailable for comment on the McMurray situation. Sources close to the situation said it was unlikely Ganassi would be willing to let McMurray out of his contract [Jayski Note: been told Ganassi holds the option on McMurray for 2005].(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2004)
UPDATE 2: Jamie McMurray's name continues to pop up as a possible driver for the #11 Fed-Ex Joe Gibbs Racing Chevy in 2005. McMurray has no contractual obligation to the #42 Ganassi Dodge after the end of this season.(Motorsport.com), JAYSKI Note: however, sources tell me that Ganassi holds the contract option on McMurray for 2005.(7-11-2004)
Ganassi Racing to have a Busch team in 2005 UPDATE 2: been told that Ganassi Racing will run a full time Busch program next year in house and possibly a second team for 15 - 20 Busch races also. Supposedly the drivers will be some combination of their current three Cup drivers (Marlin, McMurray and Mears) and possibly David Stremme and/or Reed Sorensen. Ganassi Racing also plans to move into their new building by the Concord [NC] Airport in July.(5-10-2004)
UPDATE: announced at MIS and on Fox Sports Net's NASCAR This Morning, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, will field a full-time Busch Series team in 2005 with Discount Tires as the sponsor. Reed Sorensen will drive in four Busch races later in the 2004 season. Casey Mears, Jamie McMurray and Sorensen will drive in 2005.
AND Chip Ganassi announced Sunday morning that Discount Tire Co. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) have joined forces. Discount Tire Co. will become the "Official Sponsor of Talent Development" for CGRFS. Discount Tire will be an associate sponsor on all three CGRFS NEXTEL Cup Series cars and the primary sponsor of a NASCAR Busch Series Dodge for eight races in 2004. The Busch Series car will be driven by Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears and ASA driver Reed Sorensen.(Dodge Notes/Clear!Blue PR)(6-20-2004)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing on Sunday announced the formation of an in-house NASCAR Busch Series team to assist in its driver development program. The team will debut this season in eight races. Ganassi Nextel Cup drivers Casey Mears and Jamie McMurray will each drive two and 18-year-old up-and-comer Reed Sorenson will drive in four events. Sorenson was rookie of the year in the American Speed Association last season and won Saturday's Automobile Racing Club of America series event at Michigan International Speedway in a Ganassi-prepared Dodge. Ganassi has signed Discount Tire Co. as a sponsor for the team's 2004 races. Team owner Chip Ganassi said he hoped to have Sorenson run most of the Busch schedule in 2005. McMurray will drive the #41 Dodge in the Aug. 21 race at Michigan and Nov. 6 at Phoenix. Mears will be in the car for the Sept. 4 at California and Oct. 15 at Charlotte. Sorenson, currently fourth in the ASA points race, will be in the car Aug. 7 at Indianapolis, Oct. 30 at Atlanta, Nov. 13 at Darlington, and Nov. 20 at Homestead.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-21-2004)
Special Davey scheme at 'Dega: #42-Jamie McMurray will run another special Texaco/Havoline retro paint scheme at Talladega in October to celebrate the life of Davey Allison and the 2004 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame.(RacingOne)(6-12-2004)
Stremme to Cup by 2006: NASCAR Busch Series driver David Stremme, one of several up-and-comers Chip Ganassi has signed to driver development contracts, should join the Nextel Cup ranks by 2006, said Andy Graves, Ganassi's team manager. "We have David Stremme signed long-term with the Ganassi organization, Reed Sorenson and Ryan Hemphill. We're excited about those three young guys," Graves said. "I think you're going to see David Stremme in Cup in the near future, if not 2005 I'd say for sure in 2006. Reed and Ryan are both getting their feet wet. It's going to take a little more work to get them to that level, but they both have the talent." Stremme is driving the #32 TrimSpa Dodges for Braun Racing this season. Sorenson is running full-time in the American Speed Association and Sorenson and Hemphill are both running Automobile Racing Club of America series events. Graves called Roush Racing among the most successful at developing new talent in the Cup series. "I think those guys have done good jobs bringing up Greg Biffle and Kurt Busch and Matt Kenseth. I think they're the ones that kind of started it," he said. "Both Hendrick and ourselves have kind of caught up with them, and hopefully we've got some young guys to get ready for the future."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-5-2004)
Ganassi Shakeup? [no details]: A shakeup may be brewing inside the Chip Ganassi camp, according to insiders. Ganassi's three drivers are all winless over the past year and a half.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-5-2004)
McMurray's Pit Crew Scores First McDonald's/POWERade Victory: Jamie McMurray's pit crew claimed the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Though McMurray's crew had been close to the top in a number of races, this was the first time the #42 team captured the $20,000 weekly prize. The first-place finish lifted McMurray's crew from 11th to eighth in the McDonald's/POWERade point standings. The season winner will collect a $200,000 bonus. Speaking of winners, last year's season champion - the pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- remains first with 459 points and a 21-point margin over Elliott Sadler's crew. The margin of victory for McMurray's crew was a mere three-tenths of a second over Sadler's team. McMurray's Texaco-Havoline Dodge, which is part of the Chip Ganassi racing stable, spent 283.521 seconds on pit road. Sadler's Pedigree Ford was clocked at 283.824. Michael Waltrip's NAPA Chevy was third at 288.029. "I'm really proud of this entire Texaco/Havoline team," crew chief Donnie Wingo said. "They have really pulled together and we have a very solid pit crew. I also want to send a word of thanks to Dave Collins, who is an important part of the 42 pit crew. Dave injured his finger a while back and is out of commission for now, but we look forward to him getting back soon. I also want to say thank you to McDonald's and POWERade for their support of this pit crew competition. Our team takes great pride in being awarded this prize." The #42 over-the-wall crew consists of: Shane Church (front tire changer), Keith Mansch (front tire carrier), Billy Curwood (rear tire changer), Andrew Carter (rear tire carrier), Mark Cass (jackman), Mike Bodick (gas man) and Heath Silver (catch can).(DMF Communications PR), see the top 10 from the race and the standings on my Pit Crew News page.(6-3-2004)
Ganassi Being Sued: NASCAR and IRL Team[s] owner Chip Ganassi was accused in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday of failing to pay his share of a $35 million debt linked to the construction of the Chicago Motor Speedway. The multimillion dollar lawsuit filed by the Chicago-based National Jockey Club alleged that Ganassi failed to adequately fund the project and was trying to duck his share of the debt, according to a statement from the club. Ganassi could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening.(CBS Sportsline/AP)(6-2-2004)
Ganassi Employees get watches: Chip Ganassi Racing is using their new partnership with TAG Heuer to recognize their employees. As part of their partnership, every employee with at least one year of service to the company will receive a free TAG Heuer luxury watch. It was recently announced that TAG Heuer is the Official Timekeeper, Official Watch, and Chronograph and Official Partner for Chip Ganassi Racing for their entries in the Indy Racing League, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, and the Grand-Am Series. TAG Heuer, the benchmark in prestigious sports watches and chronographs since 1860, is the fourth-largest luxury brand in the world watch market.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(5-27-2004)
McMurray to run in all three series in 2005: On Wednesday's Totally NASCAR on Fox Sports Net, Jamie McMurray said he's going to try and run not only all of the companion Busch Series races next year, but also all of the companion Craftsman Truck Series events.(5-13-2004)
Ganassi Racing and Foyt Racing penalized points for confiscated cars UPDATE Sabates not happy: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and A.J. Foyt Racing were issued multiple penalties as a result of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series cars from those teams being confiscated March 26 during pre-event inspection at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. The #42 Texaco Havoline Dodge entry of Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates for driver Jamie McMurray was confiscated for a rear window opening that exceeded the diagonal specification and was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book.
As a result, owner Chip Ganassi was penalized with a loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship car owner points; McMurray with a loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship driver points; and crew chief Donnie Wingo was placed on probation until Dec. 31.
The #14 Dodge entry of A.J. Foyt Racing for driver Larry Foyt was confiscated for a non-approved roof that did not fit the car templates and was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book. Owner A.J. Foyt was penalized with a loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship car owner points; Larry Foyt with a loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship driver points; and crew chief Keith Koppenal was placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Both cars have been held at the NASCAR Research and Development Center since they were confiscated. NASCAR will release the chassis and engines to the teams this week, but the #42 car body and #14 greenhouse will be retained at the center and not returned to the teams.
“The process of gathering data from the two cars we confiscated has been completed,” NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Director John Darby said. “In addition to collecting the data we needed, we have been able to refine the overall process so that we have the ability to react very quickly to this type of situation in the future, specifically if this should occur in the final 10 races.”
McMurray’s championship points total will be adjusted to 939 points as a result of the penalty and will drop from 13th to 14th in the championship standings. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates also will be adjusted to 939 points with the 25-point penalty and fall to 14th in the owners’ championship standings.
Foyt’s championship points total will be adjusted to 194 points as a result of the penalty, and will drop him from 40th to 44th in the championship standings. A.J. Foyt Racing also will be adjusted to 194 points with the 25-point penalty and drop to 46th in the owners’ championship standings.(NASCAR PR)(4-20-2004)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing part-owner Felix Sabates lashed out at NASCAR Tuesday for stripping 25 driver points from Jamie McMurray as a result of his car being confiscated March 26 during the race weekend at Bristol. The violation was similar to those of the teams of Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch last season, which resulted in NASCAR confiscating both of those cars. Stewart did not have any points taken. Busch did. However, it was the only Cup race Busch entered in 2003, making the penalty virtually meaningless. "This is pure, unadulterated (BS)," Sabates fumed. "You have got to be consistent in this sport. NASCAR is not too consistent right now. "(Joe) Gibbs (Stewart's owner) didn't get any points taken from him when this happened to Tony last year and Tony was in the hunt for a championship." Sabates said he and primary owner Chip Ganassi asked for an explanation of the penalty from NASCAR President Mike Helton but didn't receive a satisfactory response. "The only sorry excuse they had was that they took points from Kyle Busch. Well, big (expletive deleted) deal. He was running one race and the penalty came out after the damn season was over," Sabates said. "We are in the middle of a championship battle with an even greater priority this season with the 26-race deal and we lose points for the same violation as someone else and they didn't lose points. That is (BS)." Sabates was also livid at the slow response time of the penalty, which came three weeks since the cars were taken. "They told us that day what was wrong. What the hell have they been doing?" he said. "This is just sorry--- management, sorry management."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-21-2004)
McMurray to be a presenter for Award Show: Jamie McMurray, the driver of Chip Ganassi Racing's #42 Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, is scheduled to be a presenter for CMT's 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards at 8:00pm/et April 21 on CMT.(NASCAR Scene Daily)(4-10-2004)
McMurray Making Up: #42-Jamie McMurray said Friday he knew better than to spin Matt Kenseth's Ford out on the cool-down lap following last week's race at Bristol. "I've watched people do that and thought, 'that idiot, what was he thinking?'" McMurray said. "I knew it wasn't going to do any good, but it's the only thing you can do," said McMurray, who was angry at Kenseth after contact between their cars on the final lap of the Food City 500. "You can't get out and fight. (Jimmy) Spencer got suspended for that, so I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. You just want to do anything you can to get back at them, you don't want somebody to think you're going to let them push you around. But it's not even about that, Matt isn't that kind of guy. ...He was just fired up like I was." McMurray blamed the whole thing on Bristol. "That place will bring it out of you," McMurray said. "I never get mad, but I was mad. That's just what Bristol does." McMurray also said he had talked to Kasey Kahne during the week, apologizing for an early race incident that knocked Kahne out at Bristol. Kahne promised to exact revenge on the track at some future time, but McMurray said he isn't worried about that. "It's over now," McMurray said.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-3-2004)
Jamie McMurray Announces "Drive for a Cure" Awareness Campaign: Jamie McMurray hopes to create awareness and raise money for the#42-Autism Society of America during his "Drive for a Cure" charity promotion announced Friday at Texas Motor Speedway. Throughout the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season, McMurray will donate $42 for every lap he leads to the Autism Society of America. In addition, the Joplin, Mo. native will donate $42 for every pole he wins in 2004. McMurray has a niece who has autism. So far during the 2004 season, McMurray has led a total of 116 laps, equaling $4,872 in money raised for the Autism Society of America. ChevronTexaco, who sponsors McMurray's No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, is showing its commitment to this program by announcing today that it will match Jamie's pledges during the 2004 season. For every lap and pole McMurray leads and wins in 2004, ChevronTexaco will match the $42 pledge. "The Autism Society of America is so grateful to Jamie, ChevronTexaco, and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates for their thoughtful and generous initiative," said Artie Kempner, Autism Society of America Board Member and Coordinating Director of NASCAR on FOX. "The number of children being diagnosed with autism is growing at an alarming rate, and we need to find the cause and the cure for this disorder. Jamie's efforts will not only raise much needed money for research, but will also generate great public awareness." Demonstrating its one-team approach philosophy, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates also announced that it will match McMurray's $42 pledges during the 2004 season. With the three pledge matches combined, McMurray, ChevronTexaco and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates have already raised $14,616 for the Autism Society of America.
To help activate the charity promotion, Action Performance has created a special "Drive for the Cure" t-shirt and decal that will be sold
trackside and through retail. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will go to the Autism Society of America.
McMurray will join fellow NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers on May 25 for the Elliott Sadler "Race for Hope" Celebrity Race at NASCAR Speedpark in Concord, NC. To learn more about autism or to make a donation, call 1-800-3AUTISM or visit www.autism-society.org.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(4-3-2004)
McMurray Fined $$ - no points: #42-Jamie McMurray was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Aug. 31 by NASCAR on Tuesday for spinning #17-Matt Kenseth on the "cool down" lap following Sunday's race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kenseth and McMurray traded bumps in the closing laps and then McMurray spun Kenseth's #17 DeWalt Ford on pit road after the race was completed. Kenseth and McMurray and their crew chiefs were called to the NASCAR hauler after the race.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-30-2004)
Kennseth vs. McMurray: #17-Matt Kenseth and #42-Jamie McMurray traded bumps in the closing laps and then McMurray spun Kenseth's #17 DeWalt Ford on pit road after the race was completed. Kenseth "hit me two or three times going into Turn 1 when we took the green. He's not typically like that," McMurray said. "I got into him a little bit, trying to get him out of the way so I could get by him. It's just one of those deals. I'm shocked Matt acted that way." Of the post-race spin, McMurray said: "You can't really get out and punch somebody in our sport, so I just wanted him to know I was mad." Kenseth said he simply was retaliating on the track to McMurray's moves. "He just knocked me out of the groove and I did the same to him," Kenseth said. "They say nice guys finish last, I guess. "He didn't wreck. I didn't wreck, except for when he wrecked me on pit road." Kenseth and McMurray and their crew chiefs were all called to the hauler. A penalty is likely for McMurray's spin after the race.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-29-2004)
#42 and #14 Car Seized by NASCAR; #14 Team Goes Home RESPONSE: NASCAR on Friday morning confiscated the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge driven by Jamie McMurray, when it failed to meet the X-measurement of the rear window. The violation is similar to those made by the teams of Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch last season, which resulted in NASCAR confiscating both cars. NASCAR spokesman Mize Zizzo said NASCAR will tow the No. 42 and No. 14 back to its research and development center in Concord, NC, for evaluation. And additional penalties will be forthcoming after the race weekend, Zizzo said. Following the inspection process, the car was placed alongside the NASCAR hauler and the team brought out a backup car. The backup car has never been run. "You definitely don't bring your best aero car to Bristol, but the first time NASCAR checked the X-measurement - the same measurement they got Tony Stewart for and Kyle Busch - it showed to be too much," said team manager Andy Graves. "Right now we're trying to figure out what happened, if it was a mistake on our part or if a mistake made in measuring the first time. We're going to have them measure it again." Graves said the #41 and #40 Dodges, driven by Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Casey Mears and Sterling Marlin, respectively, both measured correctly. The X-measurement is taken diagonally from each the top corner of the rear window to the bottom corner of the opposite side. "It shows three-quarters (of an inch) more than any car we've ever had, so we're kind of baffled by it," Graves said.
#14 Seized too: Larry Foyt's #14 Dodge car failed to pass inspection a first time and his crew worked on the problem areas before returning to the inspection line. When the Dodge failed the final time, the car was seized by officials. The Foyt team had only a speedway car on hand as a backup, so they decided not to make a qualifying attempt for Sunday's Food City 500.(ThatsRacin.com)
AND The #42 Havoline Dodge was confiscated during the first inspection at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday for being five-eighths of an inch off of the X-measurement. NASCAR uses the X-measurement -- that gauges the length of the rear window from corner to corner to determine the off-set of the decklid to the roof. "The car was in line this morning and they just pulled it to the side," says Ganassi team manager Andy Graves. "I don't understand. We had to make updates, but the roofline and the decklid is the same as last year." When driver Jamie McMurray arrived at the track Friday morning, he described the situation as "puzzling". He added that it did not make sense to bring an illegal car to the track, especially at Bristol where little if any aerodynamic advantage can be gleaned. "We raced this car like seven times last year," McMurray says. "So it's a bit confusing." Crew chief Donnie Wingo agreed that the situation was "confusing" since this was the primary short track car the team used last year. "I'm just frustrated," Wingo says. "At least we have another good car in the trailer and we'll have one sent from the shop this afternoon."(FoxSports/Sporting News)(3-26-2004)
#42 Team Response: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has issued the following statement regarding NASCAR's seizure
of Jamie McMurray's No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge during inspection Friday morning at Bristol Motor Speedway.
"This is an unfortunate situation that happened today at Bristol with the 42 car," Chip Ganassi said. "This is a short track car from last
season that we put a new body on during the off season. If there was an error made in the body shop on our part, we will get it rectified.
We look forward to working closely with NASCAR to make sure this issue is resolved in a timely manner." As a result, McMurray and the Texaco/Havoline were forced to unload the backup car, chassis #214. McMurray finished 11th last year at Bristol in the spring race and finished third last August.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(3-26-2004)
5 Freightliners Hauling Ganassi NASCAR Teams: Five Freightliner Coronado heavy-duty trucks will serve as transporters for racing teams of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Inc. during the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Racing Season. The brightly painted and accessorized Coronado trucks will haul Sterling Marlin's #40 Coors Lite Dodge, as well as drivers Jamie McMurray's #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge and Casey Mears' #41 Target Dodge. Some of the trucks will haul racecars and equipment to the 36 Nextel Cup races, while the other two will transport cars and materials to various test tracks around the country. The Coronado is Freightliner Trucks' flagship Class 8 truck for owner-operators. "Our sponsorship of the three Ganassi teams is a great way to showcase the Freightliner Coronado," said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "With their spectacular appearance, Ganassi Racing's Coronado trucks are sure to turn heads on the road and at the racetrack."(TruckingInfo.com)(3-2-2004)
Ganassi Says He Was Robbed: They were lined up behind the NASCAR hauler before Sunday's Subway 400 had even concluded at North Carolina Speedway. Ganassi Racing owners Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates staked out a position at the entrance, and were soon joined by Donnie Wingo, crew chief for driver Jamie McMurray, and team manager Andy Graves. They were there to protest the win of #17-Matt Kenseth, claiming Kenseth and second-place finisher #9-Kasey Kahne were not on the lead lap and McMurray, who was third, should have been the winner. Ganassi and Sabates contended when Kenseth and Kahne pitted under green on Lap 350 and a caution then came out, they should have been scored a lap down. Rather, NASCAR corrected the scoring and put them back on the lead lap. When the other lead-lap cars then pitted, Kenseth and Kahne moved into the first and second positions for the final restart. McMurray, who was the race leader when the caution came out, restarted third.
"We just got robbed in front of a 100,000 people," Ganassi said. "Even if you say they froze the field, we had (Kenseth) and (Kahne) split and should have been no better than second. They come in the pits and then it goes yellow, and then we go in the pits as the race leader and come out third. How does that work?"
While the Ganassi group waited for NASCAR officials to return from race control, driver Mark Martin joined them. He, along with car owner Jack Roush, were summoned to the hauler because NASCAR felt Martin, a lapped car, was blocking the race leaders on the final restart of the race. Strangely enough, one of the drivers Martin was racing in the incident was McMurray. So, when Martin arrived, he and Sabates got into a brief profanity-laced exchange before they all went up in the hauler.
Roush, meanwhile, was still celebrating Kenseth's win in Victory Lane, and didn't join the group until much later. After nearly 40 minutes, Ganassi and Sabates came out declaring NASCAR was not going to change its decision, but emphasizing their belief McMurray was the winner. "There was no explanation. There was no reviewing (of tape). Nothing," Sabates said. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you get the shaft and sometimes you get the elevator. We got the shaft this time."
And what of NASCAR's explanation? "Now that we dont race back to the yellow, when the yellow comes out, all the positions are frozen. It was our determination in timing and scoring (Kenseth) and (Kahne) were still on the lead lap when the caution came out. We gave them what they lost when the pace car went by them and gave them that lap back." The reasoning didn't sit well with the Ganassi group, who left frustrated and angry. And Martin didn't appear particularly satisfied with his visit either when he finally emerged from the hauler. "I'm disappointed because the people in the sport know I have a lot of integrity," he said. "I watched it on the tape and I didn't see anything. I was racing and wasn't in anybody's way."(ThatsRacin.com)(2-23-2004)
New Driver Site: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jamie McMurray announced the official launch of his new website, www.jamiemcmurray.com. McMurray, along with website designer 51 Sports, hopes the new site draws in new NASCAR fans, as well as provides a solid platform for McMurray’s current fan base. McMurray, who pilots the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, was named the 2003 NASCAR Raybestos Rookie of the Year.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-10-2004)
Ganassi team wins pole for 24: Scott Pruett put the #01 CompUSA Lexus Riley of Chip Ganassi Racing on the pole for the 42nd anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Pruett set a new Daytona Prototype track record with his 1:45.783 lap at 121.154mph, shaving more than four seconds off the previous record held by David Donohue.(Speed Channel)(1-30-2004)
2003 News
McMurray's Dad Karting in Daytona: Jim McMurray wants just one chance to brag about a Daytona victory. And to whom will he boast the loudest? NASCAR's 2003 Raybestos Rookie of the Year and his son, Jamie McMurray. The eldest McMurray is in Daytona to compete in the World Karting Association's 30th Annual Daytona KartWeek at Daytona International Speedway. The 56-year-old McMurray will take part in Sunday's Medium Class Enduro competition and Tuesday's Heavy Class competition. Daytona KartWeek (Dec. 26-30) is the most prestigious karting event held in the United States. "I've been coming to Daytona and racing since 1976," McMurray recalls. "Jaime won the WKA World Championships here (Daytona) in 1988 when he was 14. I have never won at Daytona. I've run second a couple of times. But I've never won here. McMurray will spend this NASCAR season behind the wheel of his son's motor coach. That's fine with him. Although he sure does miss being behind the wheel of a go-kart. Tickets for Daytona KartWeek at Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium can be purchased at the gate.(Daytona International Speedway PR)(12-28-2003)
Ganassi's Move: Mooresville business officials say they hope the Chip Ganassi Racing building, which sits in a prominent location among Race City USA's NASCAR shops, won't be vacant long. "It will be loss, but we're hopeful that another company will buy their existing building," said Melanie O'Connell Underwood, economic developer for the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce. "Although it's not a given, the building is made for racing." Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates confirmed last week that it has accepted roughly $370,000 in incentives from Cabarrus County and Concord to move to a new and larger facility closer to Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ganassi Racing, which supports NASCAR Winston Cup drivers #40-Sterling Marlin, #42-Jamie McMurray and #41-Casey Mears, employs about 150 people in Mooresville at a high-profile location just inside the main entrance to Lakeside Park. The business park is home to several dozen racing teams. The larger Concord facility, which is already der construction, will have up to 350 employees. The team had also been looking for places to relocate to in Mooresville, having outgrown its Lakeside Park site. In April, Ganassi struck a tentative deal to move into the vacant Matsushita Compressor Corp. plant in Mooresville, but those plans fell through despite incentive offers from Iredell County and Mooresville. Underwood showed the team the high-tech Matsushita building, which manufactured electronics. But Concord's incentive –a 65% property tax return over four years- with an airport and speedway were factors in the decision to move. "They're going to be looking for a hangar at the Concord Airport," Underwood said. Right now the airport, a popular location for NASCAR team jets, is in the process of lengthening a runway to accommodate longer flights. "The airport, I think that's a huge driver in this project," said John Cox, CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ganassi racing has occupied its Lakeside Park location since 1994. In 2000, Chip Ganassi bought majority ownership of the team. Previously known as Team SABCO, the organization was initially a NASCAR research and development team that Felix Sabates bought from Rick Hendrick in 1987.(Mooresville Tribune)(12-1-2003)
Chip Ganassi Racing Scores Triple Crown in 2003 Rookie Title: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates saw three of its drivers crowned Rookie of the Year in their respective racing divisions for the 2003 season.
Jamie McMurray, driver of the #42 Havoline Dodge, was named the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Raybestos Rookie of the Year.
David Stremme's Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Busch Series is quite impressive. Stremme competed in only 18 of the 34 races on the Busch Series schedule and compiled three top-five and seven top-10 finishes during the 18-race span.
Chip Ganassi Racing's latest addition to its driver development program is Reed Sorenson. The 17-year-old became the youngest driver
in American Speed Association (ASA) history to earn Rookie of the Year honors. During his 2003 season on the ASA circuit, Sorenson racked up seven top-five and 14 top-10 finishes in 17 starts.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-20-2003)
McMurray Rookie of the Year: #42-Jamie McMurray clinched Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors at Homestead. He finished ninth in the race, his 13th top-10 of the season. McMurray unofficially took the title by 37 points (320.25-283.25) over Greg Biffle and was one of three Raybestos Rookies to finish on the lead lap: #74-Tony Raines (13th) and #14-Larry Foyt (16th) were the others.
A Raybestos Rookie has now finished in the top-10 in all five races at Homestead. Tony Stewart, first (1999); Dave Blaney, ninth (2000); Casey Atwood, third, Kevin Harvick, seventh, and Jason Leffler, 10th (2001); and Ryan Newman sixth and Jimmie Johnson, eighth (2002).
McMurray took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors 21 times including 12 of the last 13 races. No other Raybestos Rookie grabbed the honor more than nine times. He also finished the season with more top-fives (five) and more top-10 finishes (12) than any other first year driver. His 13th place finish in Winston Cup points was best among all first-year drivers.
Tony Raines, #74 Speed Racer Chevy: (Raines finishes the season with four consecutive top-20 finishes.) "This is a solid way to end the season by posting our second best finish of the season. We came on strong in the last six to eight races so that gives this team a lot of momentum heading into the off-season. We've been through a lot as a team since Daytona but we've learned a great deal and achieved the majority of the goals that we set for ourselves when we started the season. I give a lot of credit to (crew chief, Larry) Carter because his leadership was tremendous the entire year. There are plenty of times when we could have gotten down on ourselves and it would have been easy to give up because no one had any expectations for us to succeed. But that is not what this team or organization is about. We hung in there and I think we surprised a lot of people and gained the respect of a lot as well. Our car wasn't handling that great today. The first twenty to twenty five laps, I was thinking we were in pretty good shape but it went away pretty quick and got tight especially entering the corners. Just like we have all year, we just continued hammering away at it and in the end we got some good breaks and came out with a solid top-15 finish."
Note: Larry Foyt started a career best 12th at Homestead and backed that up with a 16th place finish in the race, his career best in 20 Winston Cup starts. His previous best finish was a 28th place effort, which came most recently last week at Rockingham. Larry Foyt, #14 Harrah's Dodge: "What a way to end the year. Ray Evernham and Sammy Johns really helped out this weekend and that was a huge boost. Qualifying was great and the race was so much fun. It was so much fun being able to race guys and be competitive. We finished on the lead lap for the first time this year without having to be the 'lucky dog.' My car was really tight at the start of the race but from about halfway to the end the car was great. It loved clean air and the top of the racetrack. But, it seems the guys we were racing against knew that and would block my line. I'm just happy to have a good finish. This team really deserves it. They've been behind me all year and they never gave up."
Casey Mears, #41 Target Dodge: "The car was not great to start with but we were working on it and thought we were getting it better. There was a piece of debris that went though the grill and into the radiator. The guys did an unbelievable job changing the radiator in three laps. I had some bad luck but rookie years can be like that and I am looking forward to 2004."(Camp and Assoc PR)(11-16-2003)
McMurray OK: Jamie McMurray was working on his Havoline Dodge when a metal sliver fell into one of his eyes. It was removed at PIR's infield medical center.(Arizona Republic)(11-2-2003)
Ganassi Racing Moving? Chip Ganassi Racing [#40, #41, #42 Dodges] is considering moving its headquarters to Concord from Mooresville, Concord city officials announced Tuesday. The move would add to Concord's racing credentials, giving the city three of the largest NASCAR racing teams. Already, Winston Cup teams Roush Racing and Hendrick Motorsports have their headquarters in Concord. The city is also home to Lowe's Motor Speedway and a NASCAR research and development complex. Ganassi is looking at a 59-acre site at Poplar Tent and Derita roads adjacent to Concord Regional Airport. The land is large enough for expansion or for the company to sell off to related businesses, said City Manager Brian Hiatt. The company would invest $15.5 million and employ 150 initially. That could grow to 350 within five years, Hiatt said. In addition to a headquarters building, the company also would build an airport hangar at Concord Regional, a city-owned airport. Construction is expected to be finished in 2004, according to the city. In return, Concord is likely to dangle a total of $242,690 in grants over four years for real and personal property taxes. That follows the city's incentive policy for this size investment. The council will consider the incentives Oct. 20, and Padgett said he expects them to be approved. An official with Ganassi declined to comment.(Charlotte Observer)(10-8-2003)
Double Duty for McMurray: Jamie McMurray will be pulling double duty this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway as he will run in both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series events. McMurray will pilot a #40 Havoline Dodge in Friday night's Little Trees 300 before climbing behind the wheel of the #42 Havoline Dodge for Saturday's UAW-GM Quality 500. Braun Racing is fielding McMurray's #40 Havoline Dodge entry in Friday night's Busch Series race. Patrick Donahue will serve as the crew chief.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-8-2003)
Sabates to own part of the Bobcats: An influential group of local Charlotte investors has joined majority owner Robert L. Johnson as minority partners in Bobcats Basketball Holdings, LLC, the ownership group of the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association and the Charlotte Sting of the Women's National Basketball Association the team announced Monday. Felix Sabates, owner of NASCAR Winston Cup racing teams and the Charlotte Checkers minor league hockey club, and chairman of Trinity Yachts, the largest yacht builder in America, is a member of the ownership group.(WSOC.com)(9-16-2003)
Dale Jr spends time at Ganassi's shop AND more on DEI UPDATE: Friction between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt continues to hold up a deal that would legally bind Junior to the organization his father founded. Sources say that Earnhardt Jr., who has never had a formal contract with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, was ready to ink his deal last week. But after a brief meeting with Teresa he walked away with the contract still unsigned. Most DEI insiders believe that it is all a matter of time before an agreement is reached. However, as long as Earnhardt Jr. is still technically a free agent other teams are trying to seduce the young star -- which may explain why Junior spent four hours last week at the Chip Ganassi shop.(from the ESPN site)
AND: Despite DEI's on-track success, the Winston Cup garage has been rife with reports of in-house problems, highlighted by Teresa's inability to sign Dale Earnhardt Jr. to a new contract after months of negotiations, and by reports from the Indy Racing League about DEI's failure to sign two-time IRL champ Sam Hornish after long talks. Norris denied the IRL report that Theresa vetoed his handshake deal with Hornish for a Winston Cup ride. 'I told Dale Jr. that Sam was the guy we wanted to drive our Busch car, and I was going to put him in some ARCA races too, and run him in the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 and all the Cup races after the IRL season,' Norris said. 'But Dale talked with him and said he didn't seem that interested, and Sam's agent said he wasn't interested in a Busch ride.' Hornish signed an Indy-car deal last week with Roger Penske, who runs Dodges in NASCAR and Toyotas in the IRL.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has still not signed his contract, Norris said. 'He has a couple of issues he wants Teresa to address, and it's up to those two, but there has been some movement. 'As far as 'power struggle,' I do my job, and Steve Hmiel does his job, and Teresa owns the company and makes the final decisions. Don't think for one minute just because she's not sitting on the pit box that she is not fully engaged with what is happening with our teams and our sponsors.' John Andretti will take over as DEI teammate with Earnhardt and Michael Waltrip next week, but Norris said that 2004 is still up for debate. And team sources said that it could be a while before a decision is made. 'We have options for that car,' Norris said. 'The sponsor knows who those options are, and they're comfortable. We have two very legitimate potential sponsors, but we're on their schedule.' Greg Biffle is reported to be on DEI's list of potential drivers [Jayski Note: Biffle reupped with Roush - see below]. 'It's all open right now,' Norris said. 'John ran for us at Indianapolis, and that was a great weekend for us to see how he would interact with our guys. Now we want to see how he does at Richmond, Loudon and Dover. If he has some consistent runs, it will bode well for his career and our sponsor search. 'The sponsor front is a lot better than it was at the beginning of the summer, when it was a really tough time for everybody. I've been talking with other GMs, and they're all pretty pleased with the sponsor movement. A lot of that has to do with the work by Brett Yormark, Andrew Feit and Chris Brahe in NASCAR's New York office, because during the entitlement search they got companies excited about NASCAR.' Kraft, an associate sponsor, won't be stepping up, Norris said. 'That's not in their plans the next three years.'(Winston Salem Journal)
UPDATE - However been told by the folks at Ganassi Racing that Earnhardt Jr., has NOT been to the shop.(9-2-2003)
Ganassi going to four teams in 2004? Now that Chip Ganassi has lost the battle for Stewart, he could jump back into the marketplace to find another man to fill that possible fourth Winston Cup team. According to one man familiar with the new game plan, Ganassi is going to the top of the standings and will keep making runs at drivers at the sport's big names until he finds one willing to bite on his $5 million a year deal.(Winston Salem Journal); lets see...top of the standings........Kenseth signed for 2004+; Earnhardt Jr. - not signed; Harvick is signed; Johnson is signed; Gordon is signed; Busch signed; Newman signed; Waltrip signed; Labonte signed.......seems to be pointing at one driver in the 'top of the standings'.(8-30-2003)
Allison scheme at Talladega? UPDATE 2 and a new look for the #42 in 2004 announcement: hearing the Talladega Special scheme for #42-Jamie McMurray is a "Davey Allison Rookie" paint scheme.(5-16-2003)
IMAGES: Davey Allison's Rookie car was sponsored by Havoline in 1987. He won 2 races and won Rookie Of The Year. Jamie will celebrate this with a special paint scheme to race at Talladega on September 28th. See images of the car at 2003 Winston Cup Paint Schemes - Car #'s 24-99.(8-19-2003)
UPDATE: On Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 4:00pm/et at Bristol Motor Speedway, ChevronTexaco/Havoline Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing and Liz Allison and family will be on hand to announce a special "Anniversary Celebration", including a car unveiling, for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. In addition, ChevronTexaco will announce and discuss the new 2004 paint scheme to be driven by NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-20-2003)
AND McMurray’s Havoline Dodge will be sporting a new paint scheme at Bristol, providing fans with a “sneak peek” at the 2004 car design.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-21-2003)
UPDATE 2 - the announcement [in full]: ChevronTexaco announced today two milestones for Havoline in NASCAR with a sneak peek of the 2004 Havoline Dodge and plans for a tribute to former Havoline driver Davey Allison at a press conference at Bristol Motor Speedway. NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray will pilot the new 2004 paint scheme tonight in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway [See an image of the car at my 2003 Winston Cup Paint Schemes - Car #'s 24-99 page]. ChevronTexaco also announced a retro paint scheme for the car that will race at Talladega Superspeedway next month in tribute to Davey Allison.
"The cars we're unveiling today represent the future and history of Havoline's commitment to NASCAR," said Craig Duncan, vice president,
ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants, North America. "We are very excited to provide NASCAR fans with a look at our 2004 paint scheme design, and to pay tribute to Davey Allison, who is an important part of Havoline Racing history."
"It gives us great pleasure to be able to unveil Havoline Racing's 2004 paint scheme design for NASCAR fans," said Bob Slocumb, Director
of Motorsports for ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants. "This paint scheme is being run during the Bristol night race to validate its on-track appearance and will return for the 2004 season. The graphics of the Havoline car are among the most recognizable in the series, and for that reason we are reverting to the more traditional fan favorites. The design helps tie in the history and legacy of the Texaco and Havoline brands in NASCAR."
Tribute to Davey Allison: Reflecting Havoline's ongoing commitment to NASCAR, its history and its fans, Havoline Racing, along with Chip Ganassi Racing, Ranier Racing, Action Performance and Liz Allison will join to celebrate the life of driver Davey Allison on the 10-year anniversary of his untimely passing. In celebrating Allison's legacy, Jamie McMurray's #42 Havoline Dodge will sport a retro paint scheme that resembles the car Allison drove during his 1987 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rookie campaign. McMurray will pilot the specially painted car at Talladega Superspeedway on Sept. 28, 2003.
"I am truly honored to have this opportunity to pay tribute and to remember the legacy that Davey left for the NASCAR community and fans," McMurray said. "I can't think of a better way to remember him than through this special paint scheme. While we have a new number on the Havoline Dodge this year, it's important for us to look back at where it all started and to recognize Davey's contributions to making
Havoline a household name in NASCAR for performance on and off the track."
Davey's widow, Liz, and their children, Robbie and Krista, will take part in this anniversary celebration.
"I am very proud for Davey that even after ten years, he is still remembered as not only a fierce competitor, but a fine man," Liz Allison-Hackett said. "This celebration of Davey's life is a collaboration of many people who felt the need to have Davey recognized as we mark the ten year anniversary of his death. Although his death was tragic, this is a celebration of the remarkable life he lived," she added. "I feel Jamie has shown all the qualities in his driving ability and his personal effort to carry on the high standard Davey set many years ago when Havoline first signed him as a young rookie. Robbie, Krista and I are honored to pay tribute to Davey and to cheer Jamie on as he ventures in to what I am sure will be a fabulous NASCAR career of his own."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-23-2003)
Marlin testing at Nashville: Sterling Marlin and the #40 Coors Light team are testing Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5-6th at the Nashville Superspeedway. Also, #42-Jamie McMurray is testing there too(Nashville Superspeedway PR)(8-5-2003)
Paul Tracy to NASCAR? Volatile, hard-driving Paul Tracy, an outspoken Indy-car star, may be looking for place to race next season, with CART going down the tubes. And two Winston Cup team owners interested in Tracy are Chip Ganassi and Richard Childress. Childress has made a career of dealing with hard-to-deal with drivers. It's unclear if Childress might be considering expanding to four Winston Cup teams.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2003)
Ganassi expanding to 4 teams? Look for Ganassi to expand to four teams next season, according to team sources. That could be fuel for the report that Robert Yates has expressed interest in selling his teams. But Ganassi is more likely to make a run at Sam Hornish, GM's struggling Indy-car star, according to sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2003)
Ganassi Closing Down IRL team? Dixon to NASCAR? UPDATE: AutoRacing1.com [love how they 'hear it first' a day after the team press release is out on stuff - LOL] is reporting that the IRL series will be loosing one of its top teams at the end of the season. Target Chip Ganassi Racing will be closing its Indianapolis offices at the end of the IRL season. No CART team, no IRL team. They are currently looking at offers on the property and equipment. They are looking to take Scott Dixon with them to NASCAR land. There is a very small chance, that if they win the championship, they would continue on for one more season. There are some at Ganassi, that are looking for funding to buy the operation, and continue on in open wheel racing, CART or the IRL.(AutoRacing1.com need subscription to read)(6-17-2003)
UPDATE - from Ganassi Racing: "We're fully committed to the IRL and fully committed to the operation and my employees in Indianapolis this year and in the future, " owner Chip Ganassi stated.(6-17-2003)
New driver for Ganassi? in Trucks? Shelby Howard, a 17-year-old who is expected to join the NASCAR world very shortly - perhaps racing a truck for Chip Ganassi - won Sunday's ARCA 200 at Kansas. Howard, that tour's youngest-ever winner, was quick to praise Ernie Elliott's motor [Ganassi' s engine builder].(Winston Salem Journal)....a Toyota truck maybe?(6-3-2003)
Bigger for Ganassi: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and its trio of [#40, #41, $2] teams now based in Mooresville's Lakeside Business Park, is looking for an $11 million facility that would more than double the size of its operation, says Gene Haskett, executive vice president. Haskett recently gave a serious look at the vacant, 427,000-square-foot former Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. building, also in Mooresville, but found it too large. "We are still looking," he says. Ganassi needs about 220,000 square feet for its three Winston Cup teams -- featuring drivers Sterling Marlin, Casey Mears and Jamie McMurray.(Charlotte Business Journal)(5-20-2003)
T3 Announcement: #42-Jamie McMurray and representatives from Havoline and Action Performance will hold a press conference on Saturday, April 26 at 9:30am/pt in the California Speedway media center to unveil McMurray's "T3: Rise of the Machines" car that will run July 5th in Daytona.(Jamie McMurray Site), see my 2003 Winston Cup Paint Schemes page for an image.(4-21-2003)
Toyota Stuff - Ganassi and Davis? Things have been pretty quiet on the Toyota front lately, but work on the Japanese company's new NASCAR Tundra racer is well under way. The two NASCAR teams expected to play a big role in Toyota's truck venture next season are the ones owned by Chip Ganassi and Bill Davis, although neither is willing to confirm anything. Davis' suspected Toyota truck operation, according to team sources, is being run at a secret shop that is being called Area 54, a take-off on the U.S. government's top-secret flight base, Area 51. Where might that shop be? According to sources, it's probably at Davis' old Busch shop in Thomasville, NC.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-14-2003)
Board OKs public funding for Ganassi expansion: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, which fields three NASCAR Winston Cup [#'s 40, 41, 42] teams out of Mooresville, N.C., received an economic incentive grant Tuesday to expand in town at an abandoned factory. Iredell County commissioners awarded the group $47,000 to $122,200 over three years for a $2.5 million investment in the county. The grant would help the race group buy and retrofit the former Matshushita Compressor Corp. of America building. The move would allow Chip Ganassi Racing to add another race team and create 65 to 75 jobs.(Charlotte Observer)(4-3-2003)
Team Ganassi Tested: Chip Ganassi Racing's Winston Cup drivers #40-Sterling Marlin, #42-Jamie McMurray and #41-Casey Mears joined IndyCar drivers Scott Dixon and Tomas Scheckter in getting baseline assessment tests at the Center for Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The drivers had comprehensive physical fitness testing, sports performance training and other specialty consultation by UPMC's sports medicine and sports performance team. The exams included assessment of vision and hearing, pulmonary function, cardiac stress, oxygen consumption and physiologic response to exercise. They also got blood screening and tests for balance and rotator-cuff strength. They were tested for strength, flexibility and agility.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-2-2003)
They'll be back UPDATE 3: hearing that #42-Jamie McMurray in Cup and #99-Michael Waltrip in the Busch Series will run Terminator 3 movies schemes, not sure when.(2-28-2003)
UPDATE: hearing this will be for Daytona in July.(3-1-2003)
IMAGES got images of both cars, see my 2003 Busch and 2003 Cup pages for the images.(3-27-2003)
UPDATE 3: Call it the summer of blockbuster action. For a third time, movie fans can enjoy another round of Terminator mayhem when Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his robotic role for T3: Rise of the Machines, debuting nationwide on July 2, 2003. However, Terminator robots will not be the only mean machines battling this summer. Action Performance, in conjunction with Warner Bros. and C-2 Pictures, will bring T3: Rise of the Machines to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2003. T3: Rise of the Machines will share top billing with NASCAR Winston Cup rookie Jamie McMurray aboard the No. 42 Havoline Dodge for the running of the Pepsi 400. As part of the program, Action Performance will produce a replica die-cast of McMurray’s No. 42 Havoline/T3 Dodge, as well as other related memorabilia featuring the T3-themed racecar design. “I’m extremely excited to have this opportunity to be associated with a movie of this caliber,” McMurray said. “I’ve seen both the first two Terminator movies and can’t wait to see the new one. This is the first time in my racing career that I’ve had an opportunity like this to run a special paint scheme, and I can’t think of a better fit than with this movie. The car design also looks pretty cool,” McMurray added. “Hopefully our Havoline Dodge will be the machine at Daytona that will rise into victory lane.” A press conference will be held April 26 at California Speedway in Fontana, Ca. to unveil the paint scheme and to talk about the promotion.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates site)(4-2-2003)
Toyota, new shop? Ganassi? Toyota is buying a 240,000-square-foot building in Charlotte on a 124-acre plot of land for part of its NASCAR venture, according to NASCAR sources, who report that car owner Chip Ganassi has already gotten a check for $35 million to crank up a Toyota operation. Toyota officials are pushing NASCAR to OK fuel injection and eliminate the old-fashioned carburetors used on these 358 cubic-inch racing engines for many years. Ford also is pushing for fuel injection, in large part because the company has developed - and patented - a solid-fuel injection system for race cars, a system better than anything General Motors or Dodge has. The GM system has a significant delay when drivers try to get off the gas. NASCAR has been so eager to get Toyota involved in stock-car racing that Detroit manufacturers believe that NASCAR might approve fuel injection.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-1-2003)
McMurray sore but ok: A violent wreck during Friday's Busch series practice has left Jamie McMurray a little sore and short one car, but otherwise OK. As the practice session drew to a close Friday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, McMurray's #1 Dodge was hit from behind by Michael Waltrip in Turn 4. Both cars careened into the wall as fuel from McMurray's car was ignited by exhaust from Waltrip's car. Waltrip was able to drive away, while McMurray hurriedly escaped from his car before it was engulfed in flames. "The fire was on me. I could see it wrapped around my left arm, but I couldn't feel it," McMurray said. "It took me a little while to get out of the car. I ... was used to a different type of latch and I got a little confused trying to get out. I was really worried about if it started to burn, how bad it was going to burn." McMurray's Yellow Racing team had only a 2002 model Chevrolet as a backup - the team moved to Dodge in the off-season. Both McMurray and Waltrip were to start Saturday's Busch race from the rear of the field after moving to backups.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-1-2003)
They'll be back: hearing that #42-Jamie McMurray in Cup and #99-Michael Waltrip in the Busch Series will run Terminator 3 movies schemes, not sure when.(2-28-2003)
UPDATE: hearing this will be for Daytona in July.(3-1-2003)
Darlington Testing for McMurray: #42-Jamie McMurray will test at Darlington Raceway on Tues and Wed, March 4th and 5th.(Darlington PR)(2-25-2003)
Ganassi announces new sponsorship program for all teams: Chip Ganassi Racing is proud to announce an innovative new sponsorship program that includes several of the world's top technology companies. Through their long-standing partnership with Target Corporation, Chip Ganassi Racing has finalized sponsorship agreements with Microsoft, Dell, EMC, Syntel and Avaya. The technology consortium will become the official technology partners to Target Chip Ganassi Racing in the Indy Racing League with drivers Tomas Scheckter and Scott Dixon, and for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series with drivers Casey Mears, Jamie McMurray, and Sterling Marlin, and will benefit the programs of team primary sponsors Target, ChevronTexaco, and Coors Brewing Company. The alliance marks the first time that major IT companies have united to work together with a racing team in the U.S. In addition to dedicated intellectual capital, as part of the sponsorship Microsoft will
provide consulting services and software solutions based on their .Net platform, Dell Corporation will provide computer hardware, EMC will
provide data storage solutions, Syntel will provide customized software development and Avaya will power TCGR's converged communications network and wireless infrastructure.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-18-2003)
#28 Number News: The #3 is unofficially retired and the #28 won't be around this season. Change sweeps through Winston Cup racing in many ways, but perhaps none so dramatically as those missing numbers. No one has raced the #3 in Cup since Dale Earnhardt died on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. This year, the #28 won't be competing. Robert Yates Racing had the #28 but will switch to the #38 for Elliott Sadler this season. At one point it appeared the number might go with sponsor Havoline to Chip Ganassi Racing and the car driven by rookie Jamie McMurray. Those plans changed, leaving the number in limbo. "My first reaction was, 'There's no way under the sun,'" Yates said of allowing the number to move to another team. "I was allowing everybody to have their wishes, but I wasn't gonna let them have the 28. I've got 15 years tied up in that, so, no way, I wouldn't even consider it. I laid awake at night and talked to [wife] Carolyn about it and ... she said, 'It's not a bad idea just to get a good, fresh start and start over.' So I said, 'OK, I'll do it.' They then came back to me later and said, 'Why don't you just keep it [the 28],' and I was like, 'No way, we're gonna make this new package work. We've got a great number on it and I wouldn't go back to that. We can have all the good memories of that 28 car, but yet we're starting a new package with the 38." Ricky Rudd, who drove the #28 car the past three seasons, says he's sorry to see the number disappear this season. "It's a pretty sad deal that the 28 is not out there any longer," said Rudd, who took that number to Victory Lane three times while with Yates. "That car has a tremendous following and the fans are the ones who deserve to see the 28 run around the race track."(Roanoke Times)(2-8-2003)
Medical Tests for Ganassi Drivers: Car owner Chip Ganassi is sending his Winston Cup drivers for a three-day medical test so his organization will have detailed health records in case of injuries. #40-Sterling Marlin spent 25 straight weeks on top of the Winston Cup standings last season before he was sidelined for the final seven races with a cracked vertebra in his neck. Now Marlin and rookies #42-Jamie McMurray and #41-Casey Mears are being sent in April to the University of Pittsburgh's Medical Center in Ganassi's hometown for "a baseline-operation program." "It's just one more tool for us to have, just in case things like Sterling's injury happen again in the future," Ganassi said. "I hope we don't need the information, but it can only help." Teams are constantly working on improving the safety aspects of racing, but Ganassi said he is not a pioneer in sending his drivers' in for the test. "Everyone is always trying to be proactive, but this is something I read about somewhere else," Ganassi said. "The Steelers do it, the Pirates do it. It can't hurt for us to do it."(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(1-23-2003)
2002 News
McMurray to run part time in BGN UPDATE and the other drivers: hearing from a few readers that on the local news in Panama City, FL, #1 BGN team owner, James Finch said they would run entire BGN season and that Jamie McMurray [driver of the #42 Cup car] would be driving car along with four other drivers [others not mentioned]. Finch will also run a limited Cup schedule, no driver mentioned. Supposedly the team will run Dodge's.(12-20-2002)
UPDATE: After car owner Chip Ganassi let Jimmy Spencer go as his Winston Cup driver [of the #41], a deal has now been worked out with BGN owner James Finch that has cost Spencer a second ride. Ganassi has put up some extra money so Finch can run the full schedule with four different drivers in the #1 Yellow Freight machine. Jamie McMurray will run 15 races, Casey Mears up to seven, the others are going to be split between CTS driver Ryan Hemphill and ASA competitior David Stremme. Crew chief Marc Reno says they would like to pick the driver they feel most comfortable with this season and take a shot at the BGN championship in 2004. As for Spencer, he was caught off guard when he learned he wouldn't be driving the car. Spencer told PRN's Garagepass, "I was shocked in a way because the.way it went down. It was a business decision on James' part and I can live with that. I can't agree with the way it was handled with who he sided with, but that's life. Yellow has been a great company for me and I wish them the best of luck."(PRN's Garage Pass)(12-21-2002)
#42 for McMurray/Havoline? Wingo to Ganassi? UPDATE - Official: Another crew chief apparently on the move is Donnie Wingo, currently the crew chief on the #26 Fords owned by Travis Carter. Wingo is expected to join Lee McCall and Randolph as crew chiefs on the three Ganassi teams in 2003. Wingo would most likely be the crew chief for McMurray, although team manager Tony Glover said the crew lineup for the team next year won't be decided until the driver for the #41 is decided.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
#42 is it for McMurray UPDATE: got an image of the #42 Havoline Dodge that Jamie McMurray will drive in 2003, see the images of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(11-8-2002)
UPDATE - official: Texaco Havoline Racing together with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that rookie sensation driver Jamie McMurray will pilot the #42 Havoline Dodge in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series with veteran Donnie Wingo performing the crew chief duties. While the initial announcement was made back in September, today's statement confirms car number and paint scheme design for the Havoline Dodge. For Texaco Havoline Racing, the new car number signifies a "new beginning" for the long-running NASCAR sponsor. ChevronTexaco's Vice-President North America Lubricants Craig Duncan said, "We are very excited about our new partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing and Jamie McMurray. We see this as a remarkable opportunity to re-energize our Havoline brand, in driving it towards our goal of being the brand of choice among the motoring public in the USA." In addition, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that veteran crew chief Donnie Wingo has been hired to serve as McMurray's crew chief during the 2003 season. Wingo comes to Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates after a seven-year stint as crew chief with Hass Carter Motorsports. Wingo, who is entering his 22nd season on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has a total of four NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories as crew chief.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(12-10-2002)
History Channel and NASCAR: Heroes who fight tax collectors and moral crusaders, or just common criminals? Like it or not, America was built by rumrunners, moonshiners, and bootleggers--even founding father John Hancock was a smuggler. In the 1920s, Prohibition turned fishermen into rumrunners and two-bit gangsters into millionaires, and moonshine haulers in their souped-up cars helped create NASCAR [which a story about NASCAR great Junior Johnson]. Rare archival footage and photos help weave the compelling tale of our nation's love-hate relationship with illegal alcohol. Re-airing on the History Channel on Sat Dec 14th from 11:00am - 1:00pm.(12-10-2002)
Beer wars? The "beer wars" may be heating up, along demographic lines. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s success in reviving Bud's business has Miller and Coors both itching to promo a similarly young driver, Miller with Ryan Newman and Coors with Jamie McMurray.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-18-2002)
Wingo to Ganassi? Another crew chief apparently on the move is Donnie Wingo, currently the crew chief on the #26 Fords owned by Travis Carter. Wingo is expected to join Lee McCall and Randolph as crew chiefs on the three Ganassi teams in 2003. Wingo would most likely be the crew chief for McMurray, although team manager Tony Glover said the crew lineup for the team next year won't be decided until the driver for the #41 is decided.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
UPDATE: As early as Monday [didn't happen], teamfordracing.com expects Chip Ganassi will make his hiring of Crew Chief Donnie Wingo official. The word could have come today, but a meeting between Ganassi and Carl Hass kept Ganassi from addressing the situation. Wingo, long time crew chief for Travis Carter, is expected to handle the car driven by Jamie McMurray in the 2003 campaign.(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
#42 is it for McMurray UPDATE: got an image of the #42 Havoline Dodge that Jamie McMurray will drive in 2003, see the image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(11-8-2002)
UPDATE the official McMurray site says no decision has been made on the number yet for 2003, but it seems odd that Action would put out an image of the car with a number of it and it just be a rumor....but.(11-10-2002)
McMurray not to run at Martinsville, Bliss in: Jamie McMurray, who won at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Sunday in just his second career Winston Cup start, apparently will not drive the #40 Coor's Light Dodge in this week's race at Martinsville. A NASCAR spokesman said Tuesday that Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, which owns the car, had notified NASCAR to change the driver's name on the team's entry blank from McMurray to Mike Bliss. When McMurray was called on to replace the injured Sterling Marlin before the race at Talladega, Martinsville's race loomed as a conflict because the BGN races this weekend at Memphis. McMurray is committed to finishing the season in the #27 Chevys owned by Brewco Motorsports. After Sunday's victory, McMurray said he hoped it could be arranged for him to compete in the BGN race on Saturday while another driver practiced and qualified the Winston Cup car at Martinsville, then go to Martinsville and start the Winston Cup race from the rear of the field. Although McMurray has never raced at the .526-mile Martinsville track, he and Bliss both tested with the #40 team for two days at Martinsville earlier this month.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-15-2002)
Oh My! HUGE Upset - Jamie McMurray wins in his 2nd career race!: in what has to be one of the biggest upsets in NASCAR in quite sometime, Jamie McMurray won in only his 2nd career Winston Cup start in the #40 Coors Light Dodge at Lowe's Motor Speedway and is the third Rookie to win in 2003. The win also puts McMurray in the 2003 The Winston. #18-Bobby Labonte gave it a good run and ended up 2nd. Points leader #20-Tony Stewart finished up third and extends his points lead to 97 over #48-Jimmie Johnson. The race didn't start until 4:45pm/et or so after a rain delay. See my Race Info Page.
Results: at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(10-13-2002)
McMurray and Miss Winston: Miss Winston Cielo Garcia has been absent in Victory Lane, the Indianapolis Star reports that Cielo is now the lady formerly known as Miss Winston. She is currently dating Jamie McMurray, and his promotion to Winston Cup forced Ms. Garcia to choose between her job as Miss Winston and McMurray. The rules do not allow Miss Winston to date any Winston Cup drivers. The new Miss Winston is Shannon Wiseman.(MotorsportsTV)(10-14-2002)
Big News - Marlin out for the rest of 2002: #40-Sterling Marlin has been diagnosed with a fractured vertebra and will miss the remainder of the 2002 racing season. Team co-owner Felix Sabates confirmed Marlin's status Wednesday and said BGN driver Jamie McMurray would be in the car for the rest of the Cup season. McMurray, expected to join join Marlin and Jimmy Spencer on the Chip Ganassi Racing team, will also run the rest of the BGN season [in the #27 Brewco Chevy]. "It is unfortunate that Sterling has to end his season early due to his injury," Ganassi said. "Sterling has dominated the championship points race, and we were looking forward to helping him win his first NASCAR Winston Cup title. We are expecting Sterling to make a full recovery and be ready to go for the title chase again in 2003."
"Sterling, obviously, is very upset becasue he felt like he had a legitimate chance at winning his first championship," Sabates said. "Yes, the team had fallen off a little bit over the past couple of weeks, but with the tightness of the points race, he had as good a shot as anyone." NASCAR President Mike Helton said, "Right now, Sterling's well-being is everyone's primary concern. His health is certainly more important than anything else. Even though he's sidelined for the remainder of this season, we wish him the best for a full recovery that will put him back in the championship hunt next year." A second-generation driver from Columbia, Tenn., Marlin has suffered accidents in two recent Winston Cup races, at Richmond and Kansas City. He had fallen to fifth in the season standings. Doctors in Charlotte, N.C., diagnosed Marlin with a fracture in his C-2 vertebrae - in the neck - Wednesday morning.(ThatsRacin.com/NASCAR.com) NOTE: The #42 Dodge that McMurray was to drive at Talladega has been withdrawn or removed from the entry list. Also McMurray will NOT run the Cup race at Martinsville as he has a BGN commitment that weekendm a driver will be named at a later date.(10-2-2002)
McMurray to make Cup debut at Talladega UPDATE in a Melling car? Wingo crew chief in 2003? BGN [#27 Brewco] driver Jamie McMurray is expected to make his Winston Cup debut in a third Chip Ganassi Racing entry next weekend at Talladega. McMurray is expected to drive the #42 Dodge as a teammate to Ganassi drivers #41-Jimmy Spencer and #40-Sterling Marlin. Earlier this month the team announced McMurray would join the organization in Winston Cup full time next season. Other Cup races are being considered for McMurrary this season, including Phoenix, Homestead and possibly Atlanta, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-27-2002)
UPDATE: hearing that McMurray will be in the #92 Melling Dodge with Ganassi support? AND Jamie McMurray, who signed on as the third driver for car owner Chip Ganassi, will have a potent Dodge to drive in his Winston Cup debut at Talladega this week. McMurray's #42 Dodge will be the same car that Stacy Compton put on the pole for both Talladega races last year when he was driving for Melling Racing.(Atlanta Journal Constitution) AND Jamie McMurray says he's excited about making his Winston Cup debut at Talladega. McMurray, 26, who announced at Richmond that he will drive for Chip Ganassi next year, will drive the #42 Dodge with Melling Racing's Dean Johnson as crew chief. A full-time crew chief hasn't been selected for McMurray's 2003 season, but Donnie Wingo has been mentioned as a possible candidate.(Sporting News)(9-30-2002)
Ganassi Third Driver is.....Jamie McMurray: ChevronTexaco today announced that a multi-year sponsorship contract has been signed with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates for its Havoline brand. Jamie McMurray will drive the Havoline Dodge for the Ganassi team in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The terms of the contract were not disclosed. Commenting on the announcement today, ChevronTexaco's Vice President of North American Lubricants, Mark Nelson said, "ChevronTexaco is thrilled to continue our participation in NASCAR racing by teaming with Chip Ganassi Racing and to continue our long standing involvement in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Havoline has a long history in NASCAR, and in this tradition, we look forward to pairing with a proven winner like Chip Ganassi. While we have truly enjoyed working with Robert Yates Racing over the years, we are excited about entering this next chapter in our successful NASCAR sponsorship." Jamie McMurray is also looking forward to being a part of the new racing team and to run for the Rookie-of-the-Year title in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. "This is the right move for me, and I am pleased to be part of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Chip's use of new technology has been introduced into every aspect of his NASCAR Winston Cup Racing teams. I am especially proud to drive ChevronTexaco's Havoline car. Havoline has been an excellent sponsor in NASCAR for many years, and I am very humbled to be driving for them." McMurray is currently racing in his second full season in the BGN (#27 Brewco Chevy). Team owner Chip Ganassi said, "The addition of ChevronTexaco adds alot of experience and energy to this team. Havoline has a successful history in NASCAR and I am excited about our new partnership with them. Jamie is a sought after young driver with a great work ethic and the talent to win a lot of races in the future and we will provide him with every resource and opportunity to succeed on our team. Our company is about winning races and championships, and adding value to our sponsor's investments; and we hope to do both for Havoline."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), no mention of the number of the car, if it will #28 or something else, like #42.(9-7-2002)
Ganassi third team drivers? John Andretti and Jerry Nadeau are believed to be the leading candidates to drive a third Dodge Intrepid for Winston Cup team owner Chip Ganassi next season. Ganassi had hoped to sign Ricky Rudd, who last week announced he would drive for the Wood Brothers beginning in 2003.(Las Vegas Sun)(8-28-2002)
Ganassi Third Team UPDATE 3: Car owner [#40, #41] Ganassi said he's committed to fielding a third Dodge Intrepid next season alongside the two Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer currently drive, but would not confirm that Texaco-Havoline will be the sponsor. Texaco-Havoline was expected to go with Rudd to Ganassi, along with the #28, and the company has confirmed it will be in NASCAR next season. But Ganassi needs a driver for the car, which could switch to #42 to stay in succession with his other teams, and he said he'd prefer to hire someone already in stock car racing. Jerry Nadeau has said he'd love to drive for Ganassi, even offering to forfeit his pay should he not meet expectations, and John Andretti also is an option if he decides to leave Petty Enterprises. A remote option would be Jason Leffler, who was a rookie for Ganassi last season but was let go at the end of the year and now drives in NASCAR's truck series.(CNNSI/AP)(8-25-2002)
UPDATE: been told that the team is not considering Leffler and Leffler is not considering the team.
UPDATE 2: The sponsorship deal for next year is done between Chip Ganassi Racing and ChevronTexaco. But there has been no official word on a pilot for the expected third Ganassi team. Word is that Ganassi may make the plans for driver, sponsor and car number known at Richmond International Raceway in two weeks.(NASCAR.com)(8-26-2002)
UPDATE 3: Chevron/Havoline has completed a deal to sponsor a third car at Chip Ganassi Racing next year. No word on the driver.(Augusta Chronicle)(8-29-2002)
Ganassi Third Team? Spencer back: Chip Ganassi still envisions having a three-car team next season, despite rumors a potential that a deal with Texaco/Havoline as a sponsor for the third team may be in doubt. Ganassi said Sunday that Sterling Marlin and, most likely, Jimmy Spencer would drive two of those cars, but wouldn't speculate on who might drive the third. A deal with Ricky Rudd was believed to be close a week ago. Ganassi said Rudd is "a driver who can win at any track he goes to," but wouldn't speak directly about whether Rudd would be part of his team next season. "There's no deal yet," Ganassi said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-19-2002)
more Rudd and Ganassi: Add the Target/Ganassi team to possible landing sites for ironman Ricky Rudd, who reportedly wants $2 million a year--more than his current owner, Robert Yates, is willing to pay. Target owner Chip Ganassi, who's employing drivers Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer this season, wouldn't rule out adding a third car. It's also possible Rudd could replace Spencer, who's 23rd in the points list. "I guess that possibility does exist,'' Ganassi said when asked about hiring Rudd. "From top to bottom, everything about our organization is about performance, and that includes drivers.'' There also has been speculation Rudd might wind up at Dale Earnhardt Inc.(Chicago Sun Times)(7-24-2002)
Rudd to stay in the #28 next year? to Ganassi? Spencer out? Despite rumors to the contrary, Ricky Rudd could be back in Robert Yates' #28 Ford next season if a deal can be worked out with Chevron [Havoline], the sponsor, and "if I can keep my team together," Rudd says. Though crew chief Michael McSwain will not be back with the #28 next season, the rest of the crew appears solidly behind its driver. Rudd says he has received pressure from other teams to make a decision, and sources at Ganassi Racing say they thought they would hear from Rudd last week. Whether Chip Ganassi would add a third team to accommodate Rudd or replace Jimmy Spencer in the #41 is unclear.(Sporting News)(7-22-2002)
Third Ganassi Team? Andy Graves, team manager with Chip Ganassi Racing, said the team continues to look at forming a third team to join those of #40-Sterling Marlin and #41-Jimmy Spencer. Graves said the team has talked with potential sponsors and drivers. Graves said if the team decides to add another team, it would need to be done in about the next 45 days to prepare for next year.(Roanoke Times)(6-25-2002)
Third Ganassi Team? Team manager Andy Graves said that car owners Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates have talked about expanding the team to make it a three-car organization. "It's something that if a good driver becomes available and we can find money to do it, that they would be interested in doing a third team," Graves said. "We'd have to add on some people and space might be a little bit of a concern, but as far as equipment and everything, we're basically geared to handle it pretty easily." The key could be sponsorship since, based on talk in the garage, there could be a few quality drivers available for next season. Graves said a third team could provide additional resources for the team's research and development program. Such departments can be the difference between a team winning and one struggling. Sterling Marlin continues to lead the points standings after Sunday's rain-delayed Richmond race, while teammate Jimmy Spencer is 20th. Graves said that if needed, the organization could run a few races this season with a third team, using personnel from its test team.(Roanoke Times)(5-6-2002)
Brack at the Brickyard 400? Andy Graves, team manager for Ganassi Racing, says he'd like to put Kenny Brack behind the wheel of a Ganassi Dodge in August for the Brickyard 400 if the team secures the necessary funding. Graves says he was pleased with the progress Brack, who drives for Chip Ganassi's CART team, made at Daytona.(The Sporting News)(3-4-2002)
No Brack at Daytona: from a Chip Ganassi and Jimmy Spencer conference call transcript: "I would say it's pretty much put to bed now (running Kenny Brack in Daytona 500). It's getting a little late. We've got to be at Daytona in the next 10 days or so. I would say that's unfortunately gone by the wayside. We have a relationship with Kenny for a few years, and if something happens down the road, it would be great. I know he's done some testing with us, and he certainly enjoyed it and gave some good feedback. I know the guys were
pumped up about working with him. It's a work in progress I'd say, but nothing is going to happen in the short term." Chip Ganassi, onwer of the #40 and #41 Cup cars, Brack tested the #42 Dodge at Daytona in the hopes of getting a sponsor to run the race(1-30-2002)
Another Mears in NASCAR: Roger Mears, former off road racing champion and brother of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, has gone to work for Ganassi as operations director for Ganassi's stock car team.(Daytona Beach News Journal), Roger's son Casey is driving in the BGN for Welliver-Jesell Motorsports as driver of the #66 Phillips Dodge(1-18-2002)
No Brack at the Daytona 500? Kenny Brack’s testing session this week at Daytona is apparently as close as the CART star is going to get to running in this year’s Daytona 500 according to team owner Chip Ganassi. Ganassi said that it appears that the funding will not allow him to run in the Feb. 17 race. "I think the point there is that the business is tightening up and we had high hopes of finding the money for that but it doesn’t seem to be coming," Ganassi said Thursday. "I don’t foresee that happening and it’s too bad because we thought Daytona was a place where he might do well." The team’s managing director Mike Hull said Thursday that all hope had not been lost for the Brack Daytona effort, but that it indeed all depends on the financing that Ganassi said is unlikely to appear(SpeedChannel/SpeedVision)(1-17-2002)
Brack in NASCAR? UPDATE 4 will be #42: Kenny Brack, of CART, in the field at Indy for IROC's season finale, has been mentioned for a Winston Cup ride, possibly with A. J. Foyt. With the CART series in the middle of a sharp decline, the 1999 Indy 500 winner and 1998 Indy Racing League champ, at 35, is looking at his options. "Sure, I'm interested in NASCAR in the future, but right now I'm focused on the CART championship," Brack said. That tour's points leader won at Chicago Sunday, so he's clearly on top of his game. "Through the IROC series, I've made several friends in the NASCAR circuit, and if there would be an opportunity for me to go NASCAR, I would look very seriously at it. NASCAR in the future, yes, but not next year." NASCAR intrigues Brack: "I am very humble for the fact that it is a different series with different cars and everything, and there are a lot of good drivers in NASCAR," he said. "So if I would go to NASCAR, I know it wouldn't be easy. I never underestimated any series I've gone into. Yes, if you practice enough you can get good, but there will be 50 drivers there and they're all good. So you're not going to come in and do anything unless you've done your homework. And even then it's difficult(in part from a column in the Winston Salem Journal). NOTE: Robin Miller also metioned Brack to Foyt's #14 Conseco car in the future a few nights ago on ESPN2's RPM 2Night(8-4-2001)
UPDATE: on Monday's RPM 2 Night show (ESPN2 at 7:00pm), Dr Jerry Punch said not to be surprised to see Brack run at the 2002 Daytona 500(8-7-2001)
UPDATE 2: ESPN.com has learned that CART driver, Kenny Brack has already signed with Chip Ganassi for the 2002 CART season and Indianapolis 500. Meanwhile, neither Brack nor Ganassi would confirm or deny a deal on Monday. Besides the money and Indy, another enticement for Brack to go to Ganassi could be NASCAR. Chip fields a two-car Winston Cup team and Kenny has declared he definitely wants to try stock cars in a couple years.(ESPN)(8-14-2001)
UPDATE 3: Kenny Brack is going to get a full-blown look at life in NASCAR in two weeks when he tests Target/Chip Ganassi Racing’s Dodge Intrepid at the NASCAR Open Test session at Daytona International Raceway January 14-16. "We're trying to find the money to do Daytona with Brack," Ganassi told Autosport magazine. "He'll do the test just to be ready. It's also possible he'll run later in the year."(SpeedVision)(1-3-2002)
UPDATE 4: Kenny Brack will test a NASCAR Winston Cup car for the first time next week at Daytona, but Chip Ganassi Racing’s CART Indy car driver will not make his first Cup start unless sponsorship is secured. Ganassi has said he would like to run Brack in additional stock car races this season, pending sponsorship. Brack will test a #42 Dodge that has been built independent of the fleet prepared for regular Ganassi stock car drivers #40-Sterling Marlin and #41-Jimmy Spencer. Matt Chambers, Jason Leffler’s crew chief in 2001 that heads Ganassi’s test program, will be the crew chief for Brack’s effort.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(1-7-2002)
Sabates House Burns UPDATE: A $2 million home under construction in southeast Charlotte burned down early Wednesday morning, one month before a prominent local businessman was to move in. Flames broke out at the home at 7414 Baltusrol Lane around 5 a.m. The 10,000 square feet home is owned by racing team {part owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Flex Sabates #40 and #41 cars] owner Felix Sabates, who also owns a part of the Charlotte Checkers hockey team.
It took nearly three dozen firefighters about 90 minutes to contain the blaze, but not before the roof caved in, according to Charlotte Fire Captain Rob Brisley. No one was injured in the fire. Sabates says this was going to be his family's " last house," so he's upset about ehf fire, but glad no one was hurt. He says he spent a year-and-a-half building the home. Around 5 a.m., a neighbor told police he woke up to the sound of a ringing doorbell. When he answered the door, he found a man, who told him that the house next door was on fire and to call 911. The neighbor never saw the guy again, and authorities have no idea who he was, or what he was doing in the neighborhood at that hour. Arson investigators are now on the scene, looking for a cause of the fire and talking with construction crews who were building the house.(nbc6.com)(7-31-2002)
UPDATE: A fire that destroyed a $2.5 million home being built for NASCAR team co-owner Felix Sabates was intentionally set and may be connected to other unsolved arson cases, fire officials said. The home was engulfed in flames just after 5:00am/et Wednesday. The house was about 30 days from completion and unoccupied at the time. On Thursday, Charlotte Chief Fire Investigator David Lowery said accidental ignition sources had been eliminated. He said the front door of the home was open and a padlock had been removed, but declined to reveal other evidence suggesting arson. "I don't know what to think," Sabates said after hearing the fire was intentionally set. "Hopefully, it's a random thing. I don't know of anyone who would want to hurt me or my wife." The Charlotte (N.C.) Fire Investigation Task Force is investigating whether the blaze is connected to other intentionally set fires at vacant or partially built homes in the surrounding area. Lowery said investigators are looking closely at three or four unsolved fires set at unfinished homes in southeast Charlotte last year. Lowery said Wednesday's fire was started inside the 10,000-square-foot house and spread through the attic and roof before being noticed. Flames were shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived. Residents reported seeing a man who doesn't live in the neighborhood about the time of the fire, but fire officials had no description of him. Lowery said investigators are interviewing contractors, subcontractors and laborers who worked on Sabates' house and others nearby. He also said nothing outside the house indicates that it belongs to Sabates, so it is unlikely the person who set the fire knew who owned it. Sabates said he was at the house near Quail Hollow Country Club the night before the fire to look at wallpaper recently hung in his home office. He said he secured the front door with a padlock when he left. The padlock was gone when firefighters arrived, but its key was still in its hiding spot, an electrical box on the front porch. Sabates said anyone who required access to the house knew where to find the key. He and Chip Ganassi own a Winston Cup racing team that fields cars for Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer. Sabates is also part owner of the Checkers, Charlotte's minor-league hockey team. He was an original investor in the Hornets. At a news conference Thursday afternoon, police and fire officials announced a $10,000 reward offered by the N.C. Arson Awareness Council for information leading to an arrest. They said anyone who might have information should call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. Fire officials estimate the fire caused $1.6 million in damage to the house in 7400 block of Baltusrol Lane. Sabates said he plans to rebuild - hopefully in time for the Wachovia Championship, a PGA Tour event scheduled at the country club in mid-May. "I have a perfect view," he said.(Charlotte Observer)(8-2-2002)
Toby Keith on the #40: #40-Sterling Marlin will run a Toby Keith (country singer) paint scheme at Phoenix.(7-31-2002)
Scott Pruett to run Watkins Glen...for Ganassi: Scott Pruett will drive a third car for Chip Ganassi Racing at Watkins
Glen.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(7-24-2002)
Buckshot Announcement UPDATEs Ganassi?: from the Buckshot racing site: "Look for Buckshot [Jones] to make a big announcement by the end of June"(6-11-2002)
UPDATE: more from the Buckshot Jones site - The family is growing! Jina, Buckshot, and Kolton are going to have a new addition to the family. Jina is expecting a baby due to arrive in January, 2003. Look for Buckshot to make an announcement about his future racing plans in the near future.
AND Buckshot Jones said this week that he'll be able to find a new Winston Cup ride in about two weeks. Released earlier this year from his job as driver of Petty Enterprises' #44 Dodge, Jones has been talking with several race teams and potential sponsors about a ride for next season. "We don't have any definite deals, but I have spent at least two days every week meeting with race teams," Jones said. And to make sure that he hits the tracks in high gear in 2003, Jones plans to enter some races before the end of this season. "We plan to run either the Busch or Winston Cup race at Atlanta in the fall and maybe more," he said. Since splitting with the Pettys in April, Jones has worked on his family farm in Monticello and vacationed in Florida.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Ganassi involved? hearing this could be a Chip Ganassi Racing third team or could end up taking the sponsorship to #92 Melling Racing.(6-21-2002)
UPDATE: being told now that Ganassi Racing is not considering Jones to drive a car or start a new team.(6-22-2002)
Marlin to test short tracks: #40-Sterling Marlin said Tuesday that his team plans to test later this season at Richmond and Martinsville because it is not pleased with its short-track performance. Marlin was 11th Sunday at Richmond. He finished 12th at Martinsville and 19th at Bristol in the other short-track races this season.(Roanoke Times)(5-8-2002)
Third Ganassi Team? Team manager Andy Graves said that car owners Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates have talked about expanding the team to make it a three-car organization. "It's something that if a good driver becomes available and we can find money to do it, that they would be interested in doing a third team," Graves said. "We'd have to add on some people and space might be a little bit of a concern, but as far as equipment and everything, we're basically geared to handle it pretty easily." The key could be sponsorship since, based on talk in the garage, there could be a few quality drivers available for next season. Graves said a third team could provide additional resources for the team's research and development program. Such departments can be the difference between a team winning and one struggling. Sterling Marlin continues to lead the points standings after Sunday's rain-delayed Richmond race, while teammate Jimmy Spencer is 20th. Graves said that if needed, the organization could run a few races this season with a third team, using personnel from its test team.(Roanoke Times)(5-6-2002)
Pit Awards: The first quarter finalist for the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year Award is the #40 Coors Light Crew. The #40 Coors Light Crew led the first quarter points standings with a total of 83 points to become the first of four final crews who will compete for the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year Award and the $75,000 in prize money. Others include the #17 DeWalt crew at 76; #8 Budweiser crew at 64; #20 Home Depot crew at 63l and the #48 Lowes crew at 62. The #40 Coors Light Crew becomes a year-end nominee and is no longer eligible for points. At the completion of the fourth quarter there will be four NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams eligible for the final voting. (National Association of Pit Crew Members PR)
AND Sawing Through Adversity, #36 Crew Chief Newt Moore Takes Home IRWIN Crew Chief of the Week Honors.(Irwin Tool PR)(4-25-2002)
Be an Original? UPDATE: hearing that #40-Sterling Marlin will run an original Coor's scheme for ten races in 2002(1-22-2002)
UPDATE: Coors Chip Ganassi Racing withFelix Sabates has announced a Coors Original paint scheme for the #40 Dodge Intrepid R/T for 10 races during the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The #40 Coors Original Dodge paint scheme will kick off at Fontana and will also been seen at Dover, Michigan, Sonoma, Daytona, Pocono, Talladega, Martinsville, Atlanta and Phoenix. Coors Brewing Company has been a committed sponsor of NASCAR Winston Cup racing for nearly two decades and is looking forward the high profile exposure that the Coors Original paint scheme will provide with the 21+ male NASCAR enthusiast market. Coors Original, Coors Brewing Company's flagship beer, is currently aligned with several other partnerships including Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and musicians Kid Rock and Toby Keith. Coors Original will leverage its relationship with Toby Keith by incorporating Keith elements onto the Coors Original car.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(4-22-2002)
UPDATE 2: see images of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(4-24-2002)
#40 at Texas: look for #40-Sterling Marlin to run a Brooks & Dunn scheme on the #40 Coors Light Dodge at Texas.(3-30-2002)
Coo Coo Recovering: Coo Coo Marlin, a four-time [Nashville] Fairgrounds Speedway champion and father of current Winston Cup star Sterling Marlin, recently suffered a mild stroke and is recovering at his home in Columbia, TN. ''I'm doing OK,'' he said this week. Marlin had been active on his farm while also attending many of his son's races and working with grandson Steadman on his race team.(Tennessean)(3-28-2002)
Marlin tests at California: #40-Sterling Marlin is testing at the California Speedway this week, Wed/Thurs, as well as attending the Denver Nuggets game in a driver appearance.(3-27-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: This week, no one would doubt that Lee McCall, crew chief for the #40 Coors Light Dodge, had the roughest start to the race and the best finish. As a result, he'll take home the "IRWIN Rough to Finish Award" for the team's worst to first finish at the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington. Sterling Marlin, who initially qualified in the 11th position, started at the back of the field due to a weekend engine change. But that didn't slow down Marlin, McCall and the team. Sterling drove from 43rd to the top 20 early and by lap 100 Marlin found himself in the top five. After avoiding the big wreck on lap 226, Marlin won the race. Despite the engine change and the move to the back of the field, the team's crew chief, Lee McCall, was confident that they had a car capable enough to pull through the pack and be a top competitor in the race. "We knew we had a problem with the engine and couldn't take a chance with it," said Lee McCall. "We put our best motor in and started in the rear and watched Sterling drive that thing up through traffic all day long. He picked 'em off one at a time, and raced this race track all day long. He did a heck of a job, and my hat's off to him and our whole race team. That just goes to show how strong he is."(PR)(3-21-2002)
Marlin wins at Darlington: #40-Sterling Marlin won the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington. It is Marlin's 2nd win of 2002 and his 2nd career win at Darlington, his 10th overall career win. Marlin started 42nd after the team elected to change an engine after Happy Hour, however, Marlin will be officially credited with starting 11th. #21-Elliott Sadler finished 2nd, his 2nd runner-up finished of 2002 (also at Daytona). The top ten finishers:
1) #40-Marlin (57 laps led)
2) #21-Sadler
3) #29-Harvick (first top five or ten of 2002)
4) #8-Earmhardt Jr (10 laps led)
5) #12-Newman
6) #48-Johnson
7) #2-Wallace
8) #17-Kenseth
9) #24-Gordon (176 laps led)
10) #9-Elliott
Lap Leaders (7): #32-Craven (18); #1-Park (19); #24-Gordon (most laps led); #40-Marlin; #22-Burton; #6-Martin; #8-Earnhardt Jr
Cautions/Laps: 5 for 40 laps
Cars on the lead: 12
DNF's (7 - did not finish): #71-Hillenburg(engine); #49-Robinson(handling/accident?); #88-Jarrett (engine); #32-Craven(handling); #11-Bodine (accident); #41-Spencer(accident/handling); #20-Stewart(accident);
Caution 5 - lap 225: huge wreck - Stewart OK...but, at least 11 cars involved: #'s 20 (the leader), 24, 97,36,10,6,77,41,22, 18 and 44. #36-Schreader was motioning for help for #20-Tony Stewart, who was awake and removed from the car on a stretcher, Jimmy Spencer reported that Stewart is going to be ok and talked to Stewart in the care center, but Stewart will be airlifted to a local hospital to be checked out as he is complaining of lower back/leg pain and will have a CAT Scan of his head, back and abdomen. #44-Jones lost control and spun in front of Stewart, then #41-Spencer couldn't see and t-boned Stewart.
Caution 4 - lap 198: #97-Busch spun will trying to come into the pits, the #23-Stricklin car slowed up and the #11-Bodine Ford hit the #23. The #97 car gassed it and stayed on the lead lap. This caution came during many green flag pit stops and has jussled the field.
Caution 3 - lap 132: #23-Stricklin nudged the #19-Mayfield car, spinning Mayfield without hitting anything.
Caution 2 - lap 90: #31-Smacked the wall and broke off parts of the suspension and brakes.
Caution 1 - lap 39: The leader of the race, #1-Steve Park got involved with #14-Compton as Park was passing him, #32-Craven was also involved. Looks like Park slid up into Compton as he was going high to allow Park to pass him. Park is out of his car and waved to the crowd.
NOTES: A clean start on the first lap, #32-Ricky Craven led the first lap. #49-Robinson hit the wall on lap 2 or 3 but didn't cause a yellow and Robinson stayed on the track but has fallen a few laps down and finally retired the car after hitting the wall a few times. #71-Hillenburg took the car into the pits, the crew lifted the hood and the car was taken to the garage. #43-Andretti wapped the wall a few times and had to make unscehduled green flag stops. #32-Craven is back on the track as of lap 90. #19-Mayfield penalized (held for 15 seconds) as the team didn't have a catchcan person in place before refueling started. #88-Jarrett lost an engine when his oil pump belt broke/fell off. #32-Craven has retired the #32 Tide Ford. #1-Park came back in the race around lap 195. #41-Spencer came back out and ran two laps and picked up a spot and retired the car.
So much for RaceCast today, no audio available here.
See ThatsRacin.com for Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 unofficial results and a column: Marlin dodges trouble, takes the win and for Unofficial Drivers Standings.(3-17-2002)
Glover Statement: Statement From Tony Glover, Team Manager Of Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, Concerning Sterling Marlin Getting Out Of The #40 Coors Light Dodge During The Red Flag Period Of The Daytona 500: "After Sterling and Jeff Gordon got together in turn 1, the right front fender on Sterling's car was rubbing just bad enough that he was probably going to cut down the tire.. We couldn't take that chance and put him and everyone else in danger. We were going to have to come in one way or the other so we had Sterling jump out and check out the damage during the red flag."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-18-2002)
Red Flag Rule: Here is the rule applied to Sterling Marlin on Lap 197 of Sunday's Daytona 500. Rule 10-5 of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rulebook preventing any repairs on a car during a red flag: Red Flag - The red flag means that the race must be stopped immediately regardless of the position of the cars on the track. The red flag shall be used if, in the opinion of NASCAR Officials, the race should be stopped. Cars should be brought to a stop in an area designated by NASCAR Officials. Repairs or service of any nature or refueling will not be permitted when the race is halted due to a red flag. All work must stop on any car in the pits and/or garage area when the red flag is displayed, unless the car has withdrawn from the Event. Work cannot be resumed until the red flag is withdrawn (race is restarted).(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-18-2002)
Be an Original? UPDATE looks true - images: hearing that #40-Sterling Marlin will run an original Coor's scheme for ten races in 2002(1-22-2002)
UPDATE: got some images of the car, very nice looking, see my Paint Scheme Gallery for a few shots(1-26-2002)
Another Mears in NASCAR: Roger Mears, former off road racing champion and brother of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, has gone to work for Ganassi as operations director for Ganassi's stock car team.(Daytona Beach News Journal), Roger's son Casey is driving in the BGN for Welliver-Jesell Motorsports as driver of the #66 Phillips Dodge(1-18-2002)
Marlin and Martin at the track: Sterling Marlin and Mark Martin, who tested here last week, were seen patrolling the garage area Tuesday. Marlin, who drives for Ganassi Racing, is shooting a television commercial at the track. Martin came over to say hi to Roush Racing teammates Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-16-2002)
Texas Tire Testing: hearing the #40 Coors Lite team and driver Sterling Marlin will be doing a Goodyear tire test at Texas Motor Speedway on January 29th and 30th(1-14-2002)
2001 News
Marlin testing: Sterling Marlin's team [#40] already has tested two days at Lakeland, FL. Rules prohibit any testing at a track that sanctions NASCAR events during December, but short tracks such as Lakeland aren't associated with NASCAR, and they prove to be a great place to work on things like braking, engine combinations and transmissions.(Savannah Morning News)(12-8-2001)
Flag Beef: After Marlin crossed the finish line, his crew ran to him with an American flag, but NASCAR refused to let Marlin take the customary victory lap. He instead drove straight to the winner's circle, carrying the flag out his window. "I was going to make a lap around the track with the flag, from what went on this morning we just wanted to show support overseas and for the armed forces," Marlin said. "But the NASCAR posse got us." NASCAR said it prohibited Marlin from taking the lap because it was unsafe due the amount of people who had raced out to the finish line. The decision disappointed the crew, which sent partial team owner Felix Sabates to express that to NASCAR.(CNN/SI) and from the Gaston Gazette: NASCAR manages to stifle patriotism; AND Felix Sabates, who maintains a minority interest in the team, said NASCAR President Mike Helton later apologized for series officials disrupting their celebration(Racing Extra)(10-8-2001)
Marlin wins at Charlotte: #40-Sterling Marlin won the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway. Marlin's crew met him on the frontstretch after the checkered flag, bringing two large American flags with them. Marlin took one of the flags and drove with it to victory lane. #20-Tony Stewart was 2nd. Points leader #24-Jeff Gordon finished 16th but increaded his points lead to 237 over #28-Ricky Rudd. The last time a Dodge won Charlotte's fall race was in 1975, when Richard Petty won(10-7-2001)
Special #40 Scheme at Kansas UPDATE: hearing that #40 Sterling Marlin will be carrying a special "God Bless America" paint scheme this weekend in Kansas City. The team evidently did not have enough time to prepare the car for Dover, so they will be running it this weekend instead. The last I heard the team was going to run the Coors Brooks and Dunn scheme at Kansas.(9-26-2001)
UPDATE: Coors Brewing Company will continue its effort to help the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America by extending its $10 donation for every lap that the #40 Coors Light Dodge completes in this weekend's Cup race in Kansas. Following last weekends race, Coors donated $4,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts.. If the #40 car is able to complete all 267 laps of the Protection One 400 race, Coors will donate an additional $2,670 for a total of $6,670 going to help the victims of this tragedy. In addition to the donation, Coors.has developed a special "American Pride" paint scheme for its #40 Dodge for this weekends race.. The car will not display any Coors' branded identification, but will display the words "Proud to be an American" on the upper-rear quarter panels, and "God Bless America" on the TV panel. "I really like the red, white and blue paint scheme and I'm excited about racing at a new track this weekend,".driver Sterling Marlin said.. "It's great to work with a sponsor who is cares so much about the community."(Ganassi Racing PR and Images)(9-28-2001)
#40 first in 31 years: The last time a Cup race was won by the car #40 was August 23, 1970 when Pete Hamilton at Talladega, Sterling Marlin's win at MIS was the fifth time the #40 car has won in a Cup points race. See my Wins by Numbers/Last Win by Number page(8-20-2001)
Marlin Wins at Michigan: #40-Sterling Marlin wins the Pepsi 400 at Michigan Intl Speedway when the race was called after 162 laps because of rain. It is Marlins first win since July 6, 1996 at Daytona (also in the Pepsi 400) a streak of 169 races. It is also Dodge's first Winston Cup win since Neil Bonnett won at Ontario CA on Nov 20, 1977 in the #5 Dodge. It was also the first win for a Coor's sponsored car since Kyle Petty won at Dover in June 1995. #32-Ricky Craven came home 2nd(his career best) with #9-Bill Elliott in 3rd.
#24-Jeff Gordon's Winston Cup Drivers Points lead (now has 3353 points) is now 298 over #28-Ricky Rudd with #88-Jarrett now 354 behind in third and #40-Marlin sneaking up on Jarrett in 4th 381 behind.(8-19-2001)
Target car at Bristol? UPDATE 2: hearing Ganassi Racing may have a Target sponsored Dodge at the Bristol race on Aug 25th. No word on if it is the #01 or #40 or if it is a third car/team(8-7-2001)
UPDATE: looks like it'll be the #40 Dodge with Sterling Marlin driving, a Target/Coors Light scheme(8-8-2001)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that the team's #40 Dodge will feature a Target Stores paint scheme for the Aug. 25 Sharpie 500 at Bristol. Ganassi and Target have partnered in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) FedEx Series since 1990, earning four consecutive titles from 1996-1999. "Our Champ Car team owes much of its success over the years to Target Stores, and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and dedication," Ganassi said. "Coors Light, Cingular and Dodge have made this season a very positive experience, and I'm excited to introduce a first-class organization like Target to a well-respected series like NASCAR. This is Target's first stock car experience, so it would be a thrill to go to Bristol and achieve the type of success this partnership is accustomed to producing." Sterling Marlin, who ranks fourth in the NASCAR Winston Cup point standings, will drive the bulls-eye-emblazoned Dodge at Bristol. Although the Sharpie 500 marks the only race in which Marlin's car will feature the special paint scheme, Target team members are eager for the green flag to signal its NASCAR debut. "Target Chip Ganassi Racing has produced some impressive results over the years, and we're excited Chip has asked us to be a part of his newest venture," said John Remington, vice president of events marketing and communications for Target Corporation. "Target has enjoyed its involvement in auto racing and is dedicated to continuing its sponsorship in the CART FedEx Series, but we're also very excited for this one-race partnership with Chip at Bristol." Coors Light will remain on the #40 car at Bristol as an associate sponsor, with signage on the upper rear quarter panels, and will again serve as primary sponsor the following weekend in Darlington(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery(8-10-2001)
Some Paint Scheme Rumors: hearing that #40-Sterling Marlin is running a "Kiss" paint scheme somewhere this year and that #6-Mark Martin is running a Viagra car with special ultra reflective metal flake paint for the upcoming Bristol night race(7-27-2001)
UPDATE: yes it is a KISS, rock-n-roll band scheme, supposedly it'll run at Homestead(7-30-2001)
Target as a Sponsor? The name Target has re-emerged as a potential NASCAR team sponsor in the past couple weeks, and that refers directly to Chip Ganassi Racing, with Sterling Marlin and rookie Jason Leffler. Team officials say, however, that Coors likely is steady as Marlin's sponsor. A renewal with Leffler sponsor Cingular is "under negotiation". But Target in NASCAR is at least a year away, they say. Target, of course, is mega-major backer of Ganassi's CART teams. Target is keeping an eye on its niche, with Kmart and Wal-Mart, sources say. Wal-Mart will not be a player, as that is not in corporate philosophy, sources add. Team owner Travis Carter said he had a good meeting with Kmart officials after the Joliet race and hopes to extend that sponsorship beyond 2002, its present end date. Target's name may have reappeared on the screen as a result of a test of Indy Racing League-pattern cars by Ganassi at Nashville last week, which came in under the radar. Target likely would be the sponsor of a Ganassi IRL effort(SpeedVision)(7-24-2001)
Third Ganassi Team? If Chip Ganassi finds proper backing, he might have a third Cup team in the works for next season(Sporting News)(7-23-2001)
Ganassi Hire: Team owner Chip Ganassi announced that Bruce J. Mosley has joined Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates as vice president. Mosley will be responsible for overseeing all sales, marketing and communication functions for Chip Ganassi Racing’s two NASCAR Winston Cup Series entries - the #01 Cingular Wireless Dodge R/T driven by Jason Leffler and the #40 Coors Light Dodge R/T driven by Sterling Marlin. For the past five years, Mosley has worked as a director of corporate partnerships for the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was responsible for event, series and network marketing for ISC’s 13 motorsports facilities, MRN Radio and the Grand American Road Racing Association. Prior to joining ISC, Mosley worked for Campbell Soup Company as a territory manager in North Florida.(Ganassi PR)(6-11-2001)
Brooks and Dunn Return: The #40 Coors Light Dodge has gone country for this weekend's race at Talladega. Driven by Sterling Marlin, the Coors Light Dodge will feature a paint scheme touting the country music duo Brooks & Dunn's upcoming Neon Circus & Wild West Show tour. A known country music lover, Marlin hopes to give the duo's tour a little more exposure by parking his Coors Light Dodge in Victory Lane on Sunday afternoon. Marlin is also scheduled to run the special Brooks & Dunn paint scheme at the Winston and Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte and the inaugural race at the Kansas Speedway(Ganassi PR)(4-17-2001)
Marlin's Crewmen OK: Two members of Sterling Marlin's crew sustained sprained ankles but escaped serious injury when they were hit by Rusty Wallace's car in the pits on the 266th lap. Darren Wolfe, the right front tire carrier, was treated for a sprained left ankle but returned to the pits for the end of the race. Rick Reling, the right front tire changer, also was cut on the right calf. He also continued to work in the pits(That's Racin'/AP)(4-2-2001)
Another Marlin: Steadman Marlin has signed to run races in the ARCA and BGN series with Nashville-based Sadler Racing. The team, founded by Earl Sadler, has given career boosts to such prominent drivers as Steadman's dad Sterling, Davey Allison, Jeff Green, Michael Waltrip and Jeremy Mayfield(Tennessean)(3-2-2001)
Marlin's Trailer: Despite security provided by the race track, Sterling Marlin’s souvenir trailer was defaced while on the grounds of North Carolina Speedway Saturday night. However according to Don Wade, driver of the Coors Light trailer to and from each NASCAR Winston Cup event, the comments — which were written in marker — “were all positive. Things like good luck, we know it wasn’t your fault ... just stuff like that,’’ Wade said Sunday morning(Kingsport Times News) AND ‘I’ll kill you Sterling’ scrawled on drivers' trailer(2-26-2001)
Marlin Speaks: #40-Sterling Marlin believes he did not cause the wreck that killed Dale Earnhardt in the final lap of the Daytona 500 last Sunday and resents those who label him the culprit, Marlin said in an interview with The Tennessean this afternoon. Marlin also said he had been contacted by members of Earnhardt's race team as well as NASCAR officials "and all of them say, 'Man, you didn't do anything wrong. Don't let it bother you," Marlin said.(2-20-2001)
2000 News
#40 Crew Chief? UPDATE 2: hearing that Lee McCall, formerly with Penske-Kranefuss, has been chosen by Ganassi Racing to replace Scott Eggleston as the crew chief on the #40 Coors Light Chevy and driver Sterling Marlin. Scott Eggleston is moving to be the crew chief of DEI's #15 Napa Chevy with driver Michael Waltrip
UPDATE: hearing Kevin Cram, who worked on Bill Elliott's team in 2000, will be Ganassi Racing's #01 Crew Chief(12-6-2000)
UPDATE 2: Lee McCall, a stock car racing mechanic since 1986, has been named crew chief for driver Sterling Marlin and the new Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge team. McCall, 32, started work at the team's Mooresville, NC, shop last week and participated in a two-day test with Marlin at Kentucky Speedway(Greenville News). Tony Glover, who was acting crew chief for the #01 Chevy will be the Team Manager in 2001(12-7-2000)
DEI Crew chief and number? UPDATE 2 #40 Crew Chief? still hearing that the new NAPA Cup team with Michael Waltrip will be the #15 and also now hearing that SABCO/Ganassi Racing's Scott Eggleston, who is Sterling Marlin's crew chief(#40) may be the new crew chief of Waltrip's team with DEI(10-9-2000)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. was expected to sign Scott Eggleston to a contract on Monday to be the new crew chief for the #15 car and driver Michael Waltrip next season. Eggleston, 38, is currently the crew chief for Sterling Marlin on the #40 car at Ganassi/Sabco Racing(Sporting News)(10-10-2000)
UPDATE 2: still hearing Scott Eggleston will be the crew chief of DEI's #15 Napa Chevy, who will replace him at Ganassi Racing/Sabco on the #40 car? Hearing it could be be Kevin Cram, who is part of Bill Elliott's crew chief by committee on the #94(10-24-2000)
Coors Re-Signs with the #40 UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing/Team Sabco have renegotiated and extended the sponsorship deal between Coors Light and driver Sterling Marlin. An official announcement of the new deal is planned for Oct. 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ganassi Racing is also working on a similar renegotiated and extended sponsor contract with BellSouth for its #01 Chevy's(to be Dodges in 2001)(That's Racin')(9-30-2000)
UPDATE: Coors Brewing Company and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates are teaming up for the 2001 Cup season with Sterling Marlin returning to the seat of the #40 Dodge Intrepid. New ownership and new maufacturer have sparked a different look for the #40 Dodge as it will sport a unique scheme, which was introdued in several events during the 2000 season, resembling the "Silver Bullet" Coors Light can. More at TachZone, including an image of the car(10-7-2000)
Marlin Wins, Steadman: Steadman Marlin, 19 year old son of NASCAR Winston Cup driver Sterling Marlin and his cousin Tandy each won their respective 50 lap feature events in the final 2000 points race Saturday night at Nashville Speedway USA(Nashville Speedway Site)(10-2-2000)
Coors Re-Signs with the #40: Chip Ganassi Racing/Team Sabco have renegotiated and extended the sponsorship deal between Coors Light and driver Sterling Marlin. An official announcement of the new deal is planned for Oct. 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ganassi Racing is also working on a similar renegotiated and extended sponsor contract with BellSouth for its #01 Chevy's(to be Dodges in 2001)(That's Racin')(9-30-2000)
More Bristol Testing: #40-Sterling Marlin tested a Cup car for a second day at Bristol in preparation for the "goracing.com 500" a week from Saturday(Bristol Motor Speedway Site)(8-17-2000)
Big Announcement UPDATE 2 OFFICIAL: Team SABCO owner Felix Sabates is scheduled to announce his team’s future plans in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series at Indianapolis on Friday, August 4th at 6:30pm/ct. As has been rumored for the past few months, part of the announcement should be that CART owner Chip Ganassi is buying a majority of the team(7-28-2000)
UPDATE: no surprise but....Team Sabco owner Felix Sabates will make official the sale of a majority interest of his two Winston Cup teams to CART series owner Chip Ganassi during a press conference Friday night at Indianapolis, ThatsRacin.com has learned. In addition, the teams will change manufacturers next season and become the newest entries into the Dodge camp, according to sources. Ganassi's teams would become the first established Chevrolet teams to make the switch and bring the number of expected Dodge entries to 11 next season. Sabates will remain a minority owner in the teams(That's Racin')(8-1-2000)
UPDATE 2: Team SABCO owner Felix Sabates and Chip Ganassi announced today their NASCAR Winston Cup partnership beginning with the 2001 Daytona 500. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is Ganassi’s first venture into the world of stock car racing with the acquisition of the #40 Coors Light and #01 BellSouth entries. Although Ganassi’s majority interest in the team officially begins in 2001, he will contribute to Team SABCO’s management for the remainder of this year’s Winston Cup season. The team also announced its alignment with Dodge to field two Dodge Intrepid R/T entries in 2001. With the addition of Ganassi’s two Dodge Intrepid R/T racecars next year, a total of 10 Intrepids are slated to debut at the Daytona 500 in 2001. Former NASCAR crew chief Andy Graves, who joined Target Chip Ganassi Racing in 2000 to direct its Indianapolis 500 and Winston Cup interests, will oversee the team’s racing operations together with current Team SABCO team manager and crew chief Tony Glover.(Team Sabco PR)(8-4-2000)
SABCO's BGN cars? UPDATE 2: hearing #91 Winston Cup owner, Joe Falk, may be a partner in buying the #'s 01, 81 and 82 SABCO BGN teams and moving them to his shop(8-1-2000)
UPDATE: Joe Falk is renting his race shop to Felix Sabates, who was looking for a place to move his BGN teams to after selling majority ownership of SABCO to Chip Ganassi. SABCO began moving their equipment to Falk's shop this week. It was also mentioned that Sabates and Falk may be forming some sort of partnership, though no details were divulged, other than the fact that it will not be until November before anything became official. The rumors are that they will partner the Busch teams for next year, which Falk has had past experience(Victory Lane) BUT Team SABCO has leased Joe Falk's shop for its Busch Series teams for the remainder of the year. The lease will expire in November once the season is complete. The Busch teams are moving from SABCO's Mooresville facility to allow space for expansion to the existing fab shop. There is no truth to the rumor that Joe Falk and Felix Sabates will partner for next year(Team SABCO PR)(8-2-2000)
UPDATE 2: According to a news release from Joe Falk that was published in Friday mornings Daily Press (printed edition), Falk intends to revive his dormant #91 LJ Racing team this fall with financial help from Felix Sabates. According to the report, Falk will have #81 BGN driver Blaise Alexander make his Winston Cup debut later this season, and run up to five races towards the end of this season. It wasn't disclosed what races those would be, but Falk mentioned to Victory Lane in the past that he want's to run at Richmond this fall, as well as at Charlotte and possible other Cup races. The news release also confirmed reports that Falk has rented the LJ Racing shop out to Felix Sabates until the end of the season. The reason given, was that Ganassi/SABCO senior owner Chip Ganassi was going to be switching the Winston Cup team over to Dodge for 2001, and wanted the BGN cars and equipment out of the way in order to have room to build the new fleet. No mention was made as to what will follow for next year. Family members have told Victory Lane that Falk is at Indianapolis Raceway Park this weekend overseeing Blaise Alexander's BGN team. Falk also mentioned that he was going to try and find a BGN ride for Jody McCormick, who runs in the LMSC division at Langley Speedway(VA)(Victory Lane) AND Sabates is also investing resources and equipment in a partnership with Joe Falk, bringing along the remnants of his Busch Grand National teams(Gaston Gazette)(8-5-2000)
Marlin to the BGN: Team SABCO NASCAR Winston Cup driver Sterling Marlin will pilot the #01 BellSouth
Mobility/Ericsson Chevrolet in the remaining six NASCAR Busch Series events on the team's 2000 schedule. Kenny Irwin, who was fatally injured in a practice crash July 7 at New Hampshire International Speedway, piloted the then #42 entry in 10 Busch Series races earlier this season. Out of respect for Irwin and his memory, Team SABCO and BellSouth Mobility/Ericsson chose to permanently change the number of the Busch Series entry from #42 to
#01, in addition to changing the paint scheme. Marlin is slated to enter the events at Bristol, Darlington, Richmond, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Memphis and Homestead-Miami. Although Marlin has never run a full season in the Busch Series, he has posted two wins, one pole position, eight top-five and 14 top-10 finishes in 48 starts. In March of this year, he drove the #82 Channellock/Team SABCO Chevy at Bristol. Marlin will continue to compete in the Cup Series driving the #40 Coors Light Chevy, on which BellSouth is an associate sponsor(SABCO PR)(7-25-2000)
Wind Tunnel News: hearing Sabco has one each of the #40 and #42 Chevy's testing today at the wind tunnel of N.A.S.A.'s Langley Research Center located in Hampton, VA(7-5-2000)
Montoya in Indy? UPDATE No: Sources in the Michigan garage have told Speedway Scene that the winner of this year's Indy 500 may try his hand in the Brickyard 400 this August. The reports, from unconfirmed sources, tell Speedway Scene that Juan Montoya will likely be in a SABCO / Ganassi stock car when NASCAR invades the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway(Speedway Scene)(6-12-2000)
UPDATE: The Ganassi Team put this rumor to bed. Montoya will not run the Brickyard 400, nor will the team run any other series besides CART(Autoracing1)(6-27-2000)
Dodge and Sabco/Ganassi UPDATE: Felix Sabates says he and Chip Ganassi have "agreed to agree" on a transaction that could bring Ganassi aboard as majority partner in Sabates' NASCAR racing organization(SABCO). Such a deal, Sabates said, would likely happen in the next 30 days. SABCO, fields the #40 Coors cars(Chevys) for Sterling Marlin and the #42 BellSouth car for Kenny Irwin. Sabastes says they have not discussed drivers and that any deal must be done in the next two or three weeks. Reports last fall had said Ganassi would link with Pontiac, which may be in need of teams with the defections to Dodge of Petty Enterprises and Bill Davis Racing. More recent rumors, however, pointed Ganassi in Dodge's direction(in part from SpeedVision)(5-17-2000)
UPDATE: Speedway Scene has learned that it is likely that the Chip Ganassi/Felix Sabates SABCO collaboration are expected to make the change to Dodge sheet metal in 2001. Where SABCO will fit into the program as far as team alignment goes is unknown, but Bill Davis, owner of the #22 and #93 Pontiacs says that they'll not be part of the three team consortium that includes himself, Ray Evernham and Petty Enterprises(Speedway Scene)(6-25-2000)
Marlin/Ganassi Handshake: Sterling Marlin said he and new car owner Chip Ganassi "have shaken hands" on a deal to team next season. Ganassi is buying controlling interest in Felix Sabates' Chevy team(PitNow)(6-17-2000)
Wells and Marlin? UPDATE: The plan was for Wells to field a Busch and Winston Cup car this year, with McDonald's and Lazzaro jumping to Winston Cup next season. But those plans are obviously changing, though Wells isn't yet disclosing what he expects to happen. Rumors have Wells talking with a couple of veteran NASCAR drivers, with one being Sterling Marlin, about taking over the McDonald's ride in 2001. Wells also is looking for more help in preparing the cars, so he might be interested in someone like veteran crew chief Tony Glover, a longtime buddy of Marlin's(in part from CBS Sportsline)(5-31-2000)
UPDATE: Sterling Marlin intends to remain with the #40 team working with new owner Chip Ganassi in 2001. Marlin has talked to Ganassi and hopes to have things finalized in a few weeks. As for Coors, the sponsor on the #40 car that Marlin drives, they are leaning towards taking their sponsorship to another Cup team(Winston Cup Scene Magazine)(6-8-2000)
Glover back to the #4? UPDATE: There is speculation that Tony Glover may return to the Morgan McClure #4 Kodak team, which has won only once since Glover left more than three years ago(PitNow). Glover is presently with SABCO(#'s 40 and 42) and with Chip Ganassi buying a large stake in SABCO and bringing Andy Graves in, the time would be right for Glover to make a move(6-2-2000)
UPDATE: Team Mgr/Crew Chief Tony Glover will stay with Team Sabco for the rest of the 2000 season and says he'd like to stay there in the future also, Glover also has a contract with Sabco thru 2002(Winston Cup Scene Magazine)(6-8-2000)
Wells and Marlin? Benson? UPDATE: The plan was for Wells to field a Busch and Winston Cup car this year, with McDonald's and Lazzaro jumping to Winston Cup next season. But those plans are obviously changing, though Wells isn't yet disclosing what he expects to happen. Rumors have Wells talking with a couple of veteran NASCAR drivers, with one being Sterling Marlin, about taking over the McDonald's ride in 2001. Wells also is looking for more help in preparing the cars, so he might be interested in someone like veteran crew chief Tony Glover, a longtime buddy of Marlin's(in part from CBS Sportsline) AND also hearing Wells has talked to Johnny Benson of the #10 Lycos team and to James Ince, crew chief for the same team
UPDATE: from Tyler Jet Motorsports - our committment now is to stay together as a TEAM right where we are(5-31-2000)
Gannasi/Sabco to Dodge? TNN's Raceday reports that that Sabco who will be bought by Chip Ganassi next month will change to Dodge from Chevy in 2001(5-28-2000)
Sabco Auction: Team Sabco employees hosted a memorabilia auction this week that raised nearly $30,000 to benefit the children of T.L. Stiles. An automobile accident claimed the life of Stiles, a Sabco fabricator, in November 1999. Drivers Blaise Alexander, Glenn Allen, Jeff Green, Randy LaJoie and Tim Fedewa were on hand to sign autographs. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Stiles Children College Trust(Gaston Gazette)(5-28-2000)
Schrader to Ganassi/Sabco? from today's St Louis Post-Dispatch - One hot rumor flying around the Speedway(Indy) is that Chip Ganassi, who runs the highly successful Target team featuring Juan Montoya and Jimmy Vasser, will form a NASCAR Winston Cup operation and hire former St. Louisan Ken Schrader as his driver. The story reports that Gannassi had lunch with Schrader 'the other day'. Schrader drives the #36 M&M's Pontiac(St Louis Post Dispatch) AND Driver Sterling Marlin is meeting with owner Felix Sabates and CART owner Chip Ganassi on Monday and Tuesday. The deal hasn't been finalized, but Ganassi could buy 80 percent of Sabates' team, which includes the cars driven by Marlin and Kenny Irwin(Times-Dispatch)(5-21-2000)
Sabco/Ganassi? UPDATE 5: hearing SABCO owner Felix Sabates(#'s 40 and 42) and CART championship team owner, Chip Ganassi are getting close to forming some sort of partnership that would bring a Ganassi team (an Andy Graves) to the Cup series for 2001(5-9-2000)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi, who has won four consecutive championships as a team owner in CART, may be on the verge of entering NASCAR. Ganassi is negotiating with Felix Sabates to become a part-owner of Team Sabco. If there's a partnership with Ganassi, it wouldn't begin until next year(Dallas Morning News)
UPDATE 2: On Thursday's ESPN2 RPM2 Night, Robin Miller reported that the Ganassi-Sabates is a done deal with Ganassi owning 80% and Sabates owning 20% with Ganassi talking to Jeremy Mayfield and Bobby Hamilton as part of a two car team to run in 2001. Target is the rumored sponsor(RPM2 Night). Note: Mayfield is signed with Penske-Kranefuss thru 2002 and Hamilton with Morgan-McClure thru 2001(5-11-2000)
UPDATE 3: See the story at SpeedNet: Ganassi to join NASCAR, source says, no drivers mentioned like on RPM2 Night but the story adds: "According to a source in Charlotte, who requested anonymity, Ganassi will become a majority owner of Felix Sabates' operation and run a two-car effort starting in 2001 with Dodges." No mention of what would happen with the current drivers, Sterling Marlin or Kenny Irwin, on RPM2 Night it sounded like a deal in addition to Sabates current teams, but the story sounds more like a partnership. Three of the drivers have contracts at least thru the 2001 season, Marlin has the option to leave at the end of the 2000 season(5-12-2000)
UPDATE 4: Felix Sabates says he and Chip Ganassi have "agreed to agree" on a transaction that could bring Ganassi aboard as majority partner in Sabates' NASCAR racing organization(SABCO). Such a deal, Sabates said, would likely happen in the next 30 days. SABCO, fields the #40 Coors cars(Chevys) for Sterling Marlin and the #42 BellSouth car for Kenny Irwin. Sabastes says they have not discussed drivers and that any deal must be done in the next two or three weeks. Reports last fall had said Ganassi would link with Pontiac, which may be in need of teams with the defections to Dodge of Petty Enterprises and Bill Davis Racing. More recent rumors, however, pointed Ganassi in Dodge's direction(in part from SpeedVision)(5-17-2000)
UPDATE 5: According to CNNSI.com motorsports insider Marty Snider, Felix Sabates has agreed in priniciple to the sale of 80% of SABCO to Chip Ganassi, who will take over day-to-day operation of Team SABCO on July 1. Sabates will continue to own 20 percent of the team. The three SABCO BGN teams will be disbanded at the end of the 2000 season. Target will join both the #40-Marlin and and #42-Irwin teams as an associate sponsor after July 1.(CNN/SI)(5-19-2000)
1999 News
Sabates Honor: Felix and Carolyn Sabates became members of the philanthropic Dream Makers Society of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Florida recognizing their 11-year commitment, personal contributions, and development and support of special fund-raising events through the years. In their honor, the naming of the Felix and Carolyn Sabates Athletic Center will be dedicated in a formal ceremony at the NFL YET Center/Lester White Boys & Girls Club in Fort Lauderdale. The formal installation of the Felix and Carolyn Sabates Athletic Center will be held in early 2000. In addition to the naming, the Sabates will be recognized on a Dream Makers Society sculpture to be placed in a public location in the community. The Dream Makers Society ceremony took place on November 13 at the Power & Motoryacht Rendezvous at Fisher Island, Florida, an event attended by the Sabates since 1988. The award was presented by business tycoon and philanthropists, Wayne and Marti Huizenga, in a surprise ceremony attended by 300 guests including NASCAR owners Bill and Betty Jane France, NASCAR Team Owner Jim Mattei, actor Burt Reynolds, television’s “Just Shoot Me” star Enrico Colantino, and 30 mega-yacht owners and their guests. After the ceremony 14 year old protege’ Ashley Ballard sang in the Sabates’ honor a heart-warming rendition of My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion(SABCO PR)(11-17-1999)
Sad News UPDATE 2: Thomas "T.L." Stiles of Charlotte, N.C., 45, a fabricator with Team Sabco for the past eight years, was killed Thursday afternoon in an automobile accident on Interstate 77 north of Charlotte. Also injured in the accident was Team Sabco fabricator Len Sherrill of Kannapolis, N.C., who is listed in critical condition at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Sherrill, 37, has worked with Team Sabco for 11 years. Team Sabco owner Felix Sabates closed his race shop Thursday and will keep it closed Friday. Sabates is making plans to fly his race teams back to Charlotte for the funeral, expected to be held Saturday(That's Racin')(11-11-1999) -- UPDATE: The funeral for Team Sabco fabricator Thomas "T.L." Stiles, who was killed in an automobile accident north of Charlotte Thursday, is 1 p.m. Monday at Blair Road Methodist Church in Mint Hill, NC. The visitation is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at McEwen Funeral Home in Mint Hill. Len Sherrill, also a Team Sabco fabricator and injured in the accident, was upgraded to good condition Friday at Carolinas Medical Center and released from the intensive car unit. He remains in the hospital. A college fund for Stiles' children has been established. Donations can be made to the Thomas Stiles Children College Fund, care of BB&T, 7716 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Charlotte, NC 28227 Both Sabco teams, that of Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin, were scheduled to test their 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlos at Homestead-Miami Speedway Monday and Tuesday, but the team has canceled those plans(That's Racin')(11-13-1999) -- UPDATE: Team Sabco fabricator Len Sherrill of Kannapolis, who was injured Thursday in an automobile accident that killed fellow Team Sabco fabricator Thomas "T.L." Stiles, was released from Carolinas Medical Center on Saturday and returned home. Sherrill suffered shoulder, neck and head injuries in the accident, which took place on Interstate 77 north of Charlotte(That's Racin')(11-14-1999)
Dover Downs responds to Felix: Winston Cup team owner Felix Sabates, expressing his opinion of Dover Downs, said this week that he'd "rather drink a bottle of laxative than go to Dover. I don't like that place. You go out and wear out tires and have a lot of wrecks and the purse pays nothing." Dover Downs chairman Denis McGlynn posted this response in the press room Friday: "Dear Felix: Hope the laxative helped. Thank you for staying home and not stinking up our garage area. Your teams seem to do better in your absence anyway. Get well soon. Denis."(Racer Magazine Site) meow...(9-25-1999)
Sabates Chat: #01, 40 and 42 SABCO team owner, Felix Sabates was in NOL Chat Tuesday. A few of the highlights were "No" to Joe Nemechek staying with SABCO, and when asked about the third team(currently the #01 Chevy), he said "probably going to run 5-8 races in 2000 with a third car" and about #40 driver, Sterling Marlin: "We've signed a new three-year deal with Coors and Sterling will be back with us for the next three years", so forget the earlier rumor of Marlin leaving. As for Tony Glover: "Tony will be team manager, but on Sunday he will be crew chief of the 42 car"(9-21-1999)
Marlin Looking? Sterling Marlin, who drives for Felix Sabates(#40 Coors Light Chevy), has been calling car owners about possible openings for next season, according to car owners who have talked with him(PitNow)(9-20-1999)
(9-20-1999)
SABCO Test: Cuban car owner Felix Sabates(#'s 01,40 and 42) will have Mexican driver Jimmy Morales test for Team Sabco at Martinsville Speedway Sept. 14-15. Also testing for Team Sabco will be Ron Hornaday, who will attempt to qualify for races at Richmond and Martinsville this season(in the #01)(News and Record/The Depot)(9-1-1999)
Marlin and Coors renew with SABCO: #01, #40 and #42 Cup car owner Felix Sabates said that Sterling Marlin and Coors have each signed three-year deals with his team. Sabates also said that he won't run a third full-time Cup team next year. He plans to run as many as three of four Grand National cars next season. He says two of those teams will be fulltime teams. One could be a joint effort with Jim Mattei, who owns the Cup car of Michael Waltrip(News and Record - The Depot)(8-29-1999)
Testing: Team SABCO is scheduled to test at Martinsville Speedway on Sept. 14-15 in preparation for the Oct. 3. NAPA AutoCare 500(News and Record)(8-20-1999)
The Marlin Bump UPDATE: Sterling Marlin and his crew chief, Scott Eggleston, were called into the NASCAR hauler after Sunday's race to discuss an incident between Marlin and Chad Little. Marlin was involved in an incident on pit road after the cool down lap during which he ran into the right side of Little's car. Little had stalled on pit road after coming off the course and created a backup at the entrance to the garage area. Marlin wanted to get around Little and into the garage, and instead of waiting, hit Little's car and then turned into the garage(That's Racin')(8-16-1999) -- UPDATE - FINE: NASCAR announced that they have fined Sterling Marlin for an incident following the Frontier @ The Glen at Watkins Glen. Marlin, who drives the #40 Coors Light Chevy, and Chad Little, who drives the #97 John Deere Ford, got into a confrontation on pit road after the race in which Marlin drove into the side of Little's car to get into the garage area. The two had made contact late in the race. Marlin was fined $5,000 for intentionally hitting another car. Marlin's fine resulted from a violation of Rules 12-4 A: Actions detrimental to auto racing(NOL)(8-20-1999)
Marlin/Sabates/Coors: Sterling Marlin will be in the option year of his contract with Felix Sabates next season, and it's not necessarily firm that Marlin will be back, according to sources. Coors, Marlin's sponsor, has an offer on the table that may be too low for Sabates to accept, an offer that is reported to be a 'take it or leave it' offer(PitNow)(8-16-1999)
The Marlin Bump: Sterling Marlin and his crew chief, Scott Eggleston, were called into the NASCAR hauler after Sunday's race to discuss an incident between Marlin and Chad Little. Marlin was involved in an incident on pit road after the cool down lap during which he ran into the right side of Little's car. Little had stalled on pit road after coming off the course and created a backup at the entrance to the garage area. Marlin wanted to get around Little and into the garage, and instead of waiting, hit Little's car and then turned into the garage(That's Racin')(8-16-1999)
Marlin Contract: Sterling Marlin(#40 Coors Light Chevy) says that he has another year on his contract with car owner Felix Sabates and that they are in the middle of a contract with Coors(PitNow)(7-9-1999)
Penalty: NASCAR officials announced today that they have levied a fine for rules violations prior to this past Saturday's Pepsi 400 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Scott Eggleston, crew chief for Sterling Marlin's Chevrolet, was fined $50,000 for an illegal insert in the intake manifold. The infraction was determined during the pre-race inspection process Saturday. Eggleston is also placed on probation until October 20, 1999. Eggleston's fine resulted from a violation of Rules 12-4 A: Actions detrimental to auto racing; and Rule 12-4 Q: Use of parts that do not conform to NASCAR rules, Inserts not allowed in intake manifolds at Daytona and Talladega(NOL)(7-7-1999)
Marlin Update: On NASCAR Onlines teleconference a NASCAR official came on to clarify one point involving the illegal part in Sterling Marlins car. The #40 Coors Light Chevy WAS legal after the race. They found something they didn't like prior to the race, and the decision now is whether there will be a fine as a result. That decision has not been made, but the 12th place finish will stand as again, the car was legal after the race. Also RPM2Nite said no decision has been made on the outcome. An update on the situation with similar tones at That's Racin'(7-7-1999)
More on Marlin: NASCAR inspectors found an illegal part on the Chevrolet of Sterling Marlin during a routine pre-race inspection Saturday night at Daytona and a fine or other penalty may result. Apparently the violation was so minor that NASCAR is undecided whether any penalty is necessary. NASCAR will make a decision in the next few days(in part from the Tennessean/Larry Woody)(7-6-1999)
Marlin's Engine UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials still were inspecting the intake manifold on Sterling Marlin's Chevrolet more than two hours after the race last night. The intake manifold had been called into question by officials during a prerace inspection. Marlin finished 12th(Times-Dispatch) -- NASCAR spokesman Tim Sullivan said early Sunday morning it would be Tuesday before NASCAR would be able to examine everything related to the car it needed to, but he said the outcome would not affect Marlin's result in the race(That's Racin') but on TNN's Raceday it was mentioned that the illegal part was not removed and that there will be a change in the finishing order(TNN's Raceday)(7-4-1999) -- UPDATE 1: NASCAR's Mike Helton said results of the post-race review of the Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek engines won't be announced until Tuesday. Just as the race began, NASCAR told the Marlin and Nemechek crews they wanted to inspect both engines after the 400, and engine parts were X-rayed, a standard NASCAR search for illegal air holes(PitNow) -- UPDATE 2: The OFFICIAL results and standings are up at NOL, still has Marlin in 12th place and no points were deducted, but that could change Tuesday, one mistake noted, they have Loy Allen and Ricky Craven listed in the #58(7-5-1999)
Marlin Top 5: Sterling Marlin's 4th place finish in the Pocono 500 was his first in 62 races(6-20-1999)
SABCO Crew Chief CORRECTION, UPDATE 2: Jay Smith has been named as the crew chief for the #40 Coors Light SABCO Chevy and driver Sterling Marlin(NASCAR Today Radio) Smith was most recently the crew chief of the #34 Goulds Pumps BGN Chevy. Also worked for Bobby Hillin's BGN team and Irvan-Simo in the past few years -- CORRECTION: hmmm....I hear this incorrect, folks from SABCO tell me that Smith is not the new #40 crew chief but has been hired by SABCO to work on the #42 shocks. An announcement should be coming in the next day or two concerning the #40 crew chief(6-2-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Hearing that Scott Eggleston will switch over from the #42 to be the #40 crew chief -- UPDATE 2: it's official - Scott Eggleston has been named crew chief for Team SABCO's #40 Coors Light Chevrolet and driver Sterling Marlin. He moves the 20 feet or so from where he was crew chief for Team SABCO's #42 BellSouth
Chevrolet and driver Joe Nemechek. Team manager Tony Glover will serve as interim crew chief for the BellSouth team and Nemechek(The William Co/SABCO)(6-3-1999)
Marlin sponsor: Tracfone, the new Felix Sabates sponsor on the #01 Chevy that missed the Coca-Cola 600 when Jeff Green failed to make the field, will move to Sterling Marlin's Coors Light car today(Times-Dispatch)(5-30-1999)
Marlin's Son: Steadman Marlin, eighteen year old son of NASCAR Winston Cup star Sterling Marlin, led all 50 laps en-route to his first ever NASCAR Winston Racing Series Late Model Stock Car main event Saturday night at Nashville Speedway USA. Young Steadman became the third Marlin in the tracks 41 year history to etch his name in the speedway's record books and the first - third generation driver to win a premiere division feature at the fairgrounds ovalNashville Speedway Site. Jayski Note: I met Steadman in the Talladega infield in Oct 1997 and he was a very polite, respectful teenager, was nice to see, congrats(5-24-1999)
SABCO Changes? UPDATE 1: Hearing Tony Glover may leave the SABCO team? (Team-Sabco page -unofficial)(5-17-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Corrie Stott, crew chief for the #40 Coors Light Chevrolet, and Team SABCO have parted ways, it was announced this morning. The decision was mutual for both parties. Stott was named crew chief in April of last year. His first event with the Coors Light team was the Goody’s 500 at the Martinsville, Va., Speedway. During that time, Marlin posted seven top-10 and 19 top-15 finishes in NASCAR Winston Cup Competition. Team Manager Tony Glover will serve as interim crew chief until a suitable replacement has been named(The William Company), Hmm...I guess the rumor about Glover leaving was incorrect(5-17-1999)
SABCO 3rd Car returns UPDATE 1 Sponsor: Driver Jeff Green and car owner Felix Sabates will be reunited later this year in the Winston Cup series. Sabates has decided to return to a three-car operation and has obtained sponsorship from a 'a major communications company' to run a seven-race schedule this season. And depending on the results, it may translate into a full schedule in 2000. Sabates fielded the #46 Chevys for Green last season. Sabates lost his sponsor, First Union/Money Store, at the end of last season and dissolved the team. The new team will not carry the #46. An official announcement of Sabates' plans is expected this week in Charlotte(That's Racin'/Jim Utter) -- UPDATE 1: Hearing the sponsor may be Florida based Topps Communication, found a little info on this company on the 'net, not much, seems they are based in Miami and deal with Sprint(5-17-1999)
Marlin vs Marlin: NASCAR Winston Cup star and two time Daytona 500 winner Sterling Marlin will compete in Saturday night’s 50 lap NASCAR Winston Racing Series Late Model Stock Car main event at Nashville Speedway USA. Saturday’s race event, sponsored by Sterling Marlin Chevrolet and 98 WSIX marks the first time ever, the past three time Nashville Speedway champion (1980,’81,’82) will compete against his eighteen year old son Steadman, a second year Late Model competitor on the historical .596 high banked oval. Sterling will drive a family owned Chevrolet Monte Carlo that will carry the number 711, a number made synonymous during the 1950’s and ‘60’s by his father Coo-Coo Marlin(Nashville Speedway)(5-7-1999)
Marlin and The Duke: Sterling Marlin is carrying the John Wayne paint scheme at California(5-2-1999)
Felix, changes? I hear from some readers that #'s 40 and 42(not 43 doh!) owner, Felix Sabates appeared on Speedvision's Inside Winston Cup Racing Show on the Hot-Seat segment and indicated that if his teams don't start performing better soon, it will be time for some drastic changes, though he did say in general he is happy about being down to two teams keeping the best personnel from last years three team effort, and that the team is much better than their bad-luck finishes show(3-23-1999)
Marlin and UT scheme: (NOTE: this has nothing to do with the #40 Cup team, just Marlin) - Race fans will be seeing orange and checkerboards Tennessee style when two-time Daytona 500 Champion Sterling Marlin debuts a special paint scheme featuring the University of Tennessee - 1998 National Football Champions - for the April 2-3 BellSouth Mobility 320 NASCAR Busch Series event at Nashville. The University of Tennessee Chevrolet Monte Carlo, prepared by Marlin Racing, of Columbia, Tenn., also is slated to enter the April 9-10 Moore's Snacks 250 at the Bristol Motor Speedway and again at Bristol on August 27 for the Food City 250. PR from SterlingMarlin.net. See an image in my Paint Schemes Gallery (3-17-1999)
John Wayne Scheme: Sterling Marlin will have a Coors Light/John Wayne paint scheme at Texas and Phoenix. See images of the car at the Sterling Marlin Site(an excellent site btw) go to the hot news. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of souvenirs featuring the special design will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute(many readers and saw it on RPM2Nite)(2-16-1999)
Vegas Testing: Bobby Labonte(#18), Tony Stewart(#20), Sterling Marlin(#40), Joe Nemechek(#42) and Kenny Wallace(#55) tested at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last week. Nemechek posted the fastest unofficial lap speed of 166.02 mph in his BellSouth Chevrolet while Stewart was second fastest at 165.73 mph in The Home Depot Pontiac. The top qualifying speed for last year's inaugural Las Vegas 400 was 168.224 mph, set by pole sitter Dale Jarrett(Concord Monitor)(1-19-1999)
SABCO PR: Team SABCO will return to a two-car NASCAR Winston Cup operation in 1999 after fielding a third entry for the past several seasons. The #46 Chevrolet had been sponsored by First Union and The Money Store, however, the financial institution opted to refocus their involvement in the Winston Cup series. "If in the next few weeks a sponsor shows interest in SABCO, we'll investigate further into the possibility of bringing the 46 team back," said Team SABCO owner Felix Sabates. "At this time, we've chosen to concentrate our efforts on a two-car operation and focus on returning to a top-notch Winston Cup organization." Sabates' two other teams will remain intact. Joe Nemechek extended his contract to drive the #42 BellSouth Chevrolet through 2001, while two-time Daytona 500 winner Sterling Marlin returns to the No. 40 Coors Light Chevrolet for the next two years.(SABCO PR)(11-30-98)
OLD Ganassi News
Montoya in Indy? UPDATE No: Sources in the Michigan garage have told Speedway Scene that the winner of this year's Indy 500 may try his hand in the Brickyard 400 this August. The reports, from unconfirmed sources, tell Speedway Scene that Juan Montoya will likely be in a SABCO / Ganassi stock car when NASCAR invades the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway(Speedway Scene)(6-12-2000)
UPDATE: The Ganassi Team put this rumor to bed. Montoya will not run the Brickyard 400, nor will the team run any other series besides CART(Autoracing1)(6-27-2000)
Marlin/Ganassi Handshake: Sterling Marlin said he and new car owner Chip Ganassi "have shaken hands" on a deal to team next season. Ganassi is buying controlling interest in Felix Sabates' Chevy team(PitNow)(6-17-2000)
Gannasi/Sabco to Dodge? TNN's Raceday reports that that Sabco who will be bought by Chip Ganassi next month will change to Dodge from Chevy in 2001(5-28-2000)
Sabco/Ganassi? UPDATE 3: hearing SABCO owner Felix Sabates(#'s 40 and 42) and CART championship team owner, Chip Ganassi are getting close to forming some sort of partnership that would bring a Ganassi team (an Andy Graves) to the Cup series for 2001(5-9-2000)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi, who has won four consecutive championships as a team owner in CART, may be on the verge of entering NASCAR. Ganassi is negotiating with Felix Sabates to become a part-owner of Team Sabco. If there's a partnership with Ganassi, it wouldn't begin until next year(Dallas Morning News)
UPDATE 2: On Thursday's ESPN2 RPM2 Night, Robin Miller reported that the Ganassi-Sabates is a done deal with Ganassi owning 80% and Sabates owning 20% with Ganassi talking to Jeremy Mayfield and Bobby Hamilton as part of a two car team to run in 2001. Target is the rumored sponsor(RPM2 Night). Note: Mayfield is signed with Penske-Kranefuss thru 2002 and Hamilton with Morgan-McClure thru 2001(5-11-2000)
UPDATE 3: See the story at SpeedNet: Ganassi to join NASCAR, source says, no drivers mentioned like on RPM2 Night but the story adds: "According to a source in Charlotte, who requested anonymity, Ganassi will become a majority owner of Felix Sabates' operation and run a two-car effort starting in 2001 with Dodges." No mention of what would happen with the current drivers, Sterling Marlin or Kenny Irwin, on RPM2 Night it sounded like a deal in addition to Sabates current teams, but the story sounds more like a partnership. Three of the drivers have contracts at least thru the 2001 season, Marlin has the option to leave at the end of the 2000 season(see the interview at RacinDeals - see link in the story section below)(5-12-2000)
Ganassi/Sabates? No: Felix Sabates denied rumors that he might sell his Cup operation, possibly to CART owner Chip Ganassi, who appears poised to join Winston Cup next season. He admitted he had talked to Ganassi last year and had advised Ganassi on such a move, but had no interest in selling(SpeedVision)(4-17-2000)
Ganassi/Cup UPDATE 2 No? Maybe: Chip Ganassi and Target will field a NASCAR Winston Cup team, starting in 2001, with Terry Labonte's former team manager Andy Graves calling the shots. As for joining the open-wheel exodus to stock cars (A.J. Foyt, Robby Gordon, Cal Wells), Ganassi said he preferred to wait on the official announcement from Target before giving any more details(SpeedNet/Robin Miller)(12-20-1999) -- UPDATE: Ganassi admit's to hiring Graves but said he never said Target is going NASCAR, see the full story at Racer Magazine(12-21-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Target/Chip Ganassi Racing may have taken a step in that direction with the official announcement of the hiring of NASCAR crew chief Andy Graves. A press release stated Graves is exploring opportunities for Ganassi's Indianapolis-based team, including the possibility of racing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Winston Cup Series(SpeedNet)(12-22-1999)
