#01 Driver…for 2002 UPDATE 7 Leffler is it: BGN driver Jason Leffler confirmed Friday night that he will take over the driving duties of the #01 Dodges for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Winston Cup series beginning with the 2002 season. Leffler has agreed to a three-year deal, but will complete the 2001 BGN series schedule with Joe Gibbs Racing. Ganassi is still looking for a driver for the #01 for the 2001 season. Leffler said he could run a few Winston Cup races this season with Ganassi, but has not worked out the details(That’s Racin’)(1-5-2001) UPDATE: Leffler reportedly had a three-year contract with the Gibbs team, with 2000 being the first of the three. Leffler told the Charlotte Observer Friday night that he intends to drive Gibbs’ MBNA car in Busch this season. As for the 01 deal with Ganassi, Leffler told the paper, “It’s not official yet, but it’s what we’re planning.” Details are not clear. It is not yet known whether Leffler would drive the 01, per se, in 2002, or whether Ganassi would set up a third team to accommodate him. Another possibility is that Ganassi would hire a driver such as Kevin Lepage, then move that driver to a third team in 2002(SpeedVision)(1-6-2001) UPDATE 2: hearing Leffler does not have a 3 year contract with Gibbs (as reported) but that Leffler’s contract is up at the end of 2001 and is free to do pursue other options(1-8-2001) UPDATE 3: hearing that Leffler went to his Busch shop on Monday and was asked to leave until after owner Joe Gibbs holds a meeting with his BGN sponsor(MBNA) on Tuesday(1-9-2001) UPDATE 4: It appears likely that Ganassi is going to name someone Friday to drive the #01 – Lepage or Leffler(1-11-2001) UPDATE 5: This season’s driver of that car could be named as soon as Friday morning when Ganassi is scheduled for a breakfast meeting on the media tour’s final day, which will be devoted to Dodge teams owned by Ganassi, Mark Melling, Petty Enterprises and Ray Evernham. Jason Lefler has signed to drive the #01 for three years beginning with 2002. Lefler was scheduled to drive an MBNA-sponsored BGN car for Joe Gibbs Racing this year, but those plans are in limbo after his decision to sign with Ganassi. Porter Cable has withdrawn as primary sponsor of a second Gibbs BGN team for driver Jeff Purvis. That leaves Gibbs with only the MBNA sponsorship next year, giving rise to suspicions that Purvis could be moved into that car in Lefler’s place(That’s Racin’)(1-12-2001) UPDATE 6: Although owner Chip Ganassi passed up an opportunity to make the announcement on Friday, Jason Leffler will be the driver of his #01 Dodge Intrepid this year. Leffler began negotiating with Ganassi over a week ago, and reportedly his Busch car owner, Joe Gibbs, found out Leffler was leaving by reading a newspaper account. It now appears as though Gibbs will cut back from two to one BGN teams, with Jeff Purvis moving into the #18 car being vacated by Leffler. Leffler was not present when Ganassi held a media briefing on Friday at Lowes Motor Speedways media tour. Ganassis other driver, Sterling Marlin, was on hand to answer questions(Gaston Gazette) and a story at That’s Racin’: Ganassi mum amid Leffler’s turmoil AND Have heard that Leffler could remain on as a test/back up driver with Gibbs for 2001. Have been told if Lefler is released, several drivers are lining up for the opportunity to drive the #18. Joe Gibbs Racing has also confirmed that they will be running both BGN cars in 2001. The team is seeking sponsorship for a sponsor for the #4 car. Have heard that the incentives for the prospective sponsor could include ties to the championship Cup team and truck program(1-13-2001) UPDATE 7: Jason Leffler, a three-time USAC Midget Champion, USAC Silver Crown Champion and former NASCAR Busch Series driver, signed a four-year contract today with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and will immediately take over driving duties of the #01 Cingular Wireless Dodge Intrepid R/T for the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Leffler, 24, ran in 31 Busch Series events last year in the #18 car with Joe Gibbs Racing(Chip Ganassi Racing PR)(1-15-2001)
