Ganassi Says Leffler safe, 3rd team? no BGN: #01 and #40 Dodge owner, Chip Ganassi said rookie Jason Leffler’s Cup future with the operation is secure, but didn’t rule out adding a third team. And if he does add a team, what about the rumors Tony Stewart might be the driver? Stewart drove for Ganassi in the Indianapolis 500 this year, immediately fueling speculation he might leave Joe Gibbs Racing, with whom he has a long-term contract, for Ganassi. Ganassi happily played along when asked what he thinks of Stewart. “He’s a good driver,” he said. Asked if Stewart could drive “this or that” for Ganassi next year, the owner simply said, “maybe” with a grin, then added, “probably just a little bit of this and mostly that.'” Asked if “this” meant Winston Cup and “that” meant CART, Ganassi replied: “I didn’t say that.” For now, Ganassi dismisses reports he’ll start a third team as “just a lot of talk right now.” The owner has yet to announce a new sponsor to replace Cingular Wireless on Leffler’s car, but doesn’t seem concerned. Target, which backs his CART team, sponsored Marlin at Bristol, but Ganassi says there’s only a slim chance the company would be on Leffler’s car next year. Ganassi said he would not start a Busch Series team in 2002, and said it’s possible open-wheel standout Kenny Brack could run a Winston Cup race or two next year. Brack is joining Ganassi’s CART program and has said NASCAR is an avenue he wants to try at some point in his career.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read online)(8-30-2001)
