Champ could wind up with Ganassi source: irl.racing-live.com - ORS / CAPSIS International Now that the 2005 IndyCar Series season has concluded the focus has shifted from on track racing to off track driver and team maneuvering. The biggest change presently rumored involves 2005 Series and Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon leaving Andretti Green Racing. Several industry sources have indicated the 27 year old from Emberton, England, has driven his last race for Andretti Green, and will move to either Chip Ganassi Racing or possibly Penske Racing. While Penske remains a part of several rumors, Ganassi is currently the front runner to obtain Wheldon's services for 2006. Coinciding with this potential move are even stronger rumors that Ganassi's team will switch from Toyota to Honda engines for the 2006 season. Closely associated with Toyota since 2000, Ganassi also has a history with Honda having won CART titles for them from 1996 through 1999. After winning the championship in 2003 with Scott Dixon, Toyota has struggled mightily and announced their departure from the Indy Racing League at the conclusion of the 2006 season. Honda is the only manufacturer committed for '07 and getting into their camp early may eventually be a competitive advantage. It is believed that Honda will pick up a portion of Wheldon's salary, further helping Ganassi make an offer that Andretti Green may not be able to match as they already pay large sums to drivers Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan.
Recent Articles
|
Racing Multimedia
Recommendations |