On in a series of season previews
source: indycar.com / by indycar.com staff Chip Ganassi said passing on Dan Wheldon before the 2003 season might have been one of the biggest mistakes he'd ever made. He wasn't about to make the same mistake again. The veteran team owner pulled the biggest coup of the offseason, signing the reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion to partner with 2003 IndyCar Series champ Scott Dixon. "Obviously, we're happy to have Dan Wheldon joining Target Chip Ganassi Racing for the foreseeable future," Ganassi said. "We couldn't be happier with what Dan brings to the team, not only in terms of his ability, but his tendency to run at the front of a very difficult and competitive series. He is a proven champion, and his teaming up with another champion in Scott Dixon is a perfect fit for our IndyCar driver lineup. We think the addition of Dan ensures Target Chip Ganassi Racing's position as a formidable competitor in the IndyCar Series moving forward." The addition of Wheldon is one of many changes for the team, which has also added Honda engines and will use Dallara chassis for the 11 oval events this season. Wheldon, who won a record six races in 2005 and became the first driver to win the IndyCar Series title and Indianapolis 500 in the same year, said moving from Andretti Green Racing to Ganassi's team provided the challenge he was looking at this point in his career. "Throughout my career, I've always looked favorably on Chip's team and the things they've been able to accomplish in motor racing," Wheldon said. "I'm obviously very excited about joining Target Chip Ganassi Racing, and having the opportunity to team up with another IndyCar champion in Scott Dixon. Looking forward to 2006, a few of my goals include sustaining the momentum I have coming off last season, and returning the Target team to where they're accustomed to running - up front."
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