Chip Ganassi Racing are working on re-signing Max Chilton to their squad on a multi-year contract in order for him to develop as a Verizon IndyCar Series driver and reach a level that will see him challenge for the title.
Managing Director Mike Hull believes it would be beneficial for both Chilton and the team for him to remain a part of the squad, and build on a rookie season where the former Formula 1 driver has scored two top ten finishes.
“We are working really hard to retain Max for hopefully more than one additional year if we can make that happen,” said Hull on Autosport. “He will benefit greatly if we are able to do that together.
“It’s a terrific opportunity for Max to be able to excel, and the benefit will come to all of us when he continues with Ganassi Racing.”
Hull insists it is important that rookie drivers are given time in the championship to evolve and develop by team owners, who should be patient with their drivers and give them that opportunity to grow.
“We have a lot of talent in the series past the veterans that drive here,” added Hull. “Owners need to be patient with young talents to give them at least two or three years of running.
“You see where drivers are after that – they either flatline and never get better or they accelerate from that point. They don’t get valuable time away from the races to learn Indycars the way it once was.
“The veterans we have came from that system and the guys that are going to become veterans are going through this new system. That takes two or three years of patience to get them there.”
