Chip Ganassi Racing has announced it will run four cars in the 2011 Indycar series. Joining Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon at Chip Ganassi will be Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball.
Graham Rahal’s car will be run under the name of Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing. Rahal, who drove for four different teams in the 2010 championship suffered from sponsorship troubles this year, but had this to say on his move to Chip Ganassi Racing:
“This is the kind of opportunity every driver dreams of. I have been working diligently, specifically over the past several months, to get into one of Chip's Indy cars, and now that dream has become a reality with the help of Service Central, and many others. Chip's 2010 season was definitely one for the ages – 19 wins, Indianapolis (twice), Daytona, another IndyCar Series Championship, I could go on and on- but like Chip often says, I'm looking forward to the next race, which is in St. Petersburg in March. I'm thrilled to be a part of this great organization and look forward to making the most out of this opportunity.”
Graham Rahal has won one race in the Indycar series, back in 2008 he became the youngest driver to win a race by winning at St.Petersburg at the age of 21. Rahal will drive the #38 car.
Joining Graham Rahal at Chip Ganassi is 25-year-old old driver Charlie Kimball. Kimball, who was born in England, finished fourth in this years Indy Lights championship and has also competed in A1GP (driving for the USA) and the Formula 3 Euro Series. A diabetic, Kimball is sponsored by Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company. His car will run under the banner of Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing.
“I am honoured to join Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and excited to be moving up to the IZOD IndyCar Series. This is a dream come true and I am very proud to work with Novo Nordisk and continue to spread the message that diabetes does not have to slow you down.”
Chip Ganassi will compete as a four car team for the first time at St.Petersburg on March 27th. Rahal must see that as a good omen.
