Chip Ganassi and Scott Dixon have both praised car sponsors Target after they announced their decision to withdraw from backing Ganassi’s Verizon IndyCar Series team at the end of this season.
The partnership between Chip Ganassi Racing and Target has been running for twenty-seven years and has brought multiple championships, with current driver Dixon amassing four titles, while Dario Franchitti (three times), Alex Zanardi (twice), Jimmy Vasser and Juan Pablo Montoya have all triumphed in Target colours.
“It’s the greatest sponsor in racing, ever,” said Ganassi. “They’ve been nothing but good to me. They developed me personally and professionally. I’ve developed lifelong friends and relationships.
“It is unfortunate they will be leaving the IndyCar Series but rest assured that the No. 9 Chevrolet and the reigning IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon will still be in the IndyCar Series next year and beyond, the car will just have different colors on it. We are working through some of those options now.”
The Ganassi/Target partnership is not ending completely however, with Kyle Larson’s entry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup continuing.
“We are happy Target will remain in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Kyle Larson and the No. 42,” said Ganassi. “I understand things change and people have different marketing efforts. It’s one of the longest running sponsors in racing and they delivered for me and the team, and the team delivered for them.”
Dixon is aiming for a fifth championship this season and has secured 38 wins driving in Target colours, but the New Zealander confirmed the departure would not affect his future with the team.
“I can’t thank Target enough for their partnership on and off the track over the years,” said Dixon.
“They have been with the IndyCar team for an amazing 27 years, which is unheard of in professional sports, and on the car I’ve driven for the past 15 seasons. I have nothing but great memories and much thanks for Target being great partners for so long.
“I’m looking forward to being in the #9 car for years to come and fighting for more wins and championships with Chip and the team.”