Chip Ganassi
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Floyd "Chip" Ganassi (born May 24, 1958 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and educated at local Duquesne University) is a former American racecar driver and current racecar owner. He is currently the owner and president of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates which operates teams on both the IndyCar and NASCAR circuit.
Ganassi began his CART (Champ Car) racing career in 1981 and competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times, with a best finish of 8th in 1983. His career cut short by an injury, Ganassi purchased an interest in Patrick Racing in 1988. He formed his own team a couple of years later and Target became the principle sponsor. He also became active in the NASCAR circuit.
He currently operates three cars in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, two cars in the Indy Racing League, two cars in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype class and one car in the NASCAR Busch Series.
Ganassi has become famous for finding and grooming young talent. His CART/IRL drivers have included Michael Andretti, Jimmy Vasser, Alex Zanardi, Scott Dixon, Bruno Junqueira, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Renna, Darren Manning, Ryan Briscoe, Jacques Lazier, and Dan Wheldon. His NASCAR drivers have included Sterling Marlin, Reed Sorenson, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Jimmy Spencer and Juan Pablo Montoya who recently made his debut.
Ganassi's teams have won Champ Car titles in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and an IRL championship in 2003. His teams have also won the 2000 Indianapolis 500 as well as 50 Champ Car and IRL races. His race team is based in Concord, North Carolina, which is near Charlotte.
In addition to his racing interests, he is also a former minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates major league baseball team.
He currently resides in the borough of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania.
[edit] Indy 500 results as a driver
| Year | Chassis | Engine | Start | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Wildcat | Cosworth | 11th | 15th |
| 1983 | Wildcat | Cosworth | 16th | 8th |
| 1984 | March | Cosworth | 22nd | 28th |
| 1985 | March | Cosworth | 25th | 22nd |
| 1986 | March | Cosworth | 25th | 21st |
