Motorsport legend Roger Penske has called for the return of Chip Ganassi Racing to NASCAR.
This appeal comes amidst heightened speculation and interest following Penske's 2024 championship triumph and Ganassi's impressive performance in the IndyCar series.
Chip Ganassi Racing, originally founded in 1990 after emerging from a successful partnership with U.E. "Pat" Patrick, carved a large niche in NASCAR history. The team introduced notable drivers to the scene, such as Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch, and Sterling Marlin, clinching prestigious wins like the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400.
This legacy established Ganassi as a formidable force in motorsports until their withdrawal from NASCAR in 2021. This move allowed Ganassi to focus resources on other series, namely IndyCar and IMSA, with Trackhouse Racing acquiring their NASCAR assets.
Roger Penske's invitation to Ganassi is not without plenty of thought. Penske recognizes the value of competition brought by Ganassi's re-entry into NASCAR. Penske explained:
"Well, I guess you'd have to say it's probably, if not the best, one of the best. I think that obviously not to win the IndyCar championship, which of course it's where we all start and build our first racing team, was disappointing.
"But it's one of those things that you try and you don't. (Chip) Ganassi, you have to give him credit. He continues to put up great numbers with his guys. I told him, 'come on back to NASCAR, it's gotten easier.'"
The introduction of the Next-Gen cars could be a huge persuading factor for Chip Ganassi, as these vehicles incorporate cost-effective and safety-enhanced design changes. Such innovations make it more financially feasible for teams like Ganassi's to consider a comeback.
Joey Logano, the current NASCAR Cup Series champion, shed light on the profound influence Roger Penske wields. Logano commented, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
"Roger Penske does that. He doesn't say that. But you know where you're working when you walk into team Penske, you see that there's a 47th Championship they've won in Motorsports. That's a lot! He's been doing this for a long time. The guy wins, he expects you to win or you're not going to be there very long."
Currently, Chip Ganassi Racing is focused on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, alongside participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Cadillac. Operating from advanced facilities in Indianapolis and Stuttgart, Ganassi's partnerships include prestigious collaborations with Honda and General Motors among others.
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