CART: Team Target Plans to Finish Year on a High Note

FONTANA, Calif.–– The 2001 CART FedEx Series has produced several thrilling 
moments andachievements for Target Chip Ganassi Racing. From rookie Bruno 
Junqueira’sfirst pole position and victory, to mid-season addition Memo 
Gidley’sconsistent success, Team Target continues to impress the racing world 
with itspursuit of excellence. 
With one raceremaining, Sunday’s Marlboro 500 at California Speedway, 
Junqueira and Gidleyplan to give Team Target one more reason to celebrate. 
“Sometimes itfeels like the season just started, but then I look back on all 
that I’velearned and experienced since I joined Team Target, and it seems 
like it wasyears ago,” Junqueira said.  “There aredefinitely a lot of things 
I’m proud of. I believe I improved a lot and it was obviously a great feeling 
to win arace in my rookie season. That was a feeling I hope to experience 
again thisweekend.”

 
Considering theseason finale on Nov. 4 will be Junqueira’s first race at 
California Speedway,the Brazilian will have his work cut out for him. 
However, Junqueira hasdemonstrated an ability to quickly adjust to new ovals. 
He placed seventh inhis second oval race of the year (Nazareth) and finished 
fifth in his firstIndy 500.  Luck is also on Junqueria’sside –– he turns 25 
on Sunday.
“I don’t thinkthe other drivers will let me win just because it’s my 
birthday, so I’m goingto have to work hard with my team and do what we can to 
get to victory lane,”Junqueira said. “I’ve been excited to race on this oval 
ever since the Indy500. I know our team has the experience and I have the 
talent to win one morerace this season.”
Junqueira’steammate is also confident his No. 12 Toyota-Lola could take the 
checkeredflagon Sunday. The California-raised driver has been on a red-hot 
streakrecently, placing third in Houston, second in Monterey and 10th 
lastweekend in Australia.
“The last fewraces, I’ve felt very comfortable working with my Team Target 
crew and drivingthe car as hard as I can,” Gidley said. “I know that if we 
combine what welearn during practice and qualifying with set-ups and info 
from past years, I’mgood to go once the green flag waves. It’s a nice 
feeling to sit in thatcockpit, knowing I have one of the best cars on the 
track and the best crew inthe pits.”
Although Sundayis his teammate’s birthday, Gidley won’t give Junqueira any 
presents oncethey’re on the track.
“Bruno has beena great teammate this year, but once we’re on the racetrack, 
he’s just one ofthe guys I’m trying to beat,” Gidley said. “I’ve raced at 
California Speedwaybefore, so my present to Bruno will be some racing advice 
–– drive fast.”
The Marlboro 500roars to life on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.