Team Target Toughs Out Sharpie 500

Contact: Nealie Hamilton, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, cell: (704) 500-6068, nhamilton@ganassi.com

For Immediate Release

BRISTOL, Tenn. (August 24, 2003) --- With all odds against him, Casey Mears drove his Target Dodge to an impressive 21st place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Mears qualified the race in 41st place, was involved in two accidents, and went two laps down to the leader. Team Target toughed out the challenges at the half-mile track and ended up on the lead lap in 21st place for the checkered flag.

"We had a pretty solid run tonight," Mears said. "It was better than our first run at Bristol. We got two laps down and we were able to get them back. That was a pretty big deal to come back and finish on the lead lap. The car was tight at the beginning of the race, but it really came around and we were running well towards the end. Considering all of the problems, overall, it was a solid night for Team Target."

Mears finished the race in 21st position and remains 34th in championship points. Ganassi teammates Jamie McMurray and Sterling Marlin finished the Sharpie 500 in third and 17th respectively.

Team Target races at Darlington Raceway next weekend. The Southern 500 will be broadcast live on NBC television and MRN radio on Sunday, August 31st.

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Nealie Hamilton
Media Relations
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
office: (704) 662-9642 x1130
cell: (704) 500-6068
nhamilton@ganassi.com