Chip Ganassi Racing Scores Triple Crown in 2003 Rookie Title

MOORESVILLE, N.C., (November 18, 2003) --- The future looks bright for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. The NASCAR racing organization saw three of its drivers crowned Rookie of the Year in their respective racing divisions for the 2003 season.

Jamie McMurray, driver of the No. 42 Havoline Dodge, was named the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Raybestos Rookie of the Year. McMurray posted five top-five and 13 top-10 finishes during the 2003 season. McMurray also grabbed one Bud Pole Award at the season-ending race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and finished 13th in the final 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series point standings. McMurray took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors 21 times including 12 of the last 13 races. No other Raybestos Rookie grabbed the honor more than nine times. He also finished the season with more top-fives and more top-10 finishes than any other first year driver.

David Stremme's Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Busch Series is quite impressive. Stremme competed in only 18 of the 34 races on the Busch Series schedule and compiled three top-five and seven top-10 finishes during the 18-race span. Stremme, who split driving duties with McMurray in the No. 1 Yellow Dodge for Phoenix Racing this season, scored more top five and top-10 finishes than any other Raybestos Rookie this season. Stremme will compete full time in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2004.

Chip Ganassi Racing's latest addition to its driver development program is Reed Sorenson. The 17-year-old became the youngest driver in American Speed Association (ASA) history to earn Rookie of the Year honors. During his 2003 season on the ASA circuit, Sorenson racked up seven top-five and 14 top-10 finishes in 17 starts.

"We are always trying to position this organization as a leader within the industry," Chip Ganassi said. "Jamie, David and Reed possess not only exceptional driving skills, but they know how to conduct themselves away from the racetrack as well. All three had very successful seasons in their respective divisions and have a very bright future ahead of them with this organization."

"Lorin Ranier also deserves a lot of the credit for Chip Ganassi Racing earning three Rookie of the Year titles," Ganassi said. "Lorin oversees our driver development program and has done a fine job in helping recognize and pick out good, talented race car drivers. We are looking for a very successful season in 2004."





Jason Wise
Media Relations
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
Office: (704) 662-9642, ext. 1125
Cell: (704) 500-6121
Email: jwise@ganassi.com