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CART: Target Grand Prix Pressented by Shell Preview

19 August 1999

Chicago Motor Speedway is the latest jewel in the crown of CART team owner Chip Ganassi. Ganassi, who enjoyed moderate success as a driver in the series, has excelled as a team owner, with Target/Chip Ganassi Racing claiming the past three FedEx Championship Series titles. He now adds another aspect of the auto racing industry to his resume, joining fellow owners Roger Penske and Carl Haas in having the opportunity to stage a FedEx Championship Series event. Ganassi, who partnered in this project with highly successful local businessman Charles W. Bidwill III, will serve as president of Chicago Motor Speedway.

Ganassi will have his hands full this weekend as he juggles the responsibilities of his new venture with the pursuit of a fourth series championship. Target/Chip Ganassi Racing rookie Juan Montoya (Target Honda Reynard) is coming off last week's victory in the Miller Lite 200 at Mid-Ohio and is situated one point behind (152-151) the current leader, Dario Franchitti (KOOL Honda Reynard) of Team KOOL Green.

Montoya owns a series-high five victories, which already equals the CART rookie record for most wins in a season. Franchitti, the only other multiple winner this season with two victories, has held the top spot for two events after wresting it from Montoya, who held it for the previous nine races. Third in the championship is Newman/Haas Racing driver Michael Andretti (Kmart/Texaco/Havoline Ford Swift), one of nine different drivers who own a victory this season. Andretti, who pushed his CART record for career wins to 38 with a triumph at Gateway, has 124 points and is fending off a charging Paul Tracy (KOOL Honda Reynard) of Team KOOL Green. Tracy enters the event with a string of four consecutive podium appearances, but is eager to add to his lone victory at Milwaukee earlier this season.

The FedEx Championship Series race weekend, traditionally a three-day affair, will be extended another day to allow the competitors an additional day of practice at the new oval. The FedEx Championship Series teams will make their debuts on the new layout Thursday with a pair of practice sessions, one beginning at 10 a.m. CST and the other at 2:15 p.m. CST. The teams will practice again on Friday to prepare for Saturday's pole qualifying.

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