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INDY 500: Four-time CART Champions Target/Chip Ganassi Racing to run in Indy 500

29 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Drivers Montoya and Vasser eager to race at historic 2.5-mile oval

Ganassi announces Budweiser will join Team Target for Indy 500

Indianapolis -- Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, which has claimed an unprecedented four consecutive CART FedEx Championship Series titles, today announced it will race in the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2000.

The 2000 Indianapolis 500 will mark Team Target's first return to the historic race since the CART and IRL series separated in 1995. Since then, the team has claimed four straight CART titles with drivers Jimmy Vasser (1996), Alex Zanardi (1997 and 1998) and Juan Montoya (1999). According to team owner Chip Ganassi, the Indianapolis 500 is an opportunity for his drivers, team members and sponsors to experience one of the most exciting events in sports.

"Racing in the Indy 500 is a dream for any owner or driver," said Ganassi, who finished eighth in the 1983 Indianapolis 500. "It's disappointing for us and for our fans that we haven't been here in four years but it's good to be back. I'm just excited to give Jimmy (Vasser), Juan (Montoya) and Target the opportunity to race at the brickyard in the largest one-day sporting event in the world. Our racing package for the Indy 500 will be a G-Force chasis and the Oldsomobile Aurora, serviced by Comptech engineering." Vasser, whose best finish at Indianapolis was fourth in 1994, is looking forward to another shot at an Indy 500 title.

"I was hoping to get at least one more chance to race in the Indy 500 before my career was through," said Vasser, who placed 10th in the 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series. "This is a perfect opportunity for us to add another element of excitement to a great race."

Joining Team Target as associate sponsors for the Indianapolis 500 is Ganassi's newest partner, Budweiser.

"Budweiser has a long, rich tradition in open-wheel racing, highlighted by the brand's victory in the 1986 Indianapolis 500, and the opportunity to return to the Brickyard with the sport's premier team -- Target/Chip Ganassi Racing -- is one that we couldn't pass up," said Steve Uline, group director of sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

"Budweiser's sponsorship of Juan Montoya and Jimmy Vasser in the Indy 500 is an outstanding way to jump-start another strong summer sales season for the 'King of Beers.'"

In November, CART announced its 2000 schedule, which allotted time in May for teams wishing to race in the 2000 Indianapolis 500. However, in order to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, CART teams must buy a car with the IRL-specified engine and chassis.

"It doesn't matter to me if they make me race in a school bus," said Juan Montoya, the 1999 CART champion. "I'm excited to finally see the famous track that I've been watching on television since I was five years old."

Text provided by Jana Griffith

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.