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UPDATE: Franchitti Replaces Wheldon
Written by: Robin Miller   
09/02/2008
Indianapolis, Ind.
 
Franchitti (left) and Ganassi are shifting their association to Indy cars. (LAT photo) ยป More Photos

Chip Ganassi wanted somebody to challenge Scott Dixon at every track so he tried to sign Tony Kanaan a couple weeks ago. That didn’t work but, as it turns out, Ganassi already had the perfect fit in house.

In one of the more stunning developments in recent IndyCar Series history, Dario Franchitti is replacing Dan Wheldon in the Target/Ganassi lineup for 2009. And Wheldon will take Vitor Meira’s seat at Panther Racing.

But, considering he’d said goodbye to open wheel following his IRL and Indy 500 titles in 2007 to pursue stock cars with Ganassi, Franchitti’s decision to return was as sensible as it was surprising.

“It was just too good of an opportunity,” said Franchitti, whose NASCAR ride with Ganassi dissolved earlier this summer when no sponsorship could be secured.

“I watched Indy on TV in May and it made me sad because I wasn’t there. Then, the ’09 schedule came out
and it was like, ‘Oh that’s interesting, there’s some old places I really like,’ and then of course everything is unified.

“I mean, it was an offer to drive the best car in a series I still love. It was a no-brainer.”

Ganassi could hardly contain his joy at putting the 35-year-old Scotsman with the guy he edged out for the ’07 IRL championship.

“Dario was clearly the best option and I think it’s great for my team and for the series,” said Ganassi. “With all these road courses and street races, that’s right up his alley and with Target re-upping for a multi-year deal, it’s just been a great week.

“Except for dad (Floyd) falling down at Detroit.” Floyd Ganassi is recovering from breaking his shoulder blade at Detroit.

Dixon leads Helio Castroneves by 30 points going into Sunday’s finale at Joliet, Ill.

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