This hasn't yet become an IndyCar story for Chip Ganassi, and it may in fact be no story at all, but it's still presented here in the compelling interest of rumor-mongering for the sake of discussion.
This is just a rumor, but is making the rounds again that Target, sponsor of the #41 Ganassi Dodge may leave at the end of the season. Do you blame them? - That's Racin'
On the other side of those financial measures, varied Internet reports in the past week have speculated that Chip Ganassi Racing could lose sponsor, and one-time ownership title partner, Target, in the not-too-distant future. - Centre Daily
There are persistent rumors that Chip Ganassi may be in financial deep water, with his long-time sponsor Target [sponsor of #41-Reed Sorenson and sometime sponsor of #40-Dario Franchitti] likely announcing by the end of the year it will be ending its association with the race team. - N-word.com
Then again...
Steve Eastman, Target Vice President: "The 19-year partnership between Target and Chip Ganassi Racing is one of the longest consecutive partnerships in motor sports. Our race program has proven successful and we in fact have a solid base of sponsors in place. We continue to build on the excitement and momentum around the program and look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary next year... Any rumors regarding an end to the partnership are simply without merit." - Jayski
So there you go.
Random Thoughts on Long Beach
-
Now, that was more like it! On a track that can sometimes produce a dud,
and following two consecutive snoozers to start the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series
season...
1 day ago
Now a much more cynical me might ask "But what about Dario? Wasn't he supposed to be bringing big bucks from Canadian Club over to The Chipster? Wasn't that one of the reasons given for his jump to the N-Word?"
But I'm not cynical. Just ask our host or Pressdog. :^/
If nothing else, it explains why "Choppers" Wheldon was complaining about the league not promoting winners. He needs help shilling for a new sponsor!
=:^O
"Aw mate, lend us a few quid for Indy! I'm good for it, knowwhatImean, eh? Me and me mate Scotty, we're dead certs to win it all lads! If not me, it's 'im. Put in a hunnert pounds, we win, triple yer payout, Bob's yer uncle, yer rich!"
Bonus points for working in a "Bob's your uncle" there, mmack.
I also read a comment somewhere that Philip Morris was ending it's sponsorship of Penske. I tend to think most rumors are BS until they aren't. I'd be surpised if these two companies ended their sponsorship right as the series has started growing again, and even if they are thinking about ending it...will they still be by the end of the season?
Bonus points for working in a "Bob's your uncle" there, mmack.
I'll put a kettle on and brew up a cuppa while I read the other poster's thoughts if Chippy's runnin' outta dosh. Hopefully the thread won't become an argy-bargy. We don't need no aggro breakin' out in 'ere.
(And they all said I was a fool for watching those Britcoms on PBS!)
Are you taking the piss, you old bugger?
(Sorry - couldn't resist. Hopefully Darren Manning would appreciate these comments.)
Amen! I heard that rumor yesterday. I have noticed Chip is adding sponsors for one race only in Nascar. So I guess Dario doesn't have the full ride from any sponsor. Also I haven't seen or maybe noticed Canadian club on his car in Nascar.
Could have been but it's been a blue car Fastenol and a insurance company for one race.
Hey !" Megan from Indy", you're from Indy . What are you doing keeping track of NAPCAR ???
And Target & Chip when are you going to activate your sponsorship ????
Ya know like Tv ads , in store ads, sunday newspaper ads....
Why would Target leave when the way the sponsorship is structured leaves much of the cash outlay to Target's marketing partners, who get P&P (pricing and placement) out of the deal in addition to the exposure?