Comments on: A Win-Win For Chip Ganassi

By: Savage Henry

Savage Henry — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:07:39 +0000

I see a couple more advantages to the satellite team concept.

First, Chip has got to have a lot of Dallaras laying around that are going to be obsolete after this season. Why not use them? Also, it’s a way to test out new drivers and team members for the future.

Second, everyone assumes that TCGR is going to be locked into an engine and aero kit supplier due to sponsorship obligations. Perhaps the satellite team will not have the same obligations. So lets say in 2012 TCGR is running Chevy engine and aero. Maybe Graham runs Lotus-Lotus and Charlie runs the Dallara-Honda. This way Chip can get first-hand experience with all of the packages without running afoul of his sponsors. He’ll be able to make an educated decision on what to run in 2013. Brilliant! (Expect Penske to form a “satellite team” as well.)

By: noname

noname — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:22:35 +0000

Might be wishful thinking but hopefully the 1st American winner at Indy since 2006. Rahal has finished: 33rd, 31st and 12th in the last 3 years, but the guy has always qualified well. Maybe he might achieve an upset win in 2012. Anyone else ever noticed that trend that in years ending in 2 have strange races

Here’s a good link that explains it all:
http://johnsonindy500.trackforum.com/indy500/thenumbers.html

P.S. sorry George if you dont want me posting links to external sites.

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:45:51 +0000

All of the above!!

By: dylanpt24

dylanpt24 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:22:22 +0000

Vernay will get the money from Mazda for winning the Lights title. Where will he go? I’d say either Andretti or Conquest, depending on how much funding he can find, and if the Wheldon to Andretti rumor is true.

By: StephenP_83

StephenP_83 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:40:36 +0000

I’m really glad to see JR get the ride at Panther and it’s great to see Charlie move up from Indy Lights. It’s good to see the feeder system actually working. Anyone know what JK Vernay is doing next year? OR Jonathon Summerton?

By: dylanpt24

dylanpt24 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:11:12 +0000

I think in 2011 the satellite team will be great. Ganassi has a ton of good cars and the team should have between 12-16 million dollars between the two drivers, which puts them as 3rd or 4th best funded team. 2012 will be a little trickier. On the plus, they’ll have good funding, on the minus, Ganassi won’t have the same advantage in setups, which means they’ll be helping developing the setups and cars.

By: The Lapper

The Lapper — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:01:12 +0000

Chip is building for the team of tomorrow. This will make a smother transition for the two teams upon next year’s arrival of the “new car.” I also think that come August Graham will have plenty to smile about when he compares 2011 to 2010 and where he is headed. Ganassi also got two drivers with some fabulous potential. He wants some more Baby Borgs in his office.

By: Zachary

Zachary — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:22:54 +0000

The first thing I thought of with the Kimball announcement was Howdy Wilcox II. It’s a sad story, and I think it shows what progress has been made in living with and managing diabetes.

As for the satellite operation, I think they’ll do well enough. This is a less-experienced team, so by its nature I don’t expect the same level of results we’ll see from the TCG team. I’m just happy that we have two young, talented drivers in what should be competitive equipment sponsored in the series.