The worst kept secret in the IndyCar silly season has finally been confirmed during a press conference at the Performance Racing Trade Show in Indianapolis this morning.
Ryan Briscoe will be driving the number 8 NTT Data car, while Kanaan will be driving the vacated number 10 Target car.
This year’s champion will be back again for another season behind the wheel of the number 9, Target sponsored car.
“This is just great news and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the No. 8 car again,” said Briscoe, who started his IndyCar career with Ganassi in 2005, and returned to that team for the Month of May this past season.
“We built some great chemistry during the month of May this year with the whole crew. I think all four drivers can win races next season and it’s not every day you get to be a part of a team like that. For me personally it’s been an amazing last few days – this announcement coupled with the birth of our first child just a few days back. I couldn’t be happier right now.”
While some speculated that Ganassi could take Alex Tagliani after taking the wheel of Franchitti’s car after his career ending accident in Houston, 2013 Indy 500 winner Kanaan will be the other man wearing red next to Dixon.
“I’m extremely excited, but this is a very bittersweet day for me as many of you know. On one hand I’m driving for the Target Team and couldn’t be more thrilled about the possibilities for next season,” said Kanaan.
“On the other hand I’m taking over the seat my good friend Dario had to leave. I was looking forward to reuniting with him more than anything as a teammate. I want to thank NTT DATA, Target and TNT Energy drink for looking at the big picture and making adjustments so that Scott, Ryan, Charlie and I can go out and get the job done for all our partners on track next season. The teamwork that has been shown here is a true reflection of Chip’s style as an owner. I can’t wait to get started.”
Ganassi said this announcement is great news for the team moving forward.
“Honestly, it is always refreshing when you have partners that get the big picture and both Target and NTT DATA both understand that. This is the best of both worlds. We not only get the driver that we wanted to add to our team in Ryan Briscoe but in addition we are able to put them in the cars that I felt were the most appropriate. The news couldn’t really be better for all of our teams,” he said.
