Chip Ganassi

Chip Ganassi drove in five Indianapolis 500 races (1982-86) and scored three Indy Car “podium” finishes — including runner-up to Danny Sullivan at the Cleveland road course in 1984 — before creating a multi-faceted, open-wheel racing team. Chip Ganassi Racing has become one of the most successful teams in the sport’s history. Partnering with U.E. “Pat” Patrick to co-win the 1989 Indianapolis 500 and championship titles under Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) with Emerson Fittipaldi, Ganassi took over the team altogether in 1990.

His drivers have won the Indianapolis 500 six more times, with Juan Pablo Montoya (2000), Scott Dixon (2008), Dario Franchitti (2010, 2012), Marcus Ericsson (2022), and Alex Palou (2025). His team also has won 16 Indy Car titles through the end of 2024 with Jimmy Vasser (1996), Alex Zanardi (1997,1998), Montoya (1999), Dixon (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020), Franchitti (2009, 2010, 2011), and Alex Palou (2021, 2023, 2024).

Ganassi has also been successful in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) and long-distance sports car racing. Chip Ganassi Racing won the Rolex 24 at Daytona eight times through 2024. A highlight in 2011 was a 24-Hours of Daytona victory following wins in the 2010 Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, and Brickyard 400—all four wins occurring within a 12-month period.