Ganassi corrects an old mistake by hiring Wheldon

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005 | 8:10 a.m.

By Brian Hilderbrand

Chip Ganassi wasn't about to make the same mistake twice.

Three years after he passed up the opportunity to sign Dan Wheldon to drive for his Indy Racing League IndyCar Series team, Ganassi this week announced that he had signed the 2005 IRL series champion to drive for Target Chip Ganassi Racing beginning in 2006.

"One mistake I've made in this business was passing on Dan in an early time in his career," Ganassi said in announcing the signing. "Obviously, he has the history, has shown he can adapt very quickly to this formula of racing and is very comfortable racing at the front."

Wheldon, 27, has won nine IRL races during the past two seasons. This year, he won a record six races -- including the Indianapolis 500 -- en route to the series title.

Wheldon will team with 2003 IRL champion Scott Dixon and youngster Ryan Briscoe, who missed the final two races this season after suffering injuries in a crash at Chicagoland Speedway.

"I think it's going to be a great team," Ganassi said. "It's been a long time since we had two champions on this team, and I think it's something the team sorely needs. The addition of Dan gives us a good one-two punch; I'm more comfortable working with guys who know how to win."

Wheldon said he had no second thoughts about leaving Andretti Green Racing, where he spent the past three seasons.

"Andretti Green Racing gave me a great opportunity and enabled me to reach a dream and win the Indianapolis 500 and the championship along the way," he said. "I came to the end of my contract, talked with Chip and was excited by what he had to say.

"I'm not coming here to run second; I want to win more races, more championships and more Indy 500s."

Dupuy Injured

Wayne Dupuy, crew chief for National Hot-Rod Association Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert, remains hospitalized with severe injuries sustained in an automobile accident Friday morning near Charlotte, N.C.

Dupuy, 41, suffered a broken back, pelvis and left eye socket and has multiple scrapes when he was ejected from the convertible Ford Mustang that he was driving near his Lincolnton home.

NHRA.com reported Tuesday that doctors later discovered that Dupuy also suffered a fractured skull and potential brain damage.

Also Noted

By the Numbers:

1 -- The number of oval races the Champ Car World Series will stage in 2006 (Milwaukee Mile)

14 -- The number of drivers who have won multiple NASCAR Nextel Cup championships

80 -- The number of days until the Daytona 500

Brian Hilderbrand can be reached at 259-4089 or at bh@lasvegassun.com.