Tough times for Ganassi -Target to leave at season’s end?

UPDATE #2 This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. 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. Steve Eastman, Target Vice President

04/08/08 A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, Our capstone project has been a three-year integrated marketing campaign for Target Corporation. In our second year campaign we activated some of Target's auto racing sponsorships. The Target execs told me that they liked the usage and activation, but that Target was "re-evaluating" their motor sports sponsorships and it did not appear likely that they would continue their sponsorships. Name Withheld as requested for obvious reasons.

04/08/08 Not only is Chip Ganassi's NASCAR Cup teams struggling, sometimes to even qualify for races, there are persistent rumors that Ganassi may be in financial deep water, with his long-time sponsor Target likely announcing by the end of the year it will be ending its association with the race team. If true this would affect not only their Cup effort but also their 2-car IndyCar team.