Meira to Ganassi? Panther?

UPDATE Vitor Meira finished seventh in the Indy Racing League's IndyCar Series standings this season, five positions ahead of one Rahal Letterman Racing teammate (Danica Patrick) and eight in front of the other (Buddy Rice). But as planning for 2006 begins to take shape, Meira is the driver without a sponsorship program. Team general manager Scott Roembke confirmed the No. 17 car was a financial loss this season, and the team probably won't accept a similar loss in 2006. However, Roembke is hoping to bring back Meira, who finished second to Dan Wheldon in the Indianapolis 500. The Brazilian also finished second at Kentucky and third at Kansas. Meira is exploring alternatives, and he confirmed at Monday night's awards ceremony that Panther Racing is one of the possibilities. Both he and Panther have ties to John Menard, and Panther does not have a sponsor in place. "That would be a great place," Meira said. "It's one of the places we're looking at. But we're talking to anyone and everyone at this point." Indy Star [Editor's Note: Let's see if we get this straight, Meira does not have enough sponsorship from John Manville to run with Rahal yet he does with Panther Racing? Perhaps with a check from Uncle Tony it will happen.] 10/17/05 One rumor making the rounds at the IRL finale at California Speedway is that Rahal Letterman driver Vitor Meira could be taking his John Mansville sponsorship from John Menard to Chip Ganassi's team. He admitted to SPEEDTV.com that his future is uncertain.

"John has been backing me since I started in the IRL and we've got a great relationship and I feel very lucky," said Meira, who replaced the injured Kenny Brack in 2003 and stuck. "I don't think it's enough to run the whole season and that's why Bobby (Rahal) and Scott (Roembke, team manager) would have to find more money to keep me. I'm not sure where I'll be driving, I'd like to stay with Bobby, but I'm hoping for a good ride with somebody." That somebody could be Chip Ganassi.