Ganassi to expand to 4 cars, re-signs Mears

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. See story on Hot News page. 08/11/05 Chip Ganassi Racing has exercised an option to retain driver Casey Mears, and in addition, will field four Nextel Cup teams in the 2006 season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. A formal announcement of Ganassi's retention of Mears, as well as plans to add an additional Cup team, is expected Friday at Watkins Glen International. [Editor's Note: Another indication Ganassi is moving heavier into NASCAR and may very well abandon his IRL program. With Penske and Foyt embarrassing Toyota by dumping the manufacturer before contracts expired, it remains to be seen whether Toyota stays in the IRL past 2005. If they drop out, we wonder where that will leave the Ganassi team, certainly it won't be a 3-car team in 2006 if Toyota is out and Chip may decide to just throw in the towel. His heart does not appear to be in the IRL anymore, especially after the last two dismal years.]