Chip Ganassi Racing signs Graham Rahal

New Team to Feature Driving Talents of Rising American Indy Car Star Graham Rahal

INDIANAPOLIS (December 16, 2010) -- Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGR) today announced the formation of Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing featuring rising American Indy car star driver Graham Rahal. Ganassi's IZOD IndyCar Series stable will expand with the addition of the new team, which will be sponsored by TBC Retail Group. Rahal will drive the No. 38 Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing entry in 2011.

In October, TBC Retail Group announced it inked a multi-year spokesperson and sponsorship association with Rahal to represent its family of tire and automotive retail brands, which include; Service Central®, Tire Kingdom®, NTB-National Tire and Battery®, Merchant's Tire and Auto Centers® and Big O Tires®.

At just age 21, Rahal has made 60 starts in the top levels of American open wheel racing. He has one win, two poles, 12 top-five and 32 top-10 finishes, with 59 laps led.

Graham Rahal, Driver, Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing: "This is the kind of opportunity every driver dreams of. I have been working diligently, specifically over the past several months, to get into one of Chip's Indy cars, and now that dream has become a reality with the help of Service Central, and many others. Chip's 2010 season was definitely one for the ages -- 19 wins, Indianapolis (twice), Daytona, another IndyCar Series Championship, I could go on and on-- but like Chip often says, I'm looking forward to the next race, which is in St. Petersburg in March. I'm thrilled to be a part of this great organization and look forward to making the most out of this opportunity."

Orland Wolford, CEO, TBC Retail Group, Service Central: "It's an excellent opportunity for us to start a new team and showcase our brands; Service Central, Tire Kingdom, NTB, Big O Tires and Merchants Tire. We're thrilled to be a part of Chip Ganassi's team. His tenacious drive to win championships and reputation for building some of the best teams in auto sports match our drive and commitment to be the best in our industry. We feel the IZOD IndyCar Series has unmatched momentum heading into the future, and having an American driver like Graham competing for wins in a Service Central-sponsored Ganassi car is sure to create considerable excitement in 2011."

Chip Ganassi, Owner, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams: "It's no secret that we're always looking for ways to get better and expand our racing programs. Finding new ways to get better or go faster is what this business is all about, really. Graham has shown us all over the past few years that he can be a frontrunner in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and I welcome both he and Service Central to our racing program for 2011. This should create some excitement for the series both on and off the track."

-source: cgrt