CGR statement on Coo Coo Marlin

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 14, 2005) --- Members of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will begin racing festivities this morning at Watkins Glen International with heavy hearts as the driver of the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge, Sterling Marlin, mourns the passing of his father, Coo Coo Marlin. Sterling made his way back to Tennessee to be at his father's side in their home state late Thursday night.

Coo Coo passed away early this morning from lung cancer in Columbia, Tenn. The elder Marlin was a pioneer in the NASCAR industry and very instrumental throughout Sterling's racing career.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Coo Coo's name to the American Lung Association.

Ganassi pilot Scott Pruett will handle the driving duties in the No. 40 machine for Marlin in light of the situation for this afternoon's 92-lap Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen.

-cgr-