Ganassi defects to IRL

Ganassi has run parallel programmes in both series this year, fielding three-cars in CART and a single car regularly in IRL, and it was expected to split its efforts between the two series again. However team owner Chip Ganassi told Autosport at last weekend's Denver Champ Car event that his squad would follow its engine supplier Toyota in moving all its resources to IRL.

Ganassi also suggested that another top CART squad Team Green will join the exodus under its new owner Michael Andretti. "You can count Green and Ganassi out of CART," said Ganassi.

It's unclear who will drive for Ganassi in IRL, but Toyota favourite Scott Dixon, who joined Ganassi's Champ Car team mid-season is a likely candidate. Of Ganassi's other Champ Car drivers, Brazilian Bruno Junqueira is thought likely to stay in CART and drive for Newman Haas Racing, while Kenny Brack's poor form, has put him out of favour. Jeff Ward has driven for the team in IRL this season.

See this week's Autosport, out today, for the full story.