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Ganassi joins Grand-Am

Frontrunning IRL IndyCar Series and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team Chip Ganassi Racing will compete in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series in 2004

The multiple CART champion outfit will field a Lexus-powered Riley MK XI Daytona Prototype with renowned racers Scott Pruett and Max Papis at the wheel. The season starts at Daytona early next year, with the prestigious Rolex 24 Hour event.

"We are very, very excited about participating in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and running the entire season in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series," said CGR Grand-Am team owner Chip Ganassi. "We look forward to joining the intense competition we have seen in the Daytona Prototypes class, and plan on having a lot of fun in the series."

Pruett won his third career SCCA Trans-Am title in 2003, and also finished second at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR Winston Cup.

"Coming off a dominant season in the Trans-Am, and experiencing my best NASCAR Winston Cup Series in a Target Dodge for Chip Ganassi, I'm look forward to continuing my relationship with Ganassi Racing in the Rolex Series," said Pruett. "Max and I have been friends for a long time, and I'm looking forward to driving with him this season."

Papis is a three-time Champ Car race winner and won the Daytona 24 Hours in 2002. He also had a short career in Formula 1 before switching his attentions to America.

"I am really excited for the great opportunity and great honour to join Chip Ganassi Racing in their new adventure," said Papis. "Daytona has been the 'business card' of my American career. This is definitely the right year to be in a Daytona Prototype, and I look forward to sharing a car with Scott Pruett. I think our combination will be a potent weapon, and I am hoping to help bring success to Chip Ganassi Racing."

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