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©1999 SpeedCenter Publishing With three PPG Cups sitting on the shelf, Target/Chip Ganassi Racing is returning to the Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami with one goal in mind: winning No. 4. No team in CART history has won four consecutive titles. Team owner Chip Ganassi smiles when discussing the possibility. "Our three PPG Cups are a testament to a team that strives for perfection and won't accept mediocrity," said Ganassi, whose team has won 23 of the 52 CART races since 1996. "Just because we've won three straight doesn't mean we're satisfied. We love to win and we'll go into each race this year with victory as our goal," With very few off-season changes to the car and the crew, the team has focused on adjusting to its biggest change - a new driver. Rookie driver Juan Montoya has displayed the skill and determination Ganassi was looking for in his replacement for 1997 and 1998 champion Alex Zanardi. "Sometimes I have to make sure it's not just a dream," said Montoya, who claimed the 1998 European Formula 3000 championship. "I'm in a great situation, driving with the top team in the sport, with a great car, a great teammate, a great crew and great sponsors- I plan to make the most of this situation and I'm hoping to begin my CART career with a good race in Miami," The 23-year-old Montoya understands the importance of starting the season with a strong first race. In 1996, Vasser won the first CART race of the year at Miami and went on to claim his team's first PPG Cup championship. "People ask me if I'm nervous for the first race, but I'd describe it more as excitement," said Montoya, who has tested at Miami three times since joining Team Target. "This is what I've been dreaming of since I first stepped into a go-kart when I was five. Once that green flag falls it's down to business, and no time to be nervous." Vasser, who begins his fifth season with Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, has helped Montoya adjust to his new car arid the CART tracks, and he's confident in his new teammate's abilities. "He's a great driver," said Vasser, who has finished third (1997) and second (1998) in the point standings since winning the 1996 title. "Juan is confident, but he's not cocky. He asks a lot of questions and is always looking for opportunities to improve." Vasser, who signed a three-year contract extension with Target/Chip Ganassi Racing last season, has solidified his reputation as the most consistent driver on the circuit. Vasser led all CART drivers in races completed in 1996 (16) and 1997 (15) and I finished all but three races in 1998. Last year, Vasser finished second in the CART field in earnings ($2,084,250), tied second in victories and ranked third in laps completed, miles completed and laps led. Since the start of the 1996 season, he has scored points in an amazing 85 percent of his races (44 of 52). "I'm looking forward to another great year and I hope to start it off well with an improved Miami Grand Prix," said Vasser, who finished 16th in last year's race. "I've been very happy with the car during the off-season tests and I'm anxious to get out there and race it. I have some great Miami memories and I look forward to making some more." Vasser is considered one of the top contenders for the 1999, title, which is one of tile reasons Ganassi is as excited about the Miami race as his drivers. And although he's not ready to make room oil the shelf for a fourth PPG Cup just yet, Ganassi is confident in his team's ability to win races this year. "I feel comfortable going into the Miami Grand Prix, and Jimmy's leadership is a big reason for that," Ganassi said. "I know he's ready to race and I know he's helped Juan understand what he needs to do to get ready to race." Source: Target/Chip Ganassi Racing |
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