Target Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) announced today driver Alex Tagliani (pictured on right with Scott Dixon) will substitute for Four-time Series Champion and Three-time Indianapolis 500 Winner Dario Franchitti at the MAVTV 500 at Auto Club Speedway in the IZOD IndyCar Series season finale as Franchitti continues to recover from injuries sustained at the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston last weekend.
NOTES OF INTEREST:
About Alex Tagliani: Canadian Indy car veteran Alex Tagliani will join Target Chip Ganassi Racing alongside Two-time Series Champion and Indianapolis 500 Winner Scott Dixon at Auto Club Speedway after completing 13 rounds of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series season in the No. 98 for Barracuda Racing.
By the Numbers: In 14 seasons of IZOD IndyCar Series racing, Tagliani has 200 career starts, one win, seven poles including the 2011 Indianapolis 500, 14 podiums and over 650 laps led.
Tags at Fontana: In four starts at Fontana (2000-2002, 2012), Tagliani has one pole (2001), one top-three (third, 2001) and three top-10 finishes. Overall, he has completed 945 of 970 laps and has 22 laps led at the track.
No. 10 in 2013: In 17 starts in 2013, Franchitti has scored three pole positions, four podiums, led 64 laps and stands eighth in the IZOD IndyCar Series championship point standings.
QUOTEBOARD:
Alex Tagliani, Driver, No. 10 Target Honda: “As a driver you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I’m up for the challenge and looking forward to working with my friend Scott and the whole Target team. I’m thinking of Dario as everyone else is, and wishing him a quick recovery. This team has a championship on the line and I’m ready to step in a help them win it.”
Chip Ganassi, Owner, Target Chip Ganassi Racing: “Obviously the situation is not ideal with Dario being unable to compete in Fontana. As we look to the season finale we needed a driver with experience and the ability to step in and get the job done in the No. 10 car, and Alex was a logical choice for us.”
Photo by Chris Owens/INDYCAR
