CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Justin Marks announced Wednesday that Trackhouse Entertainment Group has purchased Chip Ganassi Racing’s NASCAR operation.
The transfer of all of CGR’s NASCAR assets to Trackhouse Racing will be completed immediately following the final NASCAR Cup Series race at Arizona’s Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 7.
“This is a landmark moment for Trackhouse Racing. It is humbling to know we have secured our position in NASCAR for the next decade,“ Marks said. “These are never decisions made without a lot of thorough consideration and deep reflection by both parties. This process took several weeks and I want to thank Chip for being so open and candid with me every step of the journey. Chip has built an iconic motorsports empire and the Ganassi brand is globally recognized as a winner in the auto racing industry. It is truly an honor that we can build from that foundation.
“This acquisition provides Trackhouse a platform for years to come, enabling us to field multiple teams, elevate our on-track performance, deliver great value for our sponsors and partners, build lasting community impact programs and continue to grow our brand beyond the sports conversation.“
Trackhouse Racing will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries next season. Daniel Suárez, the current driver of Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro, will continue with the organization. The second driver will be named at a later date.
Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for nearly 40 years, beginning with his qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 in 1982. Currently, his teams include four cars in the NTT IndyCar Series and two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series, one in IMSA and another in Extreme E. Overall, his teams have 19 championships and more than 230 victories, including four this season.
His win total also includes four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, eight Rolex 24 at Daytonas, the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis, and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh.
Despite the sale of his NASCAR operation, CGR will continue to run its programs in the NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA and Extreme E out of its Indianapolis racing facility. His teams have won four races in the IndyCar Series and one in IMSA, while CGR’s two NASCAR teams are fighting for spots in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs this year.
“I think this is a great day for NASCAR as it seems like there are so many people that are wanting to get into the sport as owners – Michael Jordan, Pitbull, Denny and plenty of others. They are bringing new perspective, vision and insight which is great for the sport,“ said Ganassi. “NASCAR has been building momentum over the last few years and I am confident that it will continue to do so. Also, I can honestly say that my NASCAR team was not for sale. Justin simply came to me with a great offer and an even better vision.
“As everyone knows, I care deeply for my employees so selling to someone like Justin, who is part of the CGR family, made the reality of selling much easier. He knows our organization and the people. That gives me comfort,“ Ganassi added. “Everyone needs to know that I am still completely dedicated to the motorsports industry and will continue to run my other teams in INDYCAR, IMSA and Extreme E with the same enthusiasm that I always have.“
Marks previously drove for Ganassi in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and was a partner in that program. He won an Xfinity Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course driving Ganassi’s familiar No. 42 in 2016.