Chip Ganassi Racing Reportedly Considering Signing Patrick

Patrick's Contract With AGR Expires At End Of Season

IRL team Target Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) is "considering signing Danica Patrick for a third car" for '10, joining drivers Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti in a deal that "would not only keep open wheel racing's biggest name away from the clutches of NASCAR, it would likely advance her [ascension] in Indy cars," according to sources cited by Robin Miller of SPEEDTV.com. TCGR Managing Dir Mike Hull said of a potential deal with Patrick, "We've always entertained having a third driver if we could get the comparable funding that Target provides us. If Danica has something and wants to talk to us, that would be great because I think she's ready to take that next step. But I can tell you we haven't spoken to her." IMG's Alan Zucker, who reps Patrick, could not be reached for comment. Miller noted Patrick's three-year deal with Andretti Green Racing "expires at the end of this season" (SPEEDTV.com, 6/10).

ADDED BOOST: AD AGE's Rich Thomaselli noted Patrick by moving to NASCAR "could likely open new avenues of sponsorship" for the circuit, "either with female-oriented products or bring to NASCAR her current agreements with such companies as GoDaddy.com and Boost Mobile." Some experts also believe that such a move "could bring in $50[M] in fresh sponsorship money, not to mention the ripple effect her popularity would have on TV ratings and at-track attendance." Millsport President of Motorsports Torrey Galida: "Danica would undoubtedly be a big story for NASCAR. I wouldn't necessarily classify her as a 'savior,' but she would certainly generate a huge amount of interest. She is a star. Danica's star power would be great for the sport." NASCAR Dir of Business Communications Andrew Giangola said Patrick "certainly draws a lot of attention." Giangola: "Any sport benefits from an athlete who the press finds interesting and worthy of coverage." But Galida added, "I think there is definitely a risk to her brand. Like all sports, NASCAR is a performance-based sport. I think she'll have a fairly long honeymoon period, but, eventually, she'll have to perform" (ADAGE.com, 6/9).