After an unsuccessful rookie campaign in NASCAR, Dario Franchitti has returned to the IndyCar Series. Franchitti will join the Target/Chip Ganassi Racing team and will pair with Scott Dixon in representing the team. Franchitti replaces driver Dan Wheldon. Franchitti was unable to secure sponsorship while racing in NASCAR, which led to his return to the open wheel format. Franchitti is the 2007 Indianapolis 500 champion, as well as the 2007 IndyCar Series Champion.SI.com: Franchitti returning to IndyCar

"Part of the reason that I signed with Ganassi last year was because of how many options that Chip has at his disposal for a driver. You can do almost any form of racing that you want. With unification and the new schedule having more road and street courses, it made me think about this more and more. I have really enjoyed this last season in stock cars and have not completely closed that chapter of my professional career, but the opportunity that arose was just something I could not pass up."—Dario FranchittiSI.com: Franchitti returning to IndyCar

"It is going to be very exciting to have Dario in one of our IndyCars next year. I have always admired his competitive spirit when he raced against us and have really grown to see more of what he is about this season while he raced in NASCAR. When there was a possibility of an opening on our IndyCar team, the only person I thought about was Dario. This is going to be a great move for Dario and for our team."—Chip GanassiSI.com: Franchitti returning to IndyCar