RACE SETUP

Races: Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit Race 1, May 31

Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit Race 2, June 1

Drivers: @scottdixon9 @tonykanaan @RyanBriscoe @RaceWithInsulin

Cars: No. 9 Target Chevrolet, No. 10 Energizer Chevrolet, No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet, No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen Chevrolet

Track: Belle Isle Park (2.34-mile street course) in Detroit, MI

TV: Race 1: ABC 3:30pm ET

Race 2: ABC 3:30pm ET

Social: @CGRTeams #TeamTarget #NTTDATARacing #RaceWithInsulin

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THAT...

Double Trouble Kickoff: The Belle Isle dual is the first of three double-header weekends in the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series season. The second double-header will take place at Reliant Park in Houston, Texas on June 28-29, and the third will be on the streets of Toronto, Canada on July 19-20.

Divide and Conquer: On May 20, Dixon and Kanaan joined Ganassi the Indianapolis 500 starting roster in promoting the race across the nation. Dixon ventured into downtown Chicago, Ill. for press appearances and then visited the Cubs, throwing the first pitch of the game at Wrigley Field. Kanaan flew to Arlington, Texas and tried out the go-karts and Wahoo Racer waterslide at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark.

Follow the Leader: On May 22, Chip Ganassi was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame alongside Jimmy McElreath, Leo Mehl, Bobby Rahal and Bill Simpson. There are now 148 members in the elite fraternity, which is located at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

Special Starting Spot: Dixon started the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 in the fourth row, alongside Juan Pablo Montoya and Kurt Busch. The lineup was labeled the “Row of Champions” due to the cumulative achievements of the trio, including seven victories in Formula One, 34 in IndyCar, 11 in CART and 37 in NASCAR. The group also held two Indianapolis 500 wins as well as three INDYCAR championships, a CART championship and a NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.

Out But Not Down: Former Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti received the honor of being named the pace car driver for the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500. The four-time Verizon IndyCar Series Champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 Winner led the field around during cautions in a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. After retiring from his racing career at the end of 2013, Franchitti returned to Team Target in 2014 as a driving advisor for Chip Ganassi Racing Teams. Franchitti assists the team as it adapts to recent lineup changes and additions, and was on site with the team for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis 500 earlier this month. He will continue to work closely with the teams’ Verizon IndyCar Series drivers throughout the duration of the season.

Finding New Roads: All four Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) Indy cars are utilizing the Chevrolet 2.2-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine for 2014 season. The engine produces well over 600 horsepower and close to 300 lb. ft. of torque.

100+ Wins and Counting…: The Target Racing Program, which began with Target and Chip Ganassi Racing in 1990, will be contending for their 104th win as the season progresses. The first win for the program came in 1994 with Michael’s Andretti’s Indy car victory at Surfers Paradise, Australia, when the team was a two-car, Indy car program. 102 wins later, the program’s umbrella not only includes involvement in the Verizon IndyCar Series, but in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. The partnership between Target and Chip Ganassi Racing is one of the longest consecutive team partnerships in motor racing history.

Fitness Focused: Fitness is an important part of a Verizon IndyCar Series driver’s preparation for each race, and Ryan Briscoe takes this aspect of his job very seriously. Briscoe has become a firm believer in the cross-fit culture that has taken over the fitness world. He began his cross-fit regiment in the garage of a friend a few years ago and has stuck with him as his practice has grown. When Briscoe is in the Indianapolis area, he attends PitFit Training for driver-focused fitness workouts and when he is on the road he follows his own cross-fit workout plan.

Media Blitz: On May 20, Briscoe joined the rest of Indianapolis 500 starting roster in promoting the race across the nation. Briscoe ventured to Detroit to talk about the 500 and also to promote the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit. He spent his day talking to journalists and giving members of the media hot lap rides around the 2.34-mile street course at Belle Isle Park.

Aussie With Italian Roots: Briscoe began his racing career in 1993, at the age of 11, by competing in the Junior Yamaha Australian Championship. After his success in Australia, he and his family decided that in order to properly pursue a career in racing he would need to move to Europe. At the age of 15, he took off on his own to Italy to start his career. Briscoe became fluent in Italian and still speaks the language with his Italian manager, Max Angelelli.

Wild Ride: Briscoe was signed to Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) in 2005 as a full-time driver, but after a season-ending incident at Chicagoland Speedway his Indy car racing career took a step back. Since his 2005 debut season he has raced with multiple teams, including a four-season stint with Penske Racing. Throughout his Verizon IndyCar Series career, Briscoe has collected seven wins, 13 pole positions and has led 1,430 laps. The 2014 season will be his first full-time season since 2012.

In The Offseason: While he became one of the newest additions to the CGRT family, Briscoe added a new member to his own family in the off season. He and his wife, ESPN broadcaster Nicole Briscoe, welcomed daughter Finley into the world in December.

A Man of Service: Charlie Kimball was nominated for the Lone Star “J.R.” Johnny Rutherford Award. The award is voted on by members of the Verizon IndyCar Series community for outstanding character, integrity, and service in the home, on the track, and in the community. Kimball was a top-three finalist and attended the IndyCar Ministry breakfast the Saturday before the Indianapolis 500 to be honored and to honor the other finalists.

Motor City Visit: Kimball arrived in Detroit a day early to help promote the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit this weekend. He joined Chevrolet’s Mark Kent and fellow driver Christian Fittipaldi to take part in a ‘Technology in Racing’ panel discussion. Kimball also joined fellow Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Justin Wilson and Simon Pagenaud to visit the Children’s Hospital of Michigan to meet some new fans and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Racing for Kids.

The Origin of the No. 83: Charlie Kimball’s car number (83) has a very special meaning to not only him, but also his father, Gordon, and team owner, Chip Ganassi. In 1983 Chip Ganassi had his best finish at the Indianapolis 500 while driving a car that was designed by engineer and car designer, Gordon Kimball.

Keeping It In The Family: The driver of the No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen Chevrolet is not the only Kimball with racing in their blood. Kimball developed his passion for racing after watching his father, Gordon, work as a design engineer for racing powerhouses, McLaren and Ferarri. Kimball’s sister, Rachael, has also made a career out of the sport, working with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Penny For Your Thoughts: Ever wonder what your favorite Verizon IndyCar Series driver is up-to on a typical race weekend? Check out Charlie’s newly redesigned website and live blog at www.CharlieKimball.com for race weekend schedules, post-practice thoughts, race day preparations, and behind-the-scenes photos.

#TEAMGANASSI

Follow Team Target on Twitter: Continue to follow Target Chip Ganassi Racing through Chip Ganassi Racing’s official team Twitter page. Find in-race updates and weekly news on the No.9 and No.10 Target teams throughout the 2014 season by following “@CGRTeams”.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR BELLE ISLE

Scott Dixon and No. 9 Target Team

Double Dominance: Scott Dixon has finished inside the top-five in every INDYCAR double-header weekend he has entered. In 2011, he placed second in both races of the Texas double-header. In 2013, he placed fourth in both races at Belle Isle, first in both races on the streets of Toronto and had a first and second place finish in Texas.

The Ice Man Returns: The three-time Verizon IndyCar Series Champion (2003, 2008, 2013) and 2008 Indianapolis 500 Winner returns in 2014 for his first season alongside 2004 Series Champion and 2013 Indianapolis 500 Winner Kanaan. Dixon, the active wins leader, is in seventh place on the all-time list (1909-Present) with 33 victories, ranking only behind A.J. Foyt, the Andretti’s (Mario and Michael) and Unser’s (Al, Bobby and Al Jr.). His next pole (21st) will see him tied for 13th on the all-time list with Gil De Ferran.

The Best Defense Is A Good Offense: Dixon will spend the 2014 season attempting his first successful defense of a Verizon IndyCar Series title. "I think it's obviously a good problem to have," Dixon said. "I've been in this situation a couple of times before… I think we need to focus on making a good start in the first three or four races." His closest effort so far came in 2009 when he finished second to teammate Dario Franchitti by a mere 11 points. If Dixon is successful, he will become the 14th driver to have at least two consecutive series championships.

Title Talk: Should reigning Verizon IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon take home the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series title, he would become the fifth driver to win four Indy car titles (AJ Foyt, Mario Andretti, Sebastien Bourdais, Dario Franchitti). Dixon won the title in 2003, 2008 and again in 2013.

Moving Forward: With his next victory, Dixon would tie Al Unser Jr. for sixth on the all-time wins list. Dixon won his 33rd race at Houston's Reliant Park in October 2013. A victory in 2014 will extend Dixon’s streak of consecutive seasons with a win to 10; while qualifying in the top spot would mark eight consecutive seasons with a pole. He has led at least one race for 12 consecutive seasons. Dixon has 159 consecutive starts, placing him in sixth on the all-time list and in second place behind teammate Kanaan for active drivers.

Go with What you Know: 2014 marks Dixon’s 13th year with Team Target – the longest tenure for a driver in team history (1990-Present).

Tony Kanaan and No. 10 Energizer Team

Reliable Racing: Tony Kanaan has completed a full 519 out of 519 possible laps (1998, 1999, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013). Teammate Dixon has completed 411 out of a possible 448 laps at Belle Isle Park (2001, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013).

Success in Motown: Kanaan won the 2007 Detroit Indy Grand Prix Presented by Firestone on the streets of Belle Isle and placed third the following year (2008).

Peculiar Pairing: The pairing of Dixon and Kanaan marks the first time the reigning Indianapolis 500 Winner and the reigning Verizon IndyCar Series Champion will be teammates since 2002, when Team Penske had 2001 Indianapolis 500 Winner Helio Castroneves and 2001 CART Champion Gil de Ferran. The pairing of the two titleholders has only happened five times in Indy car history (1972 – Al Unser, 1971 Indianapolis 500 Winner and Joe Leonard, 1971 USAC Champion for Vel’s Parnelli Racing; 1986 – Danny Sullivan, 1985 Indianapolis 500 Winner and Al Unser, 1985 CART Champion for Team Penske; and in 1989 – Rick Mears, 1988 Indianapolis 500 Winner and Danny Sullivan, 1988 CART Champion for Team Penske.

TK Joins The Team: 2004 Verizon IndyCar Series Champion and 2013 Indianapolis 500 Winner Kanaan joins TCGR in 2014 for his first season alongside three-time Champion and 2008 Indianapolis 500 Winner Dixon. Kanaan has 16 career wins and 15 poles entering the 2014 season, and will seek to add to his record for consecutive Indy car starts, which is at 217. Only three other active drivers (Dixon, Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay) possess a streak of more than 100 consecutive starts. Competing in every race will push his career starts total to 295 – which would be good enough for ninth on the all-time list. Kanaan has 112 career top-five finishes and is tied for the title of active leader with Helio Castroneves. He is ranked fifth for the number of victories among active full-time drivers in the Verizon IndyCar Series.

No Time To Waste: Kanaan started second on the Streets of St. Petersburg, the first race 2014 season of the Verizon IndyCar Series. The front-row start matched the best-ever start in a debut for a driver in Team Target’s 25-year history. Indy car legend Michael Andretti started second and won for TCGR in his first race in Australia (street course) in March of 1994.

Ryan Briscoe and No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet

Remember the Time: Briscoe’ has had varied results at Belle Isle Park throughout his Verizon IndyCar Series career. In 2008, he started the race in the fifth position and crossed the finish line in ninth. When the race returned to the series’ schedule in 2012, he started in seventh and finished in the 16th position. The Verizon IndyCar Series turned Belle Isle into a doubleheader in 2013 and Briscoe made an appearance in both races. He started the first leg of the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit in the 21st position and finished in the 21st position and started the second leg of the Dual in the 13th position where he would also finish the race.

Road Warrior: Throughout Briscoe’s nine-year career in the Verizon IndyCar Series, he has recorded seven wins and has won 13 pole positions. Of his seven wins in the Verizon IndyCar Series, three have been on a road or street course. In terms of his 13 pole positions, six of those have been on a road or street course.

Race Rewind: The No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet started the 200-lap race on the outside of the 10th row in the 30th position, but quickly found itself back in pit lane on the first lap after an incident with the No. 33 car that called for new tires. The unplanned pit stop put Briscoe a lap down from the field and in 33rd place. On lap 31, the No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet came in for wing adjustments, tires, and fuel and by lap 94 Briscoe had moved up 10 positions to the 23rd spot. Briscoe stayed in the 23rd position for most of the race until moving up to the 15th position on lap 177 before the restart. After the field saw another quick yellow on lap 180, Briscoe started in the 12th position and moved up to eighth when the red flag went out for an incident with the No. 6 car. On the restart on lap 197, Briscoe made contact that caused damage to the front wing. Over the final three laps, Briscoe quickly fell from eighth to 18th where he would cross the finish line.

Briscoe On Belle Isle: “NTT DATA Chip Ganassi Racing is coming off of a hard-fought Indianapolis 500 with a really disappointing finish there at the end. I think it’s a good thing that we’re going right into the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit, so we have a chance to get refocused and not dwell on the past. The team’s performance at the 500 shows what a great car we have in the No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet and I truly believe that we can be a solid contender in any race.”

Charlie Kimball and No. 83 Novo Nordisk Team

Moving On Up: Kimball has finished higher than his starting position in all but one of the four street or road courses of the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series season. At the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, he moved from his starting position of 23rd all the way to fifth and at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama he advanced from his starting position of 17th to a top-10 finish of 10th. Of the 13 road and street course races on the 2013 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule, Kimball finished 10 of those in a higher position than where he qualified. Kimball’s best career finish of first came after qualifying in the fifth position at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. He made his biggest jumps through the field in both races of the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit at Belle Isle, moving up 11 spots from the 25th position to the 14th position in the first race of the Belle Isle doubleheader. He then matched his 11-spot effort with even better results in the second race of the Belle Isle doubleheader by moving from 18th to seventh.

Last Time At Belle Isle: In the first race of the Dual, the No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing team faced an added challenge of an incurred 10-grid spot penalty due to an unapproved engine change before Pole Day qualifications for the Indianapolis 500, forcing the team to start the race from the back of the grid from the inside of row 13. Over the course of three cautions in first 35 laps of the 70-lap race, the No. 83 team would take advantage of double-file restarts and continue to gain positions through the field to work its way to 16th by the half-way mark. With five laps remaining, Kimball would make a final pass on the No.78 for 14th position, where he would ultimately finish.

Starting the second 70-lap race from 14th position, the Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi team would take what they had learned from the first Dual and put strategy to work in the second leg. Similar to Dual 1, an incident with the No. 2 car caused the race to experience its first caution on the opening lap. Kimball avoided traffic from the incident but dropped to 19th. With a fourth caution on lap 20, Kimball and the No. 83 team had gained 11 positions to third, where they would hold off the No. 19 car while saving fuel. On lap 27, a multi-car incident, involving a total of 10 cars occurred in front of the No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen car. A team-effort of communication from Kimball’s crew and spotter took him to the inside of the large collection of cars. Following the nine-lap caution period, Kimball would lineup sixth for the restart and battled around two cars to move up to fourth. As cars ahead of him began to cycle through the pit, Kimball moved to second position until making a pass on the No. 18 (winner of Dual 1 the day previous) to take the lead. With 24 laps remaining, Kimball led a total of three laps which marked the second time he has led laps on a street/road course and the third-time he has led laps in his Verizon IndyCar Series career (Indianapolis 500, 2012, Grand Prix of Alabama, 2013). With 21-laps remaining, the No. 83 would come in for its second and final stop from first position to take primary tires and fuel, where Kimball would exit seventh and eventually cross the finish line in that spot to score his fourth top-10 of the season (fourth- Barber Motorsports Park, fifth-Streets of Sao Paulo, ninth-Indianapolis Motor Speedway).

Race Rewind: The No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen Chevrolet started the 500-mile race in the 26th position in the middle of the ninth row. Kimball made his first pit stop on lap 30 and had moved up to the 21st position on lap 21. By lap 92, the No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen Chevrolet had climbed up to the 15th position and was as high as ninth on lap 124. Kimball was involved in an incident on lap 150 that caused him to spin out and hit the wall. He was able to be restarted and return to pit lane, but the damage to the front wing, rear wing, and spindle were too extensive to be fixed on-site. The NNCGR crew moved the car back to the garage for repairs, and ultimately retired from the race on lap 165.

Kimball, On The Chevrolet Indy Dual In Detroit: "After a tough month in Indy, we're looking forward to resetting as a team and fully focusing our efforts on the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix this weekend. With it being our first double-header last year, it was really just a learning experience with not a lot of track time before the first race. This year, we go into the two races with data and first-hand knowledge under our belts. We were really able to work the strategy well for the second race last year for a top-10 finish, which could easily come into play again. The Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing team has the right people and tools to make it a good race weekend; we just need to fit all of the puzzles pieces together."