Chip Ganassi Racing has launched a new driver development program, which will help identify and assist young racing drivers.
The program utilizes CGR’s wide array of relationships and partnerships across the racing landscape to help put young talent on the right track.
The goal is to train and develop young drivers with the intent of having the best talent available to place into the team’s top-level IndyCar seats.
CGR will partner with other teams around the globe, and drivers that are part of the development program will complete work in the team’s Indianapolis location.
Training will compose all aspects of a driver athlete’s skillset, including physical, mental, and business improvement. Young drivers will also have a chance to shadow the team at select IndyCar events.
“Young race drivers should have unselfish support to develop from a young age,” said Mike Hull, Managing Director at Chip Ganassi Racing.
“The defined ladder steps are only the first chapter. The match of an open mind with a diversified plan becomes the best avenue for career development. To become successful at the highest level starts with a disciplined structure.
“The creation of the separation mindset starts away from the race track which feeds the on-track choices. Finding the best functional race team avenues speeds career development. Mentoring within the CGR ethic feeds on-going growth.”
Driver development from multiple different directions
A couple specific teams are outlined as partners in the development program, including Palou Motorsport, a team founded by three-time IndyCar champion and CGR driver Alex Palou.
Palou Motorsport competes in Eurocup 3, and finished third in the series’ inaugural season in 2023.
Kiwi Motorsport, which competes in the Formula 4 and Formula Regional series, is named as another partner team.
The team is well established in the lower formula categories and has been part of the development of Formula 1 drivers Brendon Hartley, Daniil Kvyat and Franco Colapinto.
CGR is also competing in the IndyNXT series this upcoming season, which is the final step on the progression ladder before the top-level IndyCar Series.
The IndyNXT effort will no doubt factor into the development program as a stepping stone into the team’s championship winning efforts in the premiere series.
