American invasion revving up
ANOTHER American racing legend could make the 15,000km trip to join the Supercars fight with Michael Andretti predicting a NASCAR legend may join him in his bid to bring down Roger Penske.
Fresh from becoming the second US racing heavyweight to buy a stake in a Supercars team, Andretti said the American invasion could continue with NASCAR legend Chip Ganassi following him to Australia.
Regarded as the most successful team owner in US history, Ganassi is an American racing hall of famer who owns NASCAR and Indy teams. And now he wants an Aussie V8 team, according to new Walkinshaw Racing co-owner Andretti.
“It is possible that it could (spark an American invasion),’’ Andretti said. “I can see Chip Ganassi getting interested in this. Anything is possible.’’
Supercars boss James Warburton said Andretti joining the championship was a major coup for the sport.
“This is a powerful endorsement of the Supercars Championship,” Warburton said.
“To have two of the biggest names in world motorsport take an active part in our sport is tremendous. It shows just how widely recognised Supercars is on the global stage.
“Congratulations to Ryan Walkinshaw and his Holden Special Vehicles team, this will well and truly get them on the path to returning as a powerhouse of our sport.”
US billionaire Penske began the US invasion in 2015 when he bought a stake in the famous Dick Johnson Racing team. An American racing institution, Penske has turned DJR – now known as DJR Team Penske – into a heavyweight that is the favourite to win this year’s Bathurst 1000.
Andretti said he will do the same for the fading team formerly known as the Holden Racing Team.
He also expressed desire to see Supercars return to the US.