Chip Ganassi Racing just got a little bit bigger.
On Wednesday the team announced it is expanding to compete in the Red Bull Global Rallycross series with a two-car team.
This expands an operation including NASCAR Sprint Cup cars driven by Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson, Ganassi’s IndyCar program and his TUDOR United SportsCar Championship operation.
Sponsored by Loenbro, an energy services and construction company, the team’s two cars will be driven by Brian Deegan, a 16-time X-Game medalist, and Steve Arpin, who has competed in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck series as well as ARCA.
Owner Chip Ganassi pointed to Global Rallycross’ innovation in motorsports and its interest in reaching a younger audience as an incentive to branch out into the sport.
“As a fan of motorsports I’m particularly interested in the GRC cars, their horsepower levels and the absence of traction control,” Ganassi said in a release. “GRC has proven to be a very innovative and fresh take on today’s motorsport product. The series is targeting a new demographic and aligns with ours and more importantly with our partners’ focus on connecting with millennials.”
Arpin will run GRC’s full 12-race schedule, beginning May 31 in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla., and Deegan will compete in seven events. The team will be based out of Ganassi’s Concord, N.C., shop, which also houses its NASCAR operation.