CONCORD, N.C. — Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that due to a lack of sponsorship funding it will cease operation of the team’s No. 40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Dodge driven by Dario Franchitti beginning this weekend in Daytona. 
“This is a difficult decision for Felix and I that did not come without its share of anguish,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi.  “In this tough business environment continuing to run the car without proper funding has become increasingly difficult.”
CGRFS is committed to Franchitti’s continued stockcar development and are currently in discussions with him on his racing options with the team which could include running the balance of the 2008 Nationwide season in the No. 40 Fastenal Dodge.
Ganassi brought Franchitti, the 2007 Indy 500 and IndyCar Series champion, on board after last season, hiring him away from Andretti Green Racing's IndyCar Series effort in a much-publicized move. Franchitti missed part of this season with a ankle fracture he suffered during a Nationwide Series race at Talladega. He also surprisingly missed the recent road-course race at Sonoma, Calif. He qualified seventh this past weekend at New Hampshire, but finished a disappointing 38th, and the No. 40 continues to sit outside the top 35 in owners' points, meaning Franchitti must qualify on time for each race.
Currently the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline/Juicy Fruit Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya is 21st in owner points while the No. 41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson is sitting 31st in the standings.