CGRFS Cars to Feature Father's Day Tribute at MIS
CONCORD, N.C. (June 17, 2007)-As a tribute to the fathers of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) drivers and dads everywhere, the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge driven by David Stremme, the No. 41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson and the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge driven by Juan Pablo Montoya will each feature their father’s name above the passenger side window in this weekend’s race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS).
"With how big of a role that all of our fathers have played in both our professional and personal lives, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to put the names of our drivers’ fathers on their cars to celebrate Father's Day,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “It just seemed like a simple but fitting tribute to their influence on us all.”
Additionally, team owners Ganassi and Felix Sabates, along with the drivers were asked to comment on what Father’s Day means to them and the significant roles their dads have played throughout their lives and racing careers. Here is what they had to say…
Chip Ganassi (Father – Floyd Ganassi): “It is never easy to put into words what my dad means to me. He has been the single biggest influence on my life and career. He has always been there for me, whether it was to pick me up when I was down, impart some words of wisdom or simply just to listen. I could not ask for any more from one person. Happy Father’s Day, dad.”
Felix Sabates (Father – Seliciano Sabates Sr.): "My dad taught me so many things that have guided my whole life and career. But if I narrowed it down to a single thing, it would be simply that he taught me right from wrong.”
David Stremme, No. 40 Coors Light Dodge (Father – Lou Stremme): “Father’s Day means a lot to me because my dad and I are really close. We did a lot together when I was growing up working on race cars. It would be cool if I could get a win for him, but he always says coming home to see him would be nice so I’m going to do that on Monday because this definitely has a lot of meaning to me. I’m going to get him something, but I have no idea what that is, yet. I might get him a set of tires for his race car. I’m not sure because he’s pretty low key. He won’t be at Michigan this weekend because he’ll be racing, so I’ll be sure to call him on Sunday morning.”
Reed Sorenson, No. 41 Target Dodge (Father – Brad Sorenson): “My dad has been very supportive and instrumental throughout my racing career and life in general. We worked together on all of my cars and he served as my crew chief all the way up through the ASA ranks. He still watches every race and we talk about how everything went after it’s over. I appreciate all that he has done for me over the years. He and my mom made a lot of sacrifices to get me to this level. No matter what, I can always call my dad for advice. Whether it’s racing related or a big decision I need to make, or if I just need to talk, he’s always there. He tells me he’s coming up to Michigan this weekend. I’d love to give him the ultimate Father’s Day gift and win the race. If not, I’ll probably get him a polo shirt or something like that (smile).”
Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge (Father – Pablo Montoya): “My Dad is a great guy and the single most important person responsible for my racing career. He started me in racing, managed my development and provided support both on and off the track. From managing my career, to a big decision in life or just growing up and being a kid, he was, and still is, always there looking out for me, with guidance and love. I hope to have the same type of positive influence on my kids that he has had on me."