Ganassi selects Ward as full-time League driver.

Jeff Ward will drive the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing G Force/Chevrolet/Firestone during the 2002 Indy Racing League season, team owner Chip Ganassi announced Feb. 20.

"I'm looking forward to this season," Ganassi said. "However, I want to be cautious about this year because it is going to be a learning year for us. The main thing that we are trying to do is to gather information and expertise about these cars. It is going to be an exciting year for everyone involved in our team. I'm excited to have a driver like Jeff (Ward) with us because he has a lot of experience in these types of cars. I'm also looking forward to racing with some of my old friends in the Indy Racing League."

Ward, an Indy Racing veteran from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., brings an impressive resume to the Chip Ganassi Racing driver stable. In his five seasons in the Indy Racing League, Ward has recorded 11 top-five finishes, including a second-place finish in the 1999 Indianapolis 500. Ward is excited about the opportunity to drive for the team that won the 2000 Indianapolis 500 with Juan Pablo Montoya behind the wheel.

"This is what I've been shooting for my entire career," Ward said. "I'm extremely excited to be running with a first-class operation here at Chip Ganassi Racing. I feel that I have a great chance to win some races, most importantly, the Indy 500."

"That has been a dream of mine since I started racing. I've been close to winning it a few times and this could be my best chance yet. As you can see by their track record, this team has a proven track record of winning. I tested the car at Fontana, and we were pretty quick right out of the box. When Chip approached me about driving for him, I found it hard to wipe the smile from my face. It's quite an honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility ... which is to win. I'm ready for that challenge."

Ward began his racing career in motocross in 1977. He retired from motocross in 1992 after posting 20 career Supercross wins and 54 career national motocross victories. Ward joined the Indy Racing League in 1997 and finished third in the 1997 Indianapolis 500, earning Bank One Rookie of the Year honors. Ward has recorded 22 top-10 finishes and two MBNA Poles in 45 career IRL starts.

Rob Hill will manage the IRL program, with Barry Wanser as chief mechanic.

Hill has been with the Chip Ganassi Racing team since 1996 and guided Alex Zanardi to the 1997 and 1998 CART championships. Wanser began his career with Chip Ganassi Racing in 1997 as a gearbox mechanic and will now anchor a veteran crew of team members on the No. 9 G Force/Chevrolet/Firestone.

The team will make its full-time IRL debut at the season-opening 20th Anniversary Grand Prix of Miami on March 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.