Diaz to take ROP with Ganassi.
Target Chip Ganassi Racing has revealed that Luis Diaz will be behind the wheel of one of its G-Force-Toyotas during this Monday's Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Programme, suggesting that the Mexican may fill one of the team's four entries during next month's race.
Diaz is already involved with the Ganassi team as driver of its second CompUSA Grand-Am entry, but has prior single-seater experience in both the Toyota Atlantic and Champ Car series.
Target Chip Ganassi Racing has revealed that Luis Diaz will be behind the wheel of one of its G-Force-Toyotas during this Monday's Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Programme, suggesting that the Mexican may fill one of the team's four entries during next month's race.
Diaz is already involved with the Ganassi team as driver of its second CompUSA Grand-Am entry, but has prior single-seater experience in both the Toyota Atlantic and Champ Car series.
"Luis is talented and driven, and has earned the opportunity to get his first taste of an IndyCar and experience the unique Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5 mile oval," team boss Chip Ganassi insisted, "He comes from an open-wheel background and, since joining our Grand-Am sportscar programme, has proved to be hard working and talented."
Interestingly, Ganassi then admitted that there were no firm plans to get Diaz into the squad alongside reigning IRL champion Scott Dixon and Darren Manning - yet.
"I am certain that he will be an asset to the team's preparations for the Indianapolis 500, but we do not have any plans at this time to run him in the race," he said, "But you never know what can happen. For any driver, this kind of experience can never hurt."
The test will thus be a one-day event to give Diaz the chance to get acquainted with an IndyCar and the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the Mexican remains unfazed.
"It really is an honour to be invited by Target Chip Ganassi Racing to test their IndyCar at the Indianapolis," the driver said, "[Team manager] Mike Hull called me two days ago with the offer to participate in the test, and I could not have been more excited to be given such a great opportunity.
"It will be my first experience with both the car and the track. I can't thank Chip Ganassi and the team enough for showing confidence in my abilities to make a contribution to their efforts for this year's Indy 500."
Following Monday's ROP test, Ganassi will continue its preparation for the 88th 500 during the week's Open Test. Dixon and Manning will drive.
