Dixon, Ganassi and 2008

Last season's near miss for Scott Dixon and the Ganassi team has surely been on the minds of Dixon and everyone involved with the team. I look for both drivers from Target Chip Ganassi (Dixon and teammate Dan Wheldon) to have a very successful year in 2008.

It seems that nearly every team (I think it might literally be every team) has had some significant changes coming into 2008. AGR has had their series winning driver, Dario Franchitti, leave the series for NASCAR and recently added a new director of operations from another series (Champ Car). Penske had similar issues with the departure of Sam Hornish and while new driver Ryan Briscoe is promising, it's still an adjustment for the entire team. Some of the smaller teams are struggling to make ends meet - and are probably pissed that the Champ Car teams are getting free chassis, etc. from Tony.

Through all of the changes and transition that have occurred leading up to this season, the Ganassi team has quietly gone about their way preparing for the season. Which is scary for the other teams considering they were no slouch in 2007.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming season and who do you think will be the standout team this year? I think TK will be a popular choice as well as Helio. Helio would sure be a fan favorite having picked up quite a few fans from his appearance on Dancing with the Stars.

Thoughts?