Reed Sorenson

19-year-old Reed Sorenson announced on Friday, along with car owner Chip Ganassi, his plans to take over the No. 41 Target Dodge in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in 2006. Sorenson will also run the entire Busch Series schedule in the No. 41 Discount Tire Co. Dodge.

“I’d like to start by thanking Chip and Felix (Sabates, co-owner) for giving me this opportunity. It’s a lifelong dream that I’ve had. I’m just going to do the best job I can and try to make the most of it,” Reed said of his opportunity driving for Chip Ganssi Racing with Felix Sabates.

In 2003 he was named the American Speed Association Rookie of The Year – the youngest in series’ history at the age of 17.

In 2004 he made the progression through three divisions; ASA, the Automobile Racing Club of America and the NASCAR Busch Series. He claimed wins in both ASA and ARCA.

Now full-time in the Busch Series Reed has two wins, 14 top-10s and 10 top-five finishes. He is currently third in the overall driver standings with the support of sponsor Discount Tire Co.

His Nextel Cup effort will be backed by Target, the same sponsor which supported his 2004 ARCA and ASA efforts.

“As far as my teammates, these three guys; Jamie (McMurray), Casey (Mears) and David (Stremme), I feel like are the three best teammates anybody could have. I’m sure they’ll be able to help me next year.”

“I’m very excited to represent the sponsors that I have - Target and Discount Tire Co. and Home123. I’m looking forward to being able to be very competitive in both series.”

A native of Peachtree City, Georgia, Sorenson has climbed his way through the racing ranks from quarter midgets, legends and late models before taking on stock cars.

Successful in every kind of car he had been in control of, Sorenson’s venture into stocks hasn't been any different.

Car owner Chip Ganassi’s long withstanding relationship with Target will transfer from the team’s current driver, Casey Mears, to Sorenson. Mears however will not be left in the dark. He will move to a fourth CGRwFS backed entry with the sponsor Home123, who is currently seen on the No. 41 Dodge in association with Discount Tire Co. in the Busch Series with Sorenson.

“Target continues to redefine the word partnership and they certainly have been a part of Reed’s development over the last few years,” said Ganassi.

“I worked with them a little in ASA. It wasn’t anything like it will be in Cup. I didn’t have appearances or anything. But, I’m excited. They are ranked really high and everyone knows Target,” Sorenson added.

“Discount Tire Co. and Home123 have been great sponsors in Busch and next year will be just as good. It will be busy doing both series. It gets tiring but as long as you are mentally in it you’ll be all right.”

Ganassi proudly introduced his driver on Friday and discussed details of his further progression to the Cup ranks. Although nothing is currently set, he says he would like to get the chance to settle Sorenson into a Cup car before his full 2006 Rookie of The Year campaign begins.

There is no plan to as of this moment. It certainly is not out of the question. We are just trying to look at our people and our workload. We have a commitment to run David Stremme as well but we would certainly like to.”

Also in question is the status of the team's crew chief.

But for the time being, those involved in the CGRwFS program are content with believing in their young talent.

Team manager Andy Graves and driver development director Lorin Ranier are equally excited of his upcoming venture into the Nextel Cup Series, the pinnacle of stock car racing.

“I think this year he has done a great job in the Busch Series. Reed and Brian (Pattie, crew chief) have done a spectacular job running for the championship. We feel he’s ready for Nextel Cup. He’s a great kid and he’s progressing so fast,” said Graves.

“He’s a natural talent that has progressed really fast,” echoes Ranier.

“He’s going to be a Cup driver for the next 20 years and it’s great to help him along.”

Quite simply Ganassi summed up the organization’s feelings of the young driver, “We’re looking forward to what the future holds for Reed.”