Chip Ganassi Racing pulls NASCAR Xfinity Series team after FBI raid on sponsor

Ross Chastain was set for the best opportunity in his racing career; Now, he needs a new ride for 2019

In 2018, DC Solar CEO Jeff Carpoff talked Chip Ganassi into giving Ross Chastain a shot in one of his Xfinity Series machines. A handful of races later, the driver that comes from a family watermelon farmers had turned enough heads to get out the ink pen.

For 2019, Ross Chastain was set to finally climb into a competitive ride. He was signed at the full-time driver of the #42 machine.

A few months later, in December 2018, the home and business of DC Solar CEO Jeff Carpoff was raided by the FBI. Several items were seized in the raids.

The FBI has yet to make a statement on why exactly the raids took place. However, they have confirmed the raids.

Now, a few weeks after that news broke on the FBI raids, the #42 NASCAR Xfinity Series team is set to shut down.

Ross Chastain leads at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - NXS
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 15: Ross Chastain, driver of the #42 DC Solar Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Xfinity Series DC Solar 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Chip Ganassi Statement on the closing of the NASCAR Xfinity Series team

“Due to a lack of sponsorship funding we will cease operation of the No. 42 Xfinity team in 2019,” a statement from team owner Chip Ganassi read.

“This was a difficult decision for me to make and it comes with much anguish as this is a championship-caliber team (having won six races and finished second in the owners championship) and more importantly because it affects a number of good people’s livelihoods.”

“Running a car without proper funding is difficult to do.”

DC Solar is also a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series for Chip Ganassi Racing. Those teams will remain on the grid.

More

FBI raids the home of DC Solar CEO Jeff Carpoff

Jeff Carpoff requested Ross Chatain as his driver; Chip Ganassi almost didn’t listen

Ross Chastain to Chip Ganassi Racing

Roush Fenway Racing set to pull NASCAR Xfinity Series teams

Links

DC Solar | Martinez Clippers | FBI | Ross Chastain | Chip Ganassi Racing | NASCAR

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