CONCORD, N.C. (October 9, 2007) - On the heels of Dario Franchitti's successful stock car debut in the ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today the reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series Champion will continue his development program in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  Franchitti will qualify the No.41 Target Dodge Ram next Saturday at Martinsville Speedway.

The Cunningham Motorsports-owned truck will be led by Ganassi Crew Chief Brian Pattie and his CGRFS team, who guided Franchitti through his ARCA debut last weekend.

The 0.526-mile oval will mark Franchitti's first run behind the wheel of a NASCAR Truck, and his first ever appearance at the Virginia short track.

Last week CGRFS announced Franchitti had signed a multi-year deal with the organization to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) beginning in 2008.  Franchitti will become the first European driver in the 59-year history of NASCAR to join the series full time when he assumes the driving duties of No. 40 Dodge Avenger next season.