IndyCar: Tony Kanaan to return in 2021 with Chip Ganassi Racing

Tony Kanaan is set to return to IndyCar for another part-time season in 2021 as the oval driver of the #48 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing.

It looks like Tony Kanaan’s “Last Lap” in the 2020 IndyCar season wasn’t his last lap after all.

The 2004 series champion and 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner is set to return to the sport again in 2021 for the four oval races as the driver of the #48 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. He is set to compete with sponsorship from longtime partners NTT DATA and Bryant.

The #48 Honda is the car which seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to drive in the 13 road and street course races.

Kanaan, who has competed for A.J. Foyt Enterprises since the 2018 season, announced this news Monday on Twitter and is set to discuss the matter more in a press conference this afternoon.

🇺🇸 Hey @JimmieJohnson, can I drive your car? Exciting news, folks! I'm joining @CGRTeams for the next couple of seasons driving the ovals on the No. 48 #IndyCar Thanks to my sponsors @NTTDATAServices and #Bryant for the continued support. It's an honor to represent you guys! pic.twitter.com/OMuB8sGbst
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) November 23, 2020

Here is what Kanaan had to say about this opportunity.

"“It’s hard to express in words how excited I am about this announcement. When Chip and I first started to talk about the opportunity to drive the ovals and share the No. 48 with Jimmie Johnson I couldn’t imagine that we would reach an agreement this fast. Chip Ganassi Racing is at the pinnacle of motorsports in North America and being able to be part of the program once again with such great drivers in their lineup is a dream come true.“I’ve also been very fortunate to enjoy great relationships with my sponsors throughout my career and having companies like Bryant and NTT DATA supporting me once again is a testament to that,” Kanaan said. “Both Bryant and NTT DATA have been with me through different teams, wins and even life events. Being able to continue to represent these companies is truly an honor.”"

The 2021 schedule features only three different oval venues, with two races at Texas Motor Speedway prior to the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then the final oval race of the year at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

This move completes Chip Ganassi Racing’s four-car lineup for next season, as six-time and reigning champion Scott Dixon as well as Marcus Ericsson and Alex Palou have already signed as the team’s three full-time drivers.