64 10-4 Magazine / May 2025 The CGR truck drivers don’t just drive the trucks from race to race – these drivers also have other responsibilities once they arrive at a race venue for the weekend. Scott Dixon’s hauler is driven by Dan Ruckman and Carl Rentzell. Dan is on the #9 pit crew and is the refueler while Carl is a tire specialist on this same crew. Alex Palou’s hauler is driven by Steve Barry and Tim Harper. Steve is also on the #10 pit crew and is the refueler while Tim is a tire specialist. Kyffin Simpson’s hauler is driven by Ryne Fager and Mike Dreessen. Ryne is responsible for changing the right rear tire during pit stops and Mike is the refueler on this crew. CGR’s Engineering hauler is driven by Paul H. Cassidy and the Support Hauler is driven by Kyle Nelson. Both Paul and Kyle work trackside, as well, and provide the team with support in a myriad of different roles. “The IndyCar transporters always return to the shop after each race to change out and prep the cars for the next race and restock the trucks,” said Jake, continuing with, “But depending on how much time we have between races, the engineering and support haulers will stay out on the road and will head directly to the next race.” Also, CGR’s Indy NXT transporter is driven by Daniel Welbes, who is a tire specialist during race weekends. While the drivers, cars, and big sponsors like DHL, PNC Bank and Journie Rewards get much of the glory across the sports headlines and on a race weekend broadcast, it’s a team effort at Chip Ganassi Racing on so many levels. From the crew members at the shop to the pit crews who go over the wall, the engineering staff at the track to the truck drivers who haul the cars out to a race weekend, along with everyone else at Chip Ganassi Racing, the ‘Stars of CGR’ encompasses everyone who works at this legendary team. Tune in and watch the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series all season long on FOX or listen on SiriusXM IndyCar Nation, Channel #218. The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place Sunday, May 25, with live coverage on FOX beginning at 10:00 AM EDT. Watch and see as CGR team members Dixon, Palou and Simpson try to win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, but remember the real stars, behind the scenes, are the crew members and truck drivers that help make it all happen! n EDITOR’S NOTE: In addition to my pictures, special thanks to the folks at Chip Ganassi Racing for providing some of the other photos for this feature.
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