Target to end sponsorship of Kyle Larson after 2017 season

After a 28-year association with Chip Ganassi Racing, Target told the team on Wednesday they would not continue sponsoring the NASCAR program. The retailer supported Ganassi’s stock car team for 16-years.

“I have had an unbelievable relationship with Target for 28 years and I have to thank them for their long-time support,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “It has been so much more than a team-sponsor relationship. They have their finger prints on so much of what Chip Ganassi Racing has become.

“I have had numerous mentors and developed great friendships over the years at Target and fully expect many of those to continue but this news simply closes one chapter of our race team and also begins a new one. Kyle Larson is a once in a generation talent, he and the No. 42 Chevrolet will still be on the track for a long time, the only difference is that they will have different colors.”

Target's history with CGR's NASCAR program

Target first appeared on the No. 41 Dodge with Jimmy Spencer in 2002. However, the sponsor didn’t visit Victory Lane until 2010 at Watkins Glen with Juan Pablo Montoya. Since Larson took over the ride full-time in 2014, Target has been the livery for all three wins.

Target cut-off sponsorship to Ganassi’s IndyCar program at the end of last season as it turned its sites to soccer. Scott Dixon won three IndyCar titles and 39 races while carrying the Target brand.

“We are enormously proud of how Chip and the entire Ganassi Racing team have represented the Target brand throughout our partnership,” Target said in a statement. Together, we’ve seen tremendous success in NASCAR over the past 16 seasons, both on and off the track.

“As we looked to evolve our sports marketing program, soccer provided Target with a unique opportunity to reach our guests in new places, and at all levels of the sport. Through partnerships with Major League Soccer, Minnesota United FC, US Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Target has been able to create meaningful connections with players, fans and families, no matter how they participate in the sport. We will continue to build on these and other soccer investments in 2018 and beyond.

“Over the past season, Target has worked closely with Chip Ganassi Racing on this transition. We have incredible respect for Chip and the talented team he has assembled, and are confident they will continue to see great success for years to come.”