Keene Out at Ganassi
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| The Ganassi team has moved Race Strategist Tim Keene along. Was Keene the first of the United SportsCar era to learn the hard way: you don't talk out of turn about NASCAR? |
Our apologies as we overlooked updating this rumor to fact yesterday, after Chip Ganassi Racing Team Principal Mike Hull confirmed Keene and the team had parted ways.
One thing we'll add is that we have heard from a few sources who indicated that there may be more than meets the eye surrounding Keene' firing. Recall Keene made his feelings regarding United SportsCar's technical regulations in this Gordon Kirby article after last month's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Keene also laid into the series' administration during the television broadcast.
Could it be that the 800-pound gorilla of American motorsport — NASCAR — was behind Keene's dismissal? Remember, NASCAR does not look fondly upon those who criticize their product, and have been known to take a hard line with those who do.
Of course, just like we can't definitely prove the fix was in for Austin Dillon's pole run for this weekend's Daytona 500, or Danica Patrick's pole for last year, we'll never know for sure what prompted Keene's dismissal. But Keene and Chip Ganassi Racing had an incredibly successful partnership over many years. We doubt the Ganassi team's subpar performance in the Rolex alone would have prompted Keene's removal. And we likewise doubt the talented Keene will find work anytime soon in any NASCAR-sanctioned series.
So, call it what you will. Just know that the France family and NASCAR did not become an epic American success stories and the undisputed king of America racing by allowing others to criticize their product. And while there are those who whisper behind the scenes about their provincialism and ruthless tactics, there are few who willing to outright call the spade a spade. After all, no one wants to end up like Tim Keene.
AR1 Staff
02/20/14 In this Racer article, Chip Ganassi Racing Team Principal Mike Hull confirms that Tim Keene has been relieved of his duties with the team.
02/19/14
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| The uber-successful Chip Ganassi Racing sports car team appears to be going through a change in management. |
According to this Sportscar365 article, Tim Keene is out at Chip Ganassi Racing. The Ganassi team, of course, is coming off a disappointing performance in The Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, and has apparently decided to part ways with longtime Team Manager and Race Strategist Keene.
Reportedly, Keene has been replaced by Mike O'Gara, who was team manager for the Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing IndyCar team.
We await the official announcement.