In the midst of their final tour, the band members face a dilemma: should they give it their all or simply go through the motions? For Renger van der Zande and Sebastien Bourdais, the answer is clear. With a championship within reach, they are determined to leave a lasting impression.
While the future remains uncertain for the team, one thing is certain: Chip Ganassi Racing will no longer exist as Cadillac Racing next year. Finding a new home in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for 2025 seems unlikely. Despite this uncertainty, Bourdais and van der Zande are motivated by the expiration of their three-year partnership, which has brought them numerous victories. Their thirst for victory only grows stronger.
“Our sole focus is winning the championship,” van der Zande asserts. “Regardless of what the future holds, we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the team. Ganassi has never been in a better position than it is now. The team is filled with talented individuals who work seamlessly together. It’s a championship-winning team, and it would be fitting to end on a high note.”
Currently, Bourdais and van der Zande trail the No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsports squad by 85 points, with the latter having secured two wins compared to their one. The Cadillacs have generally outperformed the Porsches at Road America. Van der Zande qualified the No. 01 Cadillac in third place, while the No. 7 could only manage ninth. They hope to turn this small advantage into a significant one.
Bourdais expresses his desire to win an IMSA championship, a feat he has yet to achieve. Despite the unfortunate circumstances of previous seasons, he remains optimistic. “Losing a championship is never easy, especially when you’ve won three races and secured four pole positions,” Bourdais reflects. “We’ve had our fair share of setbacks, but all we can do is give it our best shot and hope for the best.”
Luck has not been on their side, as a mechanical issue forced them to retire from the Rolex 24 at Daytona. A strategy that brought them victory in Long Beach backfired at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The team is hoping for a change in fortune.
“We can only hope for some balance,” Bourdais comments. “We’ve faced numerous challenges with the No. 01 car. In racing, nothing is guaranteed, and everything must be earned. We’re hoping to finally end up on the winning side.”
Regardless of their performance at Road America, Indianapolis, or Motul Petit Le Mans, next year will undoubtedly bring significant changes for everyone involved. Van der Zande explains, “The uncertainty surrounding next year affects everyone, from the engineers and management to the mechanics and drivers. For the past three years, we’ve had the security of long-term contracts, which is rare in motorsport. Now, we’re returning to the norm, where deals are made on a yearly basis.”
Despite the uncertainty, the atmosphere within the team remains positive. Motivated by the desire to win, they are determined to make the most of their final opportunity. “This uncertainty adds to the motivation,” van der Zande concludes. “We know this is our last chance, and we’re fully committed to seizing it.”
Photo from Chip Ganassi Racing Instagram
