Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed Tuesday that rookie driver Charlie Kimball will remain with its IndyCar program, having concluded a new multi-year agreement with his sponsor, Novo Nordisk.
"After an exciting first year, we are extremely proud to continue our partnership with Charlie Kimball and Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing,” said Camille Lee, Corporate Vice President, Diabetes Marketing at Novo Nordisk. “This team represents a unique opportunity for us, as a pharmaceutical company, to raise disease awareness on a broader scale and show everyone that diabetes doesn't need to slow you down.”
Next year will mark the fourth consecutive year of partnership between Novo Nordisk and Kimball. Following two years of sponsorship of Kimball in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, Novo Nordisk partnered with Chip Ganassi Racing to form Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and in December 2010, became the title sponsor of Kimball's car for his IndyCar rookie season.
Kimball, 26, from Camarillo, Calif., is the first licensed driver with type 1 diabetes to race in IndyCar. Diagnosed in 2007, he monitors his blood sugar before, during and after each race.
"It speaks volumes that a company like Novo Nordisk is making this type of long-term commitment to our team, to Charlie, and the IndyCar Series,” said Chip Ganassi. “Charlie has done everything that we have asked of him on the track and we certainly feel his future is bright. As for Novo, they have been a tremendous partner both on and off the track. The IndyCar Series could use more partners like them.”
Novo Nordisk has also been actively involved in providing information about diabetes awareness at IndyCar events through its "Drive the Switch" device awareness program and "Race with Insulin" campaign.
Kimball posted two top-10 finishes in 2011 at Barber Park and New Hampshire, and finished 13th in his debut at the Indianapolis 500. He launched his open-wheel racing career in 2002 and has raced in several international series since then, highlighted by a five-win effort in the 2005 British Formula 3 Championship. At that time, Kimball established himself as the first American to win a British Formula 3 race in 11 years.
“My partnership with Novo Nordisk is very unique because they make the insulin I take every day and they produce the delivery device I use to manage my diabetes,” Kimball said. “I am fortunate to have Novo Nordisk and Chip Ganassi Racing support me in my career and I am proud and honored to be associated with these two outstanding organizations.”