Two-time IRL Indycar champion Sam Hornish Jnr is rumoured to be preparing to switch to the NASCAR Winston Cup for 2004. The Panther Racing driver is believed to be in negotiations with top NASCAR team Dale Earnhardt Incorporated to switch to the premier stock car series next season, along with his crew chief and engineers.
The chances of Hornish moving at the end of the season have dramatically increased in recent months after the torrid start to the 2003 IRL season endured by Chevrolet powered teams. Panther Racing, the front-running Chevy powered team, has struggled to match the pace and reliability of newcomers Toyota and Honda. And now Chevy's prize asset in the IRL series is considering offers to switch to the NASCAR championship in an attempt to return to winning ways.
It is expected that any move by Hornish will be through existing sponsor Penzoil, who currently sponsor the Dale Earnhardt Winston Cup Chevrolet of Jeff Green. It is not however known whether Penzoil would withdraw their sponsorship of Panther Racing if Hornish leaves the IRL.
Hornish is expected to announce his plans for 2004 towards the end of August.
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