Brian Pattie and Reed Sorenson finished fourth in Busch points in 2005. Credit: Autostock

Crew chief Pattie signs extension with Ganassi

CONCORD, N.C. -- Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced on Monday that Brian Pattie, who currently serves as crew chief for Reed Sorenson and the No. 41 team in the Busch Series, signed a multi-year contract extension with the organization.

"Brian has been an asset to our team since the day he walked through the door," team owner Chip Ganassi. "He has played a key part in our driver development program. I know he helped Reed a lot during his rookie season in the Busch Series, and I'm pleased to know he is going to continue to be a leader and teacher for all of our drivers and teams."

	Brian Pattie Credit: Autostock
	REED SORENSON •   Busch Series driver page •   Complete 2006 statistics

Pattie joined Ganassi/Sabates in 2004 to serve as the crew chief for the team's limited Busch Series schedule. In eight starts, he led the team to its first Busch Series win at Phoenix International Raceway with driver Jamie McMurray. In addition to the win, the team also grabbed two poles, three top-five finishes and six top-10 finishes.

Then, in 2005, he and Sorenson teamed up to run a full season in the Busch Series, competing for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors and a championship. Sorenson narrowly missed capturing the rookie title and finished fourth in the overall standings.

Additionally, Pattie led Sorenson to his first series win at Nashville Superspeedway in only his 11th career start. By the end of the year, the duo totaled two wins, two poles, 12 top-five finishes and 22 top-10 finishes in 35 starts.

"There are a lot of good things going on right now at Ganassi, and I am just thrilled to be a part of it," Pattie said. "Although, we haven't had quite the year we thought we would, everyone is still 100 percent committed to the success of the team and organization. We are really building a foundation here that should take us to the next level for a long time. I just want to thank both Chip and Felix for the opportunity and their support."