Chip Ganassi Racing will expand its Indy Racing League programme with the addition of a two-car Indy Pro Series effort next season.

The team confirmed that IPS veteran Chris Festa and rookie Pablo Perez would join its Indianapolis-based programme, contesting the IRL feeder series alongside the senior team, which will continue to run IndyCar Series champions Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon, and Ganassi's Grand-Am project, which has yet to confirm its full 2007 line-up.

"I am excited about this," team owner Ganassi admitted, "Despite the fact that we are involved in a number of racing leagues, I am a big proponent of open-wheel racing in the US. I feel it is a great form of racing and anything that we can do as an organisation to help cultivate young talent in the cars, and also in the garage, is a benefit to both us as a team and the open-wheel racing industry."

The IPS initiative is Chip Ganassi Racing's first foray into the IRL's development series, but managing director Mike Hull sees the launch of the new programme as more than an extension of the Target Team's IndyCar commitment.

"The Indy Pro Series allows us all to see the driver talent and future stars of open-wheel racing," said Hull. "It also enhances the talent this team has. This team has supported the development of young drivers for a long time and we're always looking for those that are starting to show promise. We believe that Chris Festa and Pablo Perez are those drivers for us. The Indy Pro Series program is just another way to do that."

"We're doing this in support of the future of open-wheel racing and the Indy Racing League," he explained, "This programme will be managed in-house, as it should be done. The Pro Series isn't just an extension of our IndyCar programme - it's a good place to race and see upcoming talent."

Former open-wheel driver and team owner John Della Penna has joined the Ganassi operation to help with the development of fellow Argentine Perez, as he takes his place behind the wheel of the #10 car for his rookie season.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the Ganassi organisation to make this programme a success," said Della Penna, who will act as manager, driver coach and spotter to his young protégé.

"I'm pleased to be charged with helping Pablo understand American racing and work with the team in developing his abilities. Chip and Mike are all about winning, so I know we are in good hands and will have the best resources available."