Chip Ganassi George Walther Agreement Found

Going through some old race programs, we came across an Agreement drawn up between Chip Ganassi car owner and George Walther car owner. Is it typed up and notarized as would a contract to buy a race car be? No... it was hand written on a plain white piece of paper. You could envision George or Chip writing this out on the hood of a car or truck or at a restaurant.

Agreement is dated 4 April 1991 for Performers Inc. to buy 2 Penske PC18 race cars less engines sold as is with no warranty for $140K including spare parts. What does an IndyCar chassis cost these days. Found on the web that in 2011 a 2012 Dallara chassis would cost $385K, so $140K for 2 IndyCar chassis was a deal in 1991.

Two payments in April and May with balance due in July.  Up for collateral was George Walther's pride and joy a 1932 Duesenberg. If George couldn't come up with the balance Chip would be the proud owner. Obviously it was paid, because that car was up for auction at Mr. Walther's estate auction in 2002. 

These are the cars used by Todd Walther Racing, Salt's cousin to replace the PC17 they had qualified and were bumped at Indianapolis in 1990. 

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Salt Walther Racing Blog

This blog is here to share racing driver Salt Walther and Indianapolis 500 style racing stories. We will share information, stories and more on the late racing driver. We will also be updating you on a DVD and book that will be coming out in the future and where you can purchase a  copy. 

You are welcome to share you stories and memories about Salt or Indy in general. Please be respectful (I will take down any negative comments).

About me -- I grew up just outside of Indianapolis and my first trip to the track was 1968. It was an eventful first time as driver Chuck Rodee hit the wall in front of us in turn 1 and was killed. My father took us to pole day as they used to call from then until I left for the Air Force in 1975. Mr. Rodee was not the only fatality I witness as Art Pollard hit  the wall in front us, Jim Malloy was killed in turn 3 and Gordon Smiley accident occurred while we were in attendance. I have been a life long Indy 500 fan and still listen to it on the radio instead of watching it on TV. Remember we didn't get to see the race on TV until after it was over with, so radio was it. 

I met Salt's long time friend here in Dayton who introduced me to Salt in 2012. We discussed Indy for over an hour.  We are collaborating on Salt's memorabilia and future items of interest.   The book to which Salt was involved with until his unexpected passing in December will discuss racing, his life while racing and after racing. A lot of chapters are written by Salt in his own words.

Keep you posted...