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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