Dario Franchitti made his switch to NASCAR official Wednesday when he signed a multiyear deal with Chip Ganassi Racing. The reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar champion will replace David Stremme in the No. 40 Dodge beginning in 2008. The 34-year-old Scott will become the first European driver in NASCAR's 59-year history to join the series full time. "Any time you can sign a driver of Dario's caliber you have to be thrilled," said team owner Chip Ganassi, who also Nextel Cup cars for rookie Juan Pablo Montoya, another former open-wheel star, and Reed Sorenson.

Andretti Green Racing announced Tuesday it had released Dario Franchitti from his driver agreement.

"I've always admired Chip's teams having competed against them over the years, and recently paid particular attention to Juan's successful transition this season," said Franchitti. "This is a great opportunity to join one of NASCAR's premier teams."

Franchitti's much-anticipated move to stock cars will begin Friday with an ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway.

"Dario is a world-class driver," Ganassi said. "He is a proven winner, an Indianapolis 500 champion and an accomplished individual that will be a super teammate to both Juan Pablo and Reed."