Richmond, VA (Best E Casino) - According to reports, IndyCar Series points leader Dario Franchitti could driver for Target Chip Ganassi Dodge beginning next season.

Earlier this week officials at Ganassi informed David Stremme that they didn't have a sponsor for him in 2008 and he was free to find a deal elsewhere if he could.

"In my conversation with David, I explained to him two or three different deals I'm working on for him," Chip Ganassi said. "I want him to stick around, but I just don't have anything for him right now and I don't want to hold him up in finding something new."

Stremme has made 63 starts with two top-10s and a best finish of eighth at Talladega earlier this season.

Franchitti is currently leading the IndyCar Series as it heads to the Chicagoland Speedway for its finale on Sunday.

Another open-wheel driver, Patrick Carpentier, appears to be close to a deal putting him in NASCAR as well. George Gillett, co-owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, said that Carpentier will drive a Cup car for them during the "Chase" this season and "probably will race full time in Cup for GEM next year."