Dario Franchitti is to return to openwheel competition next year joining Target Chip Ganassi Racing as team mate to New Zealand’s Scott Dixon.

Franchitti will replace former Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon who leaves Ganassi to return to Panther Racing. Wheldon, began his IndyCar Series career as a driver with Panther Racing in 2002, has signed a multi-year contract to drive the team’s No. 4 car beginning in 2009.

”I have enjoyed these last three seasons with Target Chip Ganassi Racing but will be moving on to pursue a very exciting opportunity for 2009,“ Wheldon told Indy.com. “I will certainly miss my working relationship with Scott Dixon and wish him and the team all the best for this weekend at Chicagoland.” Wheldon said that he would be announcing his plans for next season in the near future.

Franchitti left Indy car to pursue a career in the highly paid world of NASCAR but a best finish of 22nd was a disappointment and in July Franchitti lost his Sprint Cup drive because of a lack of sponsorship. 

The Scottsman said that part of the reason for signing with Ganassi last year was because of how many options that Chip had at his disposal for a driver. “You can do almost any form of racing that you want.” he said.

The re-unification of US openwheel racing also was a major factor in Franchitti’s decision to return. “With unification and the new schedule having more road and street courses, it made me think about this more and more. I have really enjoyed this last season in stock cars and have not completely closed that chapter of my professional career, but the opportunity that arose was just something I could not pass up.” he said.

Whether Wheldon or Franchitti comes down to Australia for the end of season non-championship race has not been announced.