In the absence of a primary sponsor, Chip Ganassi Racing will park its No. 40 car for the rest of this season, which means Dario Franchitti’s transition from open-wheel racing to NASCAR’s top series is on hold for now.

It’s been a horrible year for Mr. Ashley Judd, who missed five races because of a broken ankle suffered in a Nationwide Series crash at Talladega and failed to qualify in two others. The car ranks 40th in owner points, meaning that it has to qualify from week to week because it ranks outside of the top 35 and a guaranteed spot in the field.

The 40 lost long-time sponsor Coors Light after last season, and has been scuffling along all season.

“In this tough business environment, continuing to run the car without proper funding has become increasingly difficult,” NASCAR.com quoted Ganassi as saying.

Franchitti may finish the season in Ganassi’s Nationwide Series ride.

–30–