Chip Ganassi Racing co-team manager Scott Harner has left the defending IndyCar Series champions. Harner tendered his resignation on Friday after spending more than 20 years with the team. Starting out as a fabricator and truck driver, Harner was promoted to manage CGR’s sports car program before being elevated to co-managing its IndyCar effort alongside Barry Wanser.

“When you work together as a team of people, the importance of the effort is the group of people,” CGR managing director Mike Hull told RACER. “They rely on each other and make themselves stronger for the group. When you’re part of the team structure, you almost feel guilty for wanting to leave, and Scott contributed heavily to the strength of the team.

“From where he started to where he ended, it was amazing growth and all he did was with a high degree of integrity. And we wish him the best personally and professionally.”

Among his various duties, Harner worked closely with the crew, looked after travel, budgeting, hiring, and served as a spotter. CGR is expected to seek a replacement for Harner, who did not specify his next destination.