Ricky Taylor left the team at the end of the year to join Roger Penske's new Sports Car effort, and van der Zande was named his replacement.
Fernando Alonso's team fell three laps off the pace after a tire problem caused extensive damage to the car during the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Ganassi is seeking an eighth Rolex victory this year and was the grand marshal for the Race that began Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.
Taylor said he was determined to do his part in the debut of Team Penske's new Acura sports car program and did not want to force teammates Helio Castroneves and Graham Rahal to carry a heavier load.
Fernando Alonso finished his first stint in a major sports car race wondering how his United Autosports team can overcome a speed deficiency.
- The Latest: Roger Penske's Acura's leading Rolex at 10 hoursYahoo Sports
- Cadillacs strong early on in Rolex 24; plenty of others in huntNascar
- Daytona 24 Hours: Penske moves into lead, Alonso's race ruinedautosport.com
- Ricky Taylor bounces back from bout with flu to race RolexRichmond.com
- The Latest: Punctured tire drops Alonso's team off paceWichita Eagle
- Rolex 24, Hour 8: Albuquerque takes charge for AXRMotorsport.com, Edition: Global
- At midnight from Daytona: Pruett does triple stint to open final RolexDenton Record Chronicle
- Rolex 24, Hour 12: Action Express vs Penske battle heats upMotorsport.com, Edition: Global
- Rolex 24: Race gets off to busy, loud, wonderful startDaytona Beach News-Journal
