TALLAGEDA, Alabama — The No. 12 Dodge Challenger revved up for Monday's NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for "new cars," as praise began filtering in for the "production-looking" car. The car is the centerpiece of Dodge Motorsports' expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. It is one of four new Nationwide Series chassis which include the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Mustang and Toyota Camry.
"We are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Ralph Gilles, Dodge Car Brand president and CEO.
Writing in NASCAR.com, Mark Aumann lauded the Dodge Challenger because it "actually looks like a Challenger from the front. The Toyota Camry looks like a Camry. The same with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Impala. And you can't imagine how much happier that makes the manufacturers, who, in this economic climate are needing all the help they can get."
Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing's two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske's three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Challenger will be used at the four "new car" races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July.
Inside Line says: The Challenger actually retains some of its brand identity as it takes to the track at Talladega in its test run. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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american007 says:
02:02 PM, 07/01/2010
Wake up Americans! out of work, Hungry eat your Toyota!
says:
11:01 AM, 11/12/2009
ITS A DREAAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
davesuton says:
06:39 PM, 11/03/2009
Who invited TOYOTA? Don't they have better things to do? Like FIXING 3.8 MILIION RECALLED VEHICLES before someone else DIES?
wrinklebump says:
08:22 PM, 11/02/2009
This kind of looks like a Challenger. Can't say that for the Camry/Impala.