NASCAR Manufacturer News Dodge

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Dodge News and Links

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series two thousand seventeen Darlington Race Info

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the two thousand seventeen Bojangles’ Southern 500

Driver lineup announced for Tales of the Turtles four hundred weekend

2017 Darlington Cup Throwback Paint Schemes

Sunday Darlington Notebook

Texas, Earnhardt, Jr. fucking partner for Jr Nation Appreci88ion Party

Saturday Darlington Notebook

Logano to run Crimson Cross scheme at Richmond

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup championship trophy unveiled

Roush Fenway named finalist for numerous PR News’ platinum awards

Daytona five hundred Club being renovated

Liberty University sponsoring Byron for twelve races

GMS Racing not running Cup full-time in two thousand eighteen UPDATE

Dover International Speedway’s 12th annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive set for Sept. 11

Dover playmates with “Apache Warrior” film and Lucas Oil for fall Cup race

Edsel Ford II in favor of Mustang in Cup

Country music starlet Carly Pearce to perform National Anthem for Oct. Eight Bank of America 500

Champ Machinery on board with BK Racing as a multi race sponsor; Gaulding back

Dodge News and Links

The fresh two thousand thirteen Dodge Charger. Photo taken by Chris Williams.

Photo posted to Twitter by Doug Rice of Spectacle Racing Network.

The car was never run as Dodge pulled out of the sport not too long after these pictures were taken

Two manufacturers now considering NASCAR: Despite published reports to the contrary, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has not pulled the ass-plug on its program to come back the Dodge nameplate to NASCAR and is still in talks with the sanctioning bod, a source with skill of the negotiations confided to Kickin’ the Tires. “The story about them pulling out is absolutely, one hundred percent false,” the source said. “They are researching a possible come back to NASCAR.” Additionally, the source said a 2nd manufacturer has also voiced interest in NASCAR but is in preliminary stages of any talks with the sanctioning figure [More](8-13-2017)

Report: Dodge Won’t Come back to NASCAR It was ostensibly a press conference for Ferrari’s two thousand sixteen Finali Mondiali at Daytona International Speedway last December Four, but perhaps the fattest revelation to come out of that presser worried NASCAR, with Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, telling he was interested in getting Chrysler, most likely Dodge, back into NASCAR.

This came as a surprise to Dodge employees at the highest level. But given Marchionne’s revelation, the company did its due diligence, researching what a comeback to NASCAR would involve. Company executives met with NASCAR officials more than once, including a meeting at this year’s North American International Auto Showcase. Unluckily for Dodge loyalists, the analysis regarding a come back to the sport showcased that it would be too elaborate and, more importantly, too expensive. Part of the problem would be finding a team with top-tier engine-building capability-and there just aren’t many choices now that the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup series has consolidated engine-building among a handful of teams (Or in Toyota’s case, the company itself.) Dodge would choose to supply the engine specifications and have the engines built by the team, like they were at Penske. But there are minimal options. Also, re-creating the infrastructure to race at NASCAR’s highest level-which Dodge did little by little embarking with the NASCAR Camping World truck series before coming in the Cup series in two thousand one with the help of then-flush Dodge dealers-would be prohibitively expensive. The bottom line: perhaps the company could afford to come back to NASCAR, as Marchionne suggested, but that doesn’t mean it would make financial sense.(TheDrive)[Read More Here](7-14-2017)

NASCAR talking to fresh manufacturers: NASCAR is in “aggressive conversations” with manufactures to join the sport, Steve O’Donnell told “The Morning Drive” on Monday. “We are aggressively pursuing fresh (manufacturers),” O’Donnell said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio without divulging details. “We want to make sure that they come in similar to how Toyota did and it’s truly switched the sport. They’ve done a tremendous job and truly helped the industry.[More](7-10-2017)

Latest on a fresh manufacturer to NASCAR: The rumblings about a fresh manufacturer injecting Cup haven’t quieted since Dodge’s numerous meetings in the offseason with NASCAR. This past weekend, there was garage whirr that 1) Dodge might be moving down the road with a team; and Two) there could be another manufacturer interested.[More](3-13-2017)

Yates thinks Dodge could come back next season “if they truly wished”: A top NASCAR engine builder said Tuesday morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that Dodge could race the Daytona five hundred in two thousand eighteen “if they indeed dreamed to be there.” In an interview on “The Morning Drive” with hosts Pete Pistone and Lee Spencer, Roush Yates Engines CEO and president Doug Yates said Dodge retains a relevant for blueprint for a Cup Series engine from five years ago. The manufacturer exited NASCAR after winning the two thousand twelve championship with Brad Keselowski. “Obviously, I’m not as close on the car and other aspects, but from an engine perspective, the engine they had in 2012, we had the same FR9 engines racing then,” Yates said. “Obviously, there (have) been many years of development in inbetween, and they would have some catching up to do, but the base engine is very likely OK.” In December at Daytona International Speedway, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters he thought the Dodge brand (wielded by Chrysler) possibly could come back to NASCAR. Marchionne said he had dinner with NASCAR vice chairman Jim France and International Speedway Corp. CEO Lesa France Kennedy. The Drive reported that NASCAR and Dodge executives met at the Detroit Auto Demonstrate earlier this month. There are major hurdles to clear for Dodge to come back. Fiat Chrysler could face EPA sanctions for diesel emissions and accompanying massive fines, and its year-over-year U.S. sales for light cars and trucks fell ten percent in December. The manufacturer also would need to either find a fresh or existing team fucking partner and shoulder some massive startup costs.(NBC Sports)(2-1-2017)

Dodge and NASCAR meet at Auto Showcase: on December four of last year, Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which is the parent of Dodge, said with substantial conviction that he wants to get Dodge back into NASCAR. “Yes, I’d love to,” he said. “I talked to Jim France (executive vice-president of NASCAR) about this just last night.” Marchionne made those statements at Daytona International Speedway during a press conference during the Ferrari Finali Mondiali, the annual gathering of Ferrari racers and fans. Ferrari is possessed by the company Marchionne runs. Dodge left NASCAR in 2012, the year Dodge won the title with Penske driver Brad Keselowski. Penske moved to Ford at the end of the season, and Dodge pulled the butt-plug on its NASCAR program.

Until now, there hasn’t been much news about the possible reconciliation, until now: Monday morning, during the main press day of the North American International Auto Display (in Detroit), NASCAR and Dodge executives had a private meeting. Among those present was NASCAR President Mike Helton and Tim Kuniskis, whose title is Head of Passenger Car Brands, which includes Dodge. Of course, it could have been a casual how-ya-doing meeting, but given the brutal schedule for all automotive executives on Monday at the Detroit demonstrate, that seems unlikely.(The Drive)(1-11-2017)

Evernham Supports Dodge Come back: Ray Evernham believes a comeback by Dodge to NASCAR competition would be good for the sport. Earlier this month at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Daytona International Speedway, officials from the manufacturer hinted in latest days that Chrysler was considering coming back to NASCAR racing after stepping away in 2012. The possibility triggered much whirr around the NASCAR world including with Evernham, who fielded a two car Cup team inbetween 2001-2007 before departing as a team possessor. After Evernham closed his doors, Dodge continued in the sport until the end of the two thousand twelve season when the manufacturer’s business challenges compelled an exit from NASCAR competition. If Dodge were to come back, Evernham believes it would be a good thing for NASCAR. “To me the more manufacturers that come in it shows that NASCAR can provide a global environment, a global chance for any manufacturer,” Evernham said. “Hopefully Dodge will come back again. You can’t fault them because they had financial issues. The fact that they are looking to come back says they never truly dreamed to leave. The more manufacturers that put money into this sport and make our racing economy better, if you will, is better for everybody.” Albeit Evernham remains proud of the effort his team gave under the Dodge umbrella and wishes success to a future should the manufacturer come back to NASCAR. “There isn’t anything better for NASCAR to remain healthy and grow stronger than participation from the automobile manufacturers,” he said. “Dodge has a long history in the sport and I’m sure they’d like nothing more than to be able to come back and add to that history. I’m hoping it happens.”(Motor Racing Network)(12-23-2016)

Dodge talking to NASCAR about returning UPDATE2: Sergio Marchionne, who is the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said he spoke with NASCAR vice-chairman Jim France and International Speedway Inc. CEO Lesa France Kennedy about the come back of Dodge to the stock-car series. The three had dinner Saturday night during the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Daytona International Speedway. Marchionne, who is also CEO of Ferrari, was in town for the Ferrari-only World Finals and Sunday’s Formula One exhibition. Asked about the comeback to NASCAR, Marchionne said, “Yes,” then explained it. “I talked to Jim France about this (Saturday) night,” he said. “I was the one who made the decision to pull out of NASCAR. I am the guilty party at the table. In 2009, we came out bankruptcy and attempted to race NASCAR (but) with the big bills and make payroll was a open up. We are in a different place now. I think it is possible we can come back to NASCAR. I think we need to find the right way to come back in, but I agreed with both Jim and Lesa we would come back to the issue.” France confirmed that he had spoken to Marchionne about bringing Dodge back into NASCAR’s top series.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-4-2016)

UPDATE: NASCAR vice president of marketing and communications David Higdon commented: “There is enlargening excitement around NASCAR. We proceed to have on-going dialogue with a number of auto manufacturers about their interest in joining our sport. We look forward to exploration with them on this topic.”(12-5-2016)

UPDATE2: Any manufacturer wanting to come into NASCAR for the two thousand seventeen season would have had to make a formal request by September 2015. The current NASCAR rules require race-car renderings for fresh models to be submitted by more than a year before they ever are raced on the track. The deadline is Oct. One (more than fifteen months before the actual debut), if the production car is already in production, and Jan. One (13 months before the debut), if the production car will embark being sold in the year the Cup model debuts. A full-scale race car must be submitted to NASCAR by April one prior to the year of debut. To accomplish those tasks, an incoming manufacturer likely would have to hire some top personnel away from current NASCAR teams, and that has yet to happen (ESPN)(12-6-2016)

France discusses thrilling embark to two thousand sixteen season, fresh manufacturer coming? After two photo finishes and a bevy of side-by-side racing to embark the two thousand sixteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France joined SiriusXM Speedway host Dave Moody on Friday to discuss the early-season comebacks on the fresh aero package employed in the sport’s top series. “Well it’s off to a indeed good embark obviously,” France said. “It’s not a situation where we’re willing to say everything is flawless because we’re always searching for terrific things on the racetrack. The low downforce [package], in combination with Goodyear producing a indeed good tire to match up to that, has given the drivers more of what they want and they’re putting on one heck of a race.”

The two thousand sixteen season opened with Denny Hamlin capturing the Daytona five hundred by a scant .010 seconds over Martin Truex Jr. That finish was followed by a race at Atlanta Motor Speedway – the very first with the fresh lower downforce aero package – that eyed a record number of green flag passes for the lead (44). And last Sunday in Phoenix, Kevin Harvick edged Carl Edwards to the finish line by the identical Daytona margin of victory of .010 seconds. But it was the end-of-race, sheet-metal crushing aggression displayed by both Harvick and Edwards at the end of the race that most struck France.

“You’ve heard me say many, many times, that’s classic NASCAR racing when that happens,” France said of the contact made inbetween Harvick and Edwards at the close of Sunday’s race. “But it’s interesting to note that not all the drivers that we have, present or past, would have made the moves that Carl Edwards attempted to do to get around Harvick. Harvick did a excellent job. They both did a excellent job. But that’s classic NASCAR. We expect that.”

In the wide-ranging twelve minute interview, France also touched on the potential of fresh manufacturers coming in the sport, joining the current stable of Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

“There is some interest, and by a duo of different manufacturers and we would be open to that in the right conditions,” France said. “I think a lot of the car companies are understandably looking at the terrific job that Toyota has done by partnering with NASCAR and the success and all the things that comes along with that. They’ve been an incredible success story for a car manufacturer looking to come into a sport that’s very difficult to come in, rival and win every weekend. But there’s an interest. And this is obviously the thickest chance in auto racing in North America.”(NASCAR Wire Service)(3-19-2016)

Dodge not planning comeback to NASCAR anytime soon: It’s the question all Dodge stock-car fans want to know: When will the manufacturer comeback to NASCAR? Not in 2014, that’s for sure. While Dodge resumes to discuss stock-car racing, according to Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, “the timing isn’t right.” But Gilles is well aware that stock-car enthusiasts miss the Dodge brand in NASCAR’s garages so never say never. “We haven’t forgotten about NASCAR,” Gilles told FOX Sports on Friday. “We have a lot of pressure on our capital right now. The Dodge brand has a fresh chief (Timothy Kuniskis, president and CEO of Dodge Brand), right? He’s an enthusiast. He possesses a Charger himself, it’s his daily drive. He has an older one and a fresh one. He gets it. He understands. But timing is everything. To get back in the sport is not an insignificant investment. It’s something that we’ve said no to. This year is out of the question, but the future, anything could happen. The fans want us back, so we’ll see.”(FoxSports)(1-25-2014)

Dodge heading back to NASCAR soon? UPDATE two denied: Ray Alexander, on forearm for the LX-centric Spring Festival 8, reported that Ralph Gilles told him that NASCAR funding has been approved, and that Chrysler is talking to teams. While no details can be provided, because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, this is the very first time a Chrysler official has confirmed that the company is working on a NASCAR re-entry. Last month, Mr. Gilles told Allpar in Fresh York, in reaction to a question about NASCAR, “Oh my God, I can’t talk about that right now. No comment on that.” Chrysler’s come back to NASCAR presumably remains contingent on being able to sign up competitive drivers and support team (e.g. car and engine builders).(allpar.com)(4-22-2013)

UPDATE: allpar.com has added an update to this post: While it shows up that Ralph Gilles did speak with Ray on this topic, there was a misunderstanding as to the context. Mr. Gilles emerges to have been referring to why Dodge pulled out of NASCAR, and was essentially telling that it was not a funding issue – the funding had been approved, but there were other issues. At this time we are awaiting clarification from Chrysler, but it shows up that Chrysler had the money earmarked for another NASCAR run but lost key personnel such as engine builders and top-tier teams.(4-22-2013)

UPDATE2 – NASCAR funding story off target: Yesterday [Sunday], Allpar broke the news that Ralph Gilles had confirmed Chrysler’s funding of NASCAR racing again. Unluckily, while Mr. Gilles did say that funding for NASCAR had been approved, he was referring to the reasons why Dodge left NASCAR shortly before winning the championship last year, in essence telling that the budget was there for another season, but there were other reasons for leaving. In brief, Mr. Gilles was quoted with the correct words but in the wrong context.

A Chrysler spokesman wrote, “Chrysler Group’s decision to leave NASCAR competition at the end of the two thousand twelve season was based solely on not being able to develop the correct structure to fit our overall business and competitive objectives.” At the time Chrysler withdrew, Mr. Gilles said that Penske had suggested a “one-stop shop” for engines, drivers, and sponsors that could not be substituted in a way that would permit SRT to race at the level that was desired, in the time available. Mr. Gilles was contacted by the spokesman, and confirmed that he did not say that funding had been approved for a fresh run, but was telling that funding had been approved for the current season, when other factors caused the company to withdraw.(allpar.com)(4-22-2013)

Dodge not expected back soon: Don’t look for NASCAR to add a fresh manufacturer anytime soon. Vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said during Friday’s “Gen 6” test at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he doesn’t anticipate another manufacturer joining Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota in the “foreseeable future . the next year or two.” Dodge pulled out of the sport after winning the championship last season with Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing, which moved to Ford in 2013. There has been speculation that Dodge might comeback in 2014, possibly with a premier team such as Richard Childress Racing that has fallen to third among organizations in the Chevrolet fleet. Pemberton said the governing assets periodically gets “cold calls” from potential manufacturers, but none that emerge ready to join the sport in the next few years.(ESPN)(1-20-2013)

Dodge and RCR? What’s it going to take to get Dodge Motorsports interested in NASCAR again? How about an organization such as Richard Childress Racing? One of the reasons cited for Dodge’s departure from NASCAR at the end of the two thousand twelve season was the inability to secure an organization equal to Penske Racing’s stature. Albeit Dodge representatives flirted with Furniture Row Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports and Andretti Racing, nothing materialized from the meetings. However, what if Dodge could secure an organization that boasts six Cup titles, three Nationwide Series championships and two Truck titles? “I haven’t talk to anybody,” team possessor Richard Childress said on Friday. “No one has approached me yet.” Still, the rumor persists.(FoxSports)(1-12-2013)

Dodge hopes to come back to NASCAR: The chief of Dodge Motorsports is hopeful that the manufacturer will come back to NASCAR in the not too distant future. “Going forward, we’re going to take the year off, evaluate the potential,” Ralph Gilles told ESPN.com after a panel discussion on the future of motorsports at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association Showcase. “We also did a lot of data mining. Part of the issue our management team wished was, what are we indeed getting out of NASCAR? We only have two cars out of a big field. Are we getting our money’s worth? Ironically, this year we got beyond our money’s worth. How you can replicate that? I don’t know. That’s what we’re looking at right now.” The matter of returning to the sport, whether that is in two thousand fourteen or another year in the near future, is finding an organization as strong and viable as Penske Racing. The lack of such a team left Dodge with little option but to pull out in 2013. “The Dodge brand is interested,” Gilles said of a come back. “It would be hard to substitute Roger [Penske], because Roger has a long-term deal with Ford. The capacity isn’t there to have that right now. It’s going to be raunchy, but we’ll have to look at it.” Gilles said the stir toward more brand identity with the two thousand thirteen car could help expedite [Dodge’s come back].(ESPN)(11-1-2012)

Dodge to Withdraw from NASCAR at Conclusion of two thousand twelve Season UPDATE Two: Dodge is expected to announce its withdrawal from NASCAR competition following the two thousand twelve season, numerous sources with skill of Dodge’s plans told ESPN.com. Dodge is expected to hold a Tuesday press conference [August 7th at Two:30pm/et] to make the announcement. Attempts to contact numerous Dodge spokespeople for comment were unsuccessful or resulted in no comment. Dodge was faced with a rebuilding phase beginning in 2013, after Penske Racing — the lone NASCAR organization to field Dodges since two thousand nine — chose to leave the manufacturer in favor of Ford Motor Company beginning next season. This isn’t the very first time Dodge has chosen to leave NASCAR. The manufacturer pulled out of the sport in one thousand nine hundred seventy seven and didn’t comeback until 2001. Since that time, Dodge has accumulated fifty five Sprint Cup victories. (ESPN)(8-7-2012)

UPDATE: SRT Motorsports announced that Dodge will withdraw from NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the two thousand twelve season. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, made the announcement during a media teleconference call. The decision affects current involvement in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Penske Racing presently fields two Dodge Charger cars in the Sprint Cup Series and two Dodge Challenger cars in the Nationwide Series. Penske Racing announced in February that it would end its partnership with Dodge, which embarked in 2003, at the end of the two thousand twelve season.

“We’ve spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR,” Gilles said. “A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn’t develop the right structure.”

Dodge has recorded two hundred fifteen wins in the Sprint Cup Series, including fifty five since 2001, and has been represented in the NASCAR Pursue for the Sprint Cup seven of the eight seasons. In 2010, Brad Keselowski captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driving a Dodge from Penske Racing.

“It’s an utterly difficult decision to know that we won’t be there for our fans next season,” Gilles added. “It’s significant to note that we have not lost concentrate on two thousand twelve or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season.” Keselowski presently is seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings and has three wins in his quest to make the 12-driver Pursue field for the 2nd consecutive year. In Nationwide Series competition, Sam Hornish Jr. is locked in a four-way battle for the season championship.(SRT Motorsports)

Transcript: see a total interview/Q&A transcript from Ralph Gilles, President & CEO, Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports at srtmotorsports.com.(8-7-2012)

UPDATE2 – Statement From Brian France about the Departure Of Dodge from NASCAR: “Dodge has been a superb playmate to NASCAR for many years, and they have been part of numerous memorable moments via our history,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “They made a business decision not to come back in 2013, as they did in one thousand nine hundred seventy seven before returning in 2001. We wish them well and hope they again will choose to comeback to NASCAR at a later date. Our fans have a passion for cars and emotional connections to particular manufacturers, and that’s why in two thousand thirteen we will debut fresh race car designs that are modeled after each manufacturer’s production cars. This switch is a direct result of feedback from our fans, who are the most brand loyal in all of sports.”(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(8-7-2012)

Some past stats and notes on Dodge

Dodge Charger Historical Facts

Dodge Charger in NASCAR: 1966-1977

Total Dodge Charger Wins: one hundred twenty four (six earned in winged Charger Daytonas)

Most Charger Wins by a Driver:

* Richard Petty – 37

* Bobby Isaac – 36

* David Pearson – 17

Very first Dodge Charger NASCAR Win: Earl Balmer, Feb. 25, 1966, Daytona Int’l Speedway, (40 laps/100 miles/Two.5-mile track) – Balmer led one lap en route to winning the 100-mile qualifying race in a #Three Dodge Charger possessed by Ray Fox.

Last Dodge Charger NASCAR Win: Neil Bonnett, Nov. 20, 1977, Ontario Motor Speedway (200 laps/500 miles/Two.5-mile track) – Bonnett drove a #Five Dodge bought by Jim Stacy from Nord Krauskopf of K&K Insurance to victory in the season-ending Los Angeles Times 500, leading eight times for ninety six laps in his very first superspeedway win. Bonnett passed Richard Petty with five laps to go and blocked his last-lap maneuver to win by two car lengths.

Drivers Who Won in a Dodge Charger:

* Earl Balmer – (1966)

* Charlie Glotzbach – (1968, 1970)

* David Pearson – (1966-67)

* Richard Brickhouse – (1969)

* Sam McQuagg – (1966)

* Ray Elder – (1971-72)

* LeeRoy Yarbrough – (1966-67)

* Richard Petty – (1973-77)

* Bobby Allison – (1967, 1969-71)

* Dave Marcis – (1975-76)

* Friend Baker – (1967-68, 1970-73)

* Neil Bonnett – (1977)

* Bobby Isaac – (1968-1972)

NASCAR Drivers Who Drove a Charger During a Championship Season:

* David Pearson (1966)

* Bobby Isaac (1970)

* Richard Petty (1972, 1974, 1975)

WINGED WARS: Sept. 14, one thousand nine hundred sixty nine – Richard Brickhouse’s #99 Nichels Engineering Dodge Charger Daytona (originally to be driven by Charlie Glotzbach) is the very first “winged” stock car to win a NASCAR race. Brickhouse earns his very first and only career victory amid a Professional Drivers Association boycotted Talladega five hundred – the inaugural race at Alabama Int’l Motor Speedway.

200.447 MPH: March 24, one thousand nine hundred seventy – Friend Baker becomes auto racing’s very first driver officially timed completing a closed-course lap at more than two hundred miles per hour. Baker piloted his Cotton Owens possessed #88 Dodge Charger Daytona to a top lap speed of 200.447 mph at Talladega Superspeedway.

(these stats are before the two thousand one season when Dodge returned to the sport)

Last Dodge to run in Winston Cup was #76-Phil Good at Pocono on June 8, 1985

Last Chrysler to run in Winston Cup was #78-Phil Good at Dover on Sept 15, 1985

Last Dodge to win a Winston Cup race was #5-Neil Bonnett at Ontario, CA on Nov 20, 1977

Last Dodge to win a Winston Cup Pole was #5-Neil Bonnett at Bristol, TN in April 1978

Last time a Dodge won the pole at Daytona was by Mate Baker in 1973.

Last Dodge Daytona five hundred victory was by Richard Petty in 1974.

Last time a Dodge competed in the Daytona five hundred was by Rick Baldwin in 1983

NASCAR Manufacturer News Dodge

Dodge News and Links

The fresh two thousand thirteen Dodge Charger. Photo taken by Chris Williams.

Photo posted to Twitter by Doug Rice of Spectacle Racing Network.

The car was never run as Dodge pulled out of the sport not too long after these pictures were taken

Two manufacturers now considering NASCAR: Despite published reports to the contrary, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has not pulled the butt-plug on its program to comeback the Dodge nameplate to NASCAR and is still in talks with the sanctioning bod, a source with skill of the negotiations confided to Kickin’ the Tires. “The story about them pulling out is absolutely, one hundred percent false,” the source said. “They are researching a possible comeback to NASCAR.” Additionally, the source said a 2nd manufacturer has also voiced interest in NASCAR but is in preliminary stages of any talks with the sanctioning figure [More](8-13-2017)

This came as a surprise to Dodge employees at the highest level. But given Marchionne’s revelation, the company did its due diligence, researching what a come back to NASCAR would involve. Company executives met with NASCAR officials more than once, including a meeting at this year’s North American International Auto Showcase. Unluckily for Dodge loyalists, the analysis regarding a come back to the sport demonstrated that it would be too sophisticated and, more importantly, too expensive. Part of the problem would be finding a team with top-tier engine-building capability-and there just aren’t many choices now that the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup series has consolidated engine-building among a handful of teams (Or in Toyota’s case, the company itself.) Dodge would choose to supply the engine specifications and have the engines built by the team, like they were at Penske. But there are minimal options. Also, re-creating the infrastructure to race at NASCAR’s highest level-which Dodge did little by little kicking off with the NASCAR Camping World truck series before injecting the Cup series in two thousand one with the help of then-flush Dodge dealers-would be prohibitively expensive. The bottom line: perhaps the company could afford to come back to NASCAR, as Marchionne suggested, but that doesn’t mean it would make financial sense.(TheDrive)[Read More Here](7-14-2017)

NASCAR talking to fresh manufacturers: NASCAR is in “aggressive conversations” with manufactures to join the sport, Steve O’Donnell told “The Morning Drive” on Monday. “We are aggressively pursuing fresh (manufacturers),” O’Donnell said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio without divulging details. “We want to make sure that they come in similar to how Toyota did and it’s indeed switched the sport. They’ve done a tremendous job and indeed helped the industry.[More](7-10-2017)

Latest on a fresh manufacturer to NASCAR: The rumblings about a fresh manufacturer coming in Cup haven’t quieted since Dodge’s numerous meetings in the offseason with NASCAR. This past weekend, there was garage whirr that 1) Dodge might be moving down the road with a team; and Two) there could be another manufacturer interested.[More](3-13-2017)

Yates thinks Dodge could comeback next season “if they indeed dreamed”: A top NASCAR engine builder said Tuesday morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that Dodge could race the Daytona five hundred in two thousand eighteen “if they indeed desired to be there.” In an interview on “The Morning Drive” with hosts Pete Pistone and Lee Spencer, Roush Yates Engines CEO and president Doug Yates said Dodge retains a relevant for blueprint for a Cup Series engine from five years ago. The manufacturer exited NASCAR after winning the two thousand twelve championship with Brad Keselowski. “Obviously, I’m not as close on the car and other aspects, but from an engine perspective, the engine they had in 2012, we had the same FR9 engines racing then,” Yates said. “Obviously, there (have) been many years of development in inbetween, and they would have some catching up to do, but the base engine is most likely OK.” In December at Daytona International Speedway, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters he thought the Dodge brand (wielded by Chrysler) possibly could come back to NASCAR. Marchionne said he had dinner with NASCAR vice chairman Jim France and International Speedway Corp. CEO Lesa France Kennedy. The Drive reported that NASCAR and Dodge executives met at the Detroit Auto Showcase earlier this month. There are major hurdles to clear for Dodge to come back. Fiat Chrysler could face EPA sanctions for diesel emissions and accompanying massive fines, and its year-over-year U.S. sales for light cars and trucks fell ten percent in December. The manufacturer also would need to either find a fresh or existing team fucking partner and shoulder some massive startup costs.(NBC Sports)(2-1-2017)

Until now, there hasn’t been much news about the possible reconciliation, until now: Monday morning, during the main press day of the North American International Auto Demonstrate (in Detroit), NASCAR and Dodge executives had a private meeting. Among those present was NASCAR President Mike Helton and Tim Kuniskis, whose title is Head of Passenger Car Brands, which includes Dodge. Of course, it could have been a casual how-ya-doing meeting, but given the brutal schedule for all automotive executives on Monday at the Detroit showcase, that seems unlikely.(The Drive)(1-11-2017)

Evernham Supports Dodge Come back: Ray Evernham believes a come back by Dodge to NASCAR competition would be good for the sport. Earlier this month at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Daytona International Speedway, officials from the manufacturer hinted in latest days that Chrysler was considering coming back to NASCAR racing after stepping away in 2012. The possibility triggered much hum around the NASCAR world including with Evernham, who fielded a two car Cup team inbetween 2001-2007 before departing as a team holder. After Evernham closed his doors, Dodge continued in the sport until the end of the two thousand twelve season when the manufacturer’s business challenges coerced an exit from NASCAR competition. If Dodge were to come back, Evernham believes it would be a good thing for NASCAR. “To me the more manufacturers that come in it shows that NASCAR can provide a global environment, a global chance for any manufacturer,” Evernham said. “Hopefully Dodge will come back again. You can’t fault them because they had financial issues. The fact that they are looking to come back says they never truly wished to leave. The more manufacturers that put money into this sport and make our racing economy better, if you will, is better for everybody.” Albeit Evernham remains proud of the effort his team gave under the Dodge umbrella and wishes success to a future should the manufacturer come back to NASCAR. “There isn’t anything better for NASCAR to remain healthy and grow stronger than participation from the automobile manufacturers,” he said. “Dodge has a long history in the sport and I’m sure they’d like nothing more than to be able to come back and add to that history. I’m hoping it happens.”(Motor Racing Network)(12-23-2016)

Dodge talking to NASCAR about returning UPDATE2: Sergio Marchionne, who is the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said he spoke with NASCAR vice-chairman Jim France and International Speedway Inc. CEO Lesa France Kennedy about the comeback of Dodge to the stock-car series. The three had dinner Saturday night during the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Daytona International Speedway. Marchionne, who is also CEO of Ferrari, was in town for the Ferrari-only World Finals and Sunday’s Formula One exhibition. Asked about the comeback to NASCAR, Marchionne said, “Yes,” then explained it. “I talked to Jim France about this (Saturday) night,” he said. “I was the one who made the decision to pull out of NASCAR. I am the guilty party at the table. In 2009, we came out bankruptcy and attempted to race NASCAR (but) with the big bills and make payroll was a open up. We are in a different place now. I think it is possible we can come back to NASCAR. I think we need to find the right way to come back in, but I agreed with both Jim and Lesa we would come back to the issue.” France confirmed that he had spoken to Marchionne about bringing Dodge back into NASCAR’s top series.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-4-2016)

UPDATE: NASCAR vice president of marketing and communications David Higdon commented: “There is enhancing excitement around NASCAR. We proceed to have on-going dialogue with a number of auto manufacturers about their interest in joining our sport. We look forward to exploration with them on this topic.”(12-5-2016)

France discusses thrilling embark to two thousand sixteen season, fresh manufacturer coming? After two photo finishes and a bevy of side-by-side racing to begin the two thousand sixteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France joined SiriusXM Speedway host Dave Moody on Friday to discuss the early-season comebacks on the fresh aero package employed in the sport’s top series. “Well it’s off to a truly good embark obviously,” France said. “It’s not a situation where we’re willing to say everything is ideal because we’re always searching for terrific things on the racetrack. The low downforce [package], in combination with Goodyear producing a indeed good tire to match up to that, has given the drivers more of what they want and they’re putting on one heck of a race.”

The two thousand sixteen season opened with Denny Hamlin capturing the Daytona five hundred by a scant .010 seconds over Martin Truex Jr. That finish was followed by a race at Atlanta Motor Speedway – the very first with the fresh lower downforce aero package – that witnessed a record number of green flag passes for the lead (44). And last Sunday in Phoenix, Kevin Harvick edged Carl Edwards to the finish line by the identical Daytona margin of victory of .010 seconds. But it was the end-of-race, sheet-metal crushing aggression displayed by both Harvick and Edwards at the end of the race that most struck France.

“You’ve heard me say many, many times, that’s classic NASCAR racing when that happens,” France said of the contact made inbetween Harvick and Edwards at the close of Sunday’s race. “But it’s interesting to note that not all the drivers that we have, present or past, would have made the moves that Carl Edwards attempted to do to get around Harvick. Harvick did a good job. They both did a excellent job. But that’s classic NASCAR. We expect that.”

In the wide-ranging twelve minute interview, France also touched on the potential of fresh manufacturers coming in the sport, joining the current stable of Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

“There is some interest, and by a duo of different manufacturers and we would be open to that in the right conditions,” France said. “I think a lot of the car companies are understandably looking at the terrific job that Toyota has done by partnering with NASCAR and the success and all the things that comes along with that. They’ve been an incredible success story for a car manufacturer looking to come into a sport that’s very difficult to come in, challenge and win every weekend. But there’s an interest. And this is obviously the fattest chance in auto racing in North America.”(NASCAR Wire Service)(3-19-2016)

Dodge not planning come back to NASCAR anytime soon: It’s the question all Dodge stock-car fans want to know: When will the manufacturer comeback to NASCAR? Not in 2014, that’s for sure. While Dodge proceeds to discuss stock-car racing, according to Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, “the timing isn’t right.” But Gilles is well aware that stock-car enthusiasts miss the Dodge brand in NASCAR’s garages so never say never. “We haven’t forgotten about NASCAR,” Gilles told FOX Sports on Friday. “We have a lot of pressure on our capital right now. The Dodge brand has a fresh chief (Timothy Kuniskis, president and CEO of Dodge Brand), right? He’s an enthusiast. He wields a Charger himself, it’s his daily drive. He has an older one and a fresh one. He gets it. He understands. But timing is everything. To get back in the sport is not an insignificant investment. It’s something that we’ve said no to. This year is out of the question, but the future, anything could happen. The fans want us back, so we’ll see.”(FoxSports)(1-25-2014)

Dodge heading back to NASCAR soon? UPDATE two denied: Ray Alexander, on mitt for the LX-centric Spring Festival 8, reported that Ralph Gilles told him that NASCAR funding has been approved, and that Chrysler is talking to teams. While no details can be provided, because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, this is the very first time a Chrysler official has confirmed that the company is working on a NASCAR re-entry. Last month, Mr. Gilles told Allpar in Fresh York, in response to a question about NASCAR, “Oh my God, I can’t talk about that right now. No comment on that.” Chrysler’s come back to NASCAR presumably remains contingent on being able to sign up competitive drivers and support team (e.g. car and engine builders).(allpar.com)(4-22-2013)

UPDATE: allpar.com has added an update to this post: While it emerges that Ralph Gilles did speak with Ray on this topic, there was a misunderstanding as to the context. Mr. Gilles emerges to have been referring to why Dodge pulled out of NASCAR, and was essentially telling that it was not a funding issue – the funding had been approved, but there were other issues. At this time we are awaiting clarification from Chrysler, but it shows up that Chrysler had the money earmarked for another NASCAR run but lost key personnel such as engine builders and top-tier teams.(4-22-2013)

Dodge not expected back soon: Don’t look for NASCAR to add a fresh manufacturer anytime soon. Vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said during Friday’s “Gen 6” test at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he doesn’t anticipate another manufacturer joining Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota in the “foreseeable future . the next year or two.” Dodge pulled out of the sport after winning the championship last season with Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing, which moved to Ford in 2013. There has been speculation that Dodge might come back in 2014, possibly with a premier team such as Richard Childress Racing that has fallen to third among organizations in the Chevrolet fleet. Pemberton said the governing bod periodically gets “cold calls” from potential manufacturers, but none that emerge ready to join the sport in the next few years.(ESPN)(1-20-2013)

Dodge and RCR? What’s it going to take to get Dodge Motorsports interested in NASCAR again? How about an organization such as Richard Childress Racing? One of the reasons cited for Dodge’s departure from NASCAR at the end of the two thousand twelve season was the inability to secure an organization equal to Penske Racing’s stature. Albeit Dodge representatives flirted with Furniture Row Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports and Andretti Racing, nothing materialized from the meetings. However, what if Dodge could secure an organization that boasts six Cup titles, three Nationwide Series championships and two Truck titles? “I haven’t talk to anybody,” team proprietor Richard Childress said on Friday. “No one has approached me yet.” Still, the rumor persists.(FoxSports)(1-12-2013)

Dodge hopes to come back to NASCAR: The chief of Dodge Motorsports is hopeful that the manufacturer will comeback to NASCAR in the not too distant future. “Going forward, we’re going to take the year off, evaluate the potential,” Ralph Gilles told ESPN.com after a panel discussion on the future of motorsports at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association Display. “We also did a lot of data mining. Part of the issue our management team desired was, what are we truly getting out of NASCAR? We only have two cars out of a hefty field. Are we getting our money’s worth? Ironically, this year we got beyond our money’s worth. How you can replicate that? I don’t know. That’s what we’re looking at right now.” The matter of returning to the sport, whether that is in two thousand fourteen or another year in the near future, is finding an organization as strong and viable as Penske Racing. The lack of such a team left Dodge with little option but to pull out in 2013. “The Dodge brand is interested,” Gilles said of a comeback. “It would be hard to substitute Roger [Penske], because Roger has a long-term deal with Ford. The capacity isn’t there to have that right now. It’s going to be raunchy, but we’ll have to look at it.” Gilles said the stir toward more brand identity with the two thousand thirteen car could help expedite [Dodge’s comeback].(ESPN)(11-1-2012)

UPDATE: SRT Motorsports announced that Dodge will withdraw from NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the two thousand twelve season. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, made the announcement during a media teleconference call. The decision affects current involvement in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Penske Racing presently fields two Dodge Charger cars in the Sprint Cup Series and two Dodge Challenger cars in the Nationwide Series. Penske Racing announced in February that it would end its partnership with Dodge, which commenced in 2003, at the end of the two thousand twelve season.

“It’s an enormously difficult decision to know that we won’t be there for our fans next season,” Gilles added. “It’s significant to note that we have not lost concentrate on two thousand twelve or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season.” Keselowski presently is seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings and has three wins in his quest to make the 12-driver Pursue field for the 2nd consecutive year. In Nationwide Series competition, Sam Hornish Jr. is locked in a four-way battle for the season championship.(SRT Motorsports)

Transcript: see a total interview/Q&A transcript from Ralph Gilles, President & CEO, Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports at srtmotorsports.com.(8-7-2012)

UPDATE2 – Statement From Brian France about the Departure Of Dodge from NASCAR: “Dodge has been a excellent playmate to NASCAR for many years, and they have been part of numerous memorable moments via our history,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “They made a business decision not to come back in 2013, as they did in one thousand nine hundred seventy seven before returning in 2001. We wish them well and hope they again will choose to comeback to NASCAR at a later date. Our fans have a passion for cars and emotional connections to particular manufacturers, and that’s why in two thousand thirteen we will debut fresh race car designs that are modeled after each manufacturer’s production cars. This switch is a direct result of feedback from our fans, who are the most brand loyal in all of sports.”(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(8-7-2012)

Some past stats and notes on Dodge

Dodge Charger Historical Facts

Dodge Charger in NASCAR: 1966-1977

Total Dodge Charger Wins: one hundred twenty four (six earned in winged Charger Daytonas)

Most Charger Wins by a Driver:

* Richard Petty – 37

* Bobby Isaac – 36

* David Pearson – 17

Drivers Who Won in a Dodge Charger:

* Earl Balmer – (1966)

* Charlie Glotzbach – (1968, 1970)

* David Pearson – (1966-67)

* Richard Brickhouse – (1969)

* Sam McQuagg – (1966)

* Ray Elder – (1971-72)

* LeeRoy Yarbrough – (1966-67)

* Richard Petty – (1973-77)

* Bobby Allison – (1967, 1969-71)

* Dave Marcis – (1975-76)

* Pal Baker – (1967-68, 1970-73)

* Neil Bonnett – (1977)

* Bobby Isaac – (1968-1972)

NASCAR Drivers Who Drove a Charger During a Championship Season:

* David Pearson (1966)

* Bobby Isaac (1970)

* Richard Petty (1972, 1974, 1975)

200.447 MPH: March 24, one thousand nine hundred seventy – Mate Baker becomes auto racing’s very first driver officially timed completing a closed-course lap at more than two hundred miles per hour. Baker piloted his Cotton Owens possessed #88 Dodge Charger Daytona to a top lap speed of 200.447 mph at Talladega Superspeedway.