So-called pony cars in Nationwide Series sounding less likely...
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So-called pony cars in Nationwide Series sounding less likely...
So-called pony cars in Nationwide Series sounding less likely
The idea of the Nationwide Series going to pony cars in 2009 may be waning.
Brent Dewar, General Motors' vice president of sales, said Chevrolet will not use a Camaro body style in the series next year.
"We'll make an announcement later in the year of which brand we'll pick," Dewar said Sunday. "But it won't be Camaro, for sure.
"We're looking at that right now. We'll be making a decision shortly. We're working with NASCAR to get more brand differentiation on the vehicles."
The Nationwide Series will use many aspects of the new Cup car, formerly the Car of Tomorrow, next season. Speculation was that the series might try to separate itself from the Cup series by switching to different models.
That still may happen, but it could be something other than pony cars.
Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, hinted earlier this year that Ford would not use the Mustang body in the Nationwide Series.
"The [Mustang] sells itself," Davis said in February. "If you've got a car that's sold out, every one of them you make is sold, why would you spend extra money, time and effort to build up the brand?
"What you try to do is get the vehicles out there that may not be as well known and put those nameplates in front of the consumer."
Ford does use the Mustang identity for its NHRA Funny Car entries at John Force Racing.
Dewar doesn't think the sports-car concept works with the new NASCAR car where the body design is virtually the same for all four manufacturers.
"We've got a very iconic design with our Corvettes and Camaros," Dewar said. "Based on the way the formula works here, we're not going to compromise our brand integrity."
-- Terry Blount
The idea of the Nationwide Series going to pony cars in 2009 may be waning.
Brent Dewar, General Motors' vice president of sales, said Chevrolet will not use a Camaro body style in the series next year.
"We'll make an announcement later in the year of which brand we'll pick," Dewar said Sunday. "But it won't be Camaro, for sure.
"We're looking at that right now. We'll be making a decision shortly. We're working with NASCAR to get more brand differentiation on the vehicles."
The Nationwide Series will use many aspects of the new Cup car, formerly the Car of Tomorrow, next season. Speculation was that the series might try to separate itself from the Cup series by switching to different models.
That still may happen, but it could be something other than pony cars.
Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, hinted earlier this year that Ford would not use the Mustang body in the Nationwide Series.
"The [Mustang] sells itself," Davis said in February. "If you've got a car that's sold out, every one of them you make is sold, why would you spend extra money, time and effort to build up the brand?
"What you try to do is get the vehicles out there that may not be as well known and put those nameplates in front of the consumer."
Ford does use the Mustang identity for its NHRA Funny Car entries at John Force Racing.
Dewar doesn't think the sports-car concept works with the new NASCAR car where the body design is virtually the same for all four manufacturers.
"We've got a very iconic design with our Corvettes and Camaros," Dewar said. "Based on the way the formula works here, we're not going to compromise our brand integrity."
-- Terry Blount
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From: FL/MI
Thanks for finding this and posting it Doug. I was a Sebring a few weeks ago with 2 of the Speed World Challenge teams that run Corvettes. As one of the teams also runs in the NASCAR Nationwide series, the subject of the Camaro/Mustang/Challenger cars being considered for the series.
What is mentioned in the statement you post are important reasons why it's not going to happen.
Another reason is the cars would not look "right" given the wheelbase and dimensions NASCAR intends to dictate for their "under card" series. I am not the least bit surprised the manufacturers are unwilling to devote engineering money and advise if the end result will look strange...
Also, I think Toyota wouldn't have anything to bring to the party, and NASCAR doesn't benefit without the participation of all the players.
What is mentioned in the statement you post are important reasons why it's not going to happen.
Another reason is the cars would not look "right" given the wheelbase and dimensions NASCAR intends to dictate for their "under card" series. I am not the least bit surprised the manufacturers are unwilling to devote engineering money and advise if the end result will look strange...
Also, I think Toyota wouldn't have anything to bring to the party, and NASCAR doesn't benefit without the participation of all the players.
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From: SeVa
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From: Greenville, SC
As stated above, Toyota now owns a large portion of NASCAR 
If Toyota can't play, then no one else can either!
In all seriousness, I'm glad this isn't happening, the Camaro can turn right!
And finally..... IS ANYONE REALLY SURPRISED THIS ISN'T HAPPENING?
If Toyota can't play, then no one else can either! In all seriousness, I'm glad this isn't happening, the Camaro can turn right!
And finally..... IS ANYONE REALLY SURPRISED THIS ISN'T HAPPENING?
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From: Springfield,OH. U.S.A.
Originally Posted by skorpion317
How about they use REAL cars, instead of generic body shells with stickers on them? And modified production engines?
NASCAR blows.
How about they use REAL cars, instead of generic body shells with stickers on them? And modified production engines?
NASCAR blows.
Bring back "stock car" racing and retire NASCAR...
Who cares about a bunch of tube chassis, generic, cars with tons of "sold" advertising stickers!
Advertise on billboards and banners, lets see some clean, mean, stock chassis cars.
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