A Nascar Nationwide Series race car is a far cry from the “stock car” image that made NASCAR popular in the early era of the sport, but with the introduction of the new Challenger body from Dodge, the NNS cars are closer to resembling actual production vehicles. On October 30, Dodge Motorsports rolled out their cool new Dodge Challenger stock car.
Mind you, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with a rear wheel drive V8 powered ‘stock car’ based on the ultra vanilla Dodge Avenger sedan, but this new Challenger NNS car is a refreshing change from what we have been looking at for the last 10 or so years – and the same is true of Ford’s new Mustang stock car.
This picture only gives you an idea of what the grille area of the new Dodge Challenger stock car looks like, but with the front end being the only real noticable change to the new Dodge NNS car, this is the only shot we need.
Personally, I think that it is fantastic that both Dodge and Ford have ponied up with NNS cars based on the popular Challenger and Mustang models, and it really makes me wonder why Chevy is so late to the party. You would think that with the insane popularity of the Camaro, GM would be quick to get a new front end for their NNS cars, but as of right now it appears as though Chevrolet will continue to send out the Impala and Toyota will still send out their boring Camry – as Toyota doesn’ have a respectible sports car and the mere fact that NASCAR has let them into the series shows how bad its really gotten, but that is a whole different argument.
There are looming rumors about big names from the Dodge camp jumping to other brands, but perhaps this sexy new Challenger stock car will give some incentive for NNS drivers to fly the Dodge flag. Hopefully these far more realistic looking front fascias provide good enough aerodynamics to make their way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, as the new Challenger and Mustang stock cars are a big improvement from the bland, boring “car of the future” used by the big boys of NASCAR right now.
This announcement and debut from Dodge comes less than a week before the 2009 SEMA Show, and with Mopar covering some 15,000 square feet of the show, perhaps I will get a good look at this new Challenger in person next week!
Stay tuned to the Detroit Autos Examiner for 2009 SEMA Show coverage, as well as future breaking automotive news!
(Photo courtesy of Dodge Motorsports)
The Official press release from Dodge Motorsports:
TALLADEGA, Ala. (Friday, Oct. 30, 2009) – Dodge Motorsports today revealed the Dodge Challenger as the “New Car” for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. 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 St Cup Series.
“As the performance brand of our new company, 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, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand. “Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand’s legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year.”
Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four “New Car” races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July. At the other 31 events that complete the 35-race season, Penske Racing will field Dodge Chargers as it did this season with the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger driven by Justin Allgaier. NASCAR is expecting full integration of the “New Car” in 2011.
Joining Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.
“Today’s announcement further reinforces our relationship and commitment to Dodge Motorsports, and we are excited about our future with this great brand,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. “We believe Dodge’s relationship with Penske Racing will continue to elevate and highlight both our brands and deliver value to Dodge enthusiasts.”
Allgaier, in his rookie season in the Nationwide Series, is currently fifth in the season point standings and the leader among Rookie of the Year candidates.
“Penske Racing has a very successful relationship with the Dodge brand,” commented Allgaier. “I am honored to be one of Dodge Motorsport’s drivers and to be able to drive the new Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is going to be awesome. The car looks great and will give the Nationwide Series its own identity.”
2010 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology—to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The two-door coupe accommodates up to five passengers and is produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI® V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway miles per gallon, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities, it’s no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates "Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car" in its 2009 APEAL Study.
"The Dodge Challenger has proven to be one of the most sought after high-performance vehicles on the street today," said Dave Bailey, Senior Manager of Motorsports Engineering and SRT Body, Interior and Electrical. "Sharing our consumer’s passion for performance through the race version of our Dodge Challenger will continue to showcase the unique engineering brought to our race and production vehicles."
odge will continue its support of Penske Racing’s three-car operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Keselowski.
The No. 12 Dodge Challenger will take part in Monday’s NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for the “new cars” with Allgaier driving.
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