The 2013 Dodge NASCAR entry (r) sits alongside the street version of the Dodge Charger.
Despite the loss of its primary NASCAR team, Dodge is moving ahead with plans for the 2013 Sprint Cup Series by unveiling its new Charger race car.
Exactly who will be campaigning for Dodge remains to be seen, however, following the surprise news that Roger Penske will shift his operations to Ford next year. The Detroit motor sports legend has promised to finish out this season with Dodge, however.
Ironically, the new NASCAR Charger bears a significant imprint from Penske racing, which played a significant role in its development. The new race car replaces the Challenger that Dodge had run in the Spring Cup Series since 2009.
“This endeavor,” said Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Group’s design chief and the president of its SRT Brand Motorsports, “embodies many of the design features of the street version into the race car. We’re extremely proud that the Dodge Charger street car is the only rear-wheel-drive model in Sprint Cup competition that is available with a V8 engine.”
The governing body of America’s most popular motor sports series has adopted a number of rules intended to improve safety, especially in the wake of the death of driver Dale Earnhardt a decade ago. But NASCAR had taken some criticism for restrictions that made its entries look all but identical save for the decals. The shift to a Charger-based design reflects NASCAR’s decision to ease up on some of its rules, allowing more flexibility with the shape of the “greenhouse,” or upper vehicle body.
“The race fans delivered a clear message,” said Gilles. “NASCAR listened. We went to work, following the guidelines established for all manufacturers by NASCAR. The Dodge Charger revealed today validates our resolve to deliver a product that will be easily identifiable on the track without compromise in the area of competition.”
Dodge sat the new NASCAR Charger alongside the street version to underscore the similarity of the two vehicles. That could be significant in maintaining fan loyalty. Automakers have long lived by the adage, “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday,” but some analysts have questioned the value of motorsports where there’s a limited visual link between the cars on the track and those in the showroom.
The decision by Penske to bolt for Ford appeared to take everyone – including Dodge – by surprise. While some have questioned whether the Chrysler Group brand will remain in the Sprint Cup Series, Gilles has said Dodge is firmly committed.
It has not lined up a replacement team, however, though it is apparently holding a number of conversations and hopes to have an answer later in the 2012 season.