Posts

Fired up: Dodge Motorsports Expands Penske Partnership for 2010

by Scott Anderson

October 30, 2009 8:53 PM

Penske Racing's Justin Allgaier, Driver of the No. 12 Verizon Dodge Challenger (left), and Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing (right), introduce the 2010 NNS Dodge Challenger at Talladega Superspeedway

B-A-D.

It’s another way to spell the 2010 Dodge Challenger revealed by Dodge Motorsports as the “New Car” for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. At the same time, Dodge Motorsports will expand its partnership with Penske Racing starting in 2010, which is sure to delight more than a few NASCAR fans.

Here’s the skinny: 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. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand said the partnership is an exciting one for Dodge, the performance brand of the new company.

“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,” Gilles said.

Penske Racing plans to slot two teams, both of which will run 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.

Dodge 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.

Tags: Motorsports

Comments [4]

Permalink

4 Comments

bobby68 Nov 2, 2009, 8:34 AM

Is dodge still going to have another team{kasey kane #9} he gives dodge great boost

bill Nov 2, 2009, 8:34 AM

It's great to see the commitment to Penske, but the loss of Petty is tragic. Sometimes both parties need to get beyond dollars and cents and follow their heart. Whatever happend to make this happen still needs to be explained to Dodge fans. Secondly, to field just one team makes it almost numerically impossible for Dodge to be competitive. Dodge needs to seek out another competitive team and make them a super offer and build them up as fast as possible. The Challenger looks great and I'd like to see NASCAR get back to brand different, stock appearing cars. The loss of interest in NASCAR could be the COT, Toyota and Dodge shrinking numbers.

bill Nov 2, 2009, 11:25 AM

Sorry Bobby68 but Khane is part of the Petty team and he and his Budwieser sponsorship will be racing in Fords next year. As I stated this was one big negotiating blunder by both parties that has led to the loss of Petty and his whole team. I suspect Chrysler had reasons for this decision, but I believe it was more than money and my involve ownership interests. Hope Dodge gives fans some explaination.