Nascar Nation---is Dodge really leaving NASCAR?

Question

I keep hearing rumors that Dodge is pulling out of NASCAR maybe as soon as next season. Do you think that this rumor is true? I know they have already slashed their Truck program down to next to nothing...could Nationwide be next? Or Nationwide and CUP?

Tell me what you think! Would this be overall positive or negative for CUP? Do you think HONDA is on the horizon?

Answer 1

I think this rumor was squashed, Dodge plans on remaining in Nascar, especially for next season. I wouldn't mind Elliott being in a Chevy though.

Answer 2

I hope that Dodge will remind in nascar since it a very good car just like the chevys. i really didnt want to see toyota in nascar but i think a few years down the road... toyota will not do that well and i dont think that honda will be in the horizon either.

Answer 3

i heard something like that. but don't think it will be for a couple years if they do. and nascar needs to start a series over seas some where and the of all other car compaines and the chase should have all the top ten from each series race the he world cup. and give a cup for winners of the series.

Answer 4

i don't think it will be that soon, but with influx of import auto makers i wouldn't be surprised to see all three american companies out in the near future. the cot sets them up to go the same route as indy cars in the future, all the same so why put different names on them.

Answer 5

Even though I asked the "What if" question a few days ago, I doubt Dodge is going anywhere.  However, if I were them, I'd be working my rear end off to get their teams more competitive.  We know from the dynos that it's not that the engines aren't cranking.  Dodge could really use some talent behind their wheels.  Considering Newman is defecting for Chevrolet, who do they REALLY have other than Kurt and Kasey?

However, I do think Honda is on the horizon... give it two or three years.

Answer 6

This is new to me! I have not heard this rumor.

Answer 7

This rumor has been around for a few years now.  Dodge keeps saying they are staying.  Its just another form of advertising for them and considering the number of people who watch NASCAR its not outrageously expensive.

Honda has even less business being in NASCAR than Toyota.  They don't make a truck (the Ridgeline is closer related to a car than a truck) or a V8.  I hope NASCAR doesn't sell out more.  Its an American series and it should be for American cars.

Answer 8

they can trade Dodge for Honda

they can trade Ford for Nissan

they can trade Chevrolet for Mitsubishi

they can send NASCAR to Japan and call it something else, and they can start all over and make a new sport dedicated to Americans

And like dude above me said, now that Toyota has entered NASCAR, they don't appeal to us anymore. I just bought a new Dodge

MoPar rules!

Answer 9

I don't see them pulling out of NASCAR. By just being in NASCAR, Dodge is gaining excellent advertising time.

Answer 10

have not heard that but since toyota came in they arent as appealing to owners

Answer 11

Yep, I think Honda is out there lurking...it's only a matter of time.  But, these articles don't sound like Dodge is going anywhere:

Dodge is moving closer to running its new engine in a Sprint Cup race. Tommy Wheeler, engineering services director for Gillett Evernham Motorsports, says he hopes to begin extensive track testing next month with the goal of having the engine debut sometime during the Chase in a Dodge car not competing for the title. Wheeler said he'd like to see the new engine used in at least five races this season before all Dodge teams begin using it next year.(Roanoke Times)(7-10-2008).

and:

Dodge re-ups with Penske and Ganassi: Dodge executives have taken team owners Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi out of the Toyota equation by signing new contracts with the two. That keeps Dodge with a four-team lineup, including Petty Enterprises and Gillett-Evernham. When Toyota first announced its NASCAR plans, there was considerable speculation that both Penske and Ganassi would eventually switch.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2008).

There are some interesting articles here from the last year.

*HEXX*

Answer 12

I think they have too much $$$ into development of the current teams they have.

I have not heard anything about them pulling out.

Answer 13

I REMEMBERING HEARING ABOUT IT . 3 YEARS AGO.

RUMOR .  

Answer 14

I haven't heard. I wonder what Gillette Evernham and Penske etc will switch to? Hmmm.    Well that certainly will be a change but not for a good one.  Kasey did get a win this year plus the All Star race and Kurt B got a win as did Ryan.  Maybe won 4 races this year? They are stuggling.

Answer 15

Heard nothing of Dodge pulling out, even though they don't seem to be "in" this year anyway. Yes, I think Honda is on the horizon.