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 Sprint 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.”
