Chevy Racing News

General Motors NASCAR News

Updated: 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

Chevrolet clinches Manufacturers' title: Tony Stewart's victory of the Price Chopper 400 at Kansas Speedway clinched the 2009 Manufacturers' Championship for Chevrolet in NASCAR's premier division. With seven races left on the 2009 Sprint Cup tour, Chevrolet has now collected its 33rd Manufacturers' crown, the most ever by any automobile manufacturer in the sport. The Manufacturers' Cup has debuted in 1950. It is presented to the automobile manufacturer whose current models in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition earn the most points for a win (9 points), second (6 points), third (4 points), or fourth-best (3 points) finish. A manufacturer earns the points in relation to how the other manufacturers finish. Five different Impala SS drivers have contributed to the 15 victories thus far this year to bring Chevrolet this honor. Team Chevy drivers who have posted wins during the season to date include Mark Martin (5), Jimmie Johnson (4), Tony Stewart (4), Jeff Gordon (1), and Brad Keselowski (1). Additionally, top finishes by Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, and Juan Pablo Montoya have given Chevrolet the points required to claim this title. This marks Team Chevy's seventh consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Manufacturers' title for the Bowtie Brigade.(Chevy Racing).

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009

Chevrolet boss pledges continued support for NASCAR: Chevrolet is in NASCAR to stay, according to Brent Dewar, the new head of General Motors' Chevrolet division, who was at AMS on Saturday to assure his teams and drivers that he was solidly behind them. Although spending cuts have been made because of the automaker's poor financial condition, Dewar said he hoped to maintain the current level of participation at least through 2010 and planned to keep his stable of teams and drivers at the current level. And he said he hoped to be able to spend more in 2011 and beyond when car sales and profits are expected to increase. "We've been in [racing] from the beginning, and we're in it for the long haul," Dewar said. He said that although dealer inventories are at all-time lows and potential buyers are dealing with credit challenges, he still believes in "race on Sunday, sell on Monday." He also said his company still gets a return on its NASCAR investment, and that the Cup series returns far more for the dollars than the Nationwide and truck series.(Racin' Today)

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

President Obama: NASCAR can help with American Automakers' recovery: President Obama said it was important for the Big 3 American automakers to remain in NASCAR but said it is "understandable" that they would cut back their sponsorships during tough economic times. "It's about as good advertising as you can get," Obama said of the auto companies' NASCAR sponsorship. "If somebody's excited about NASCAR, that means their excited about cars. We want to make sure people know what great American cars are." The president was optimistic about the future of the American auto industry and the role NASCAR can play. "Over the long term if you look 5, 10 years out I think they're going to come back stronger than ever and I think their association with NASCAR makes a great difference," he said. (ABC News)

Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

Keselowski visits GM plant: Brad Keselowski, the Rochester Hills native swapped rides at the General Motors Orion Assembly plant in Lake Orion and hit every bump on the squeak-and-rattle test track in a shiny new black Chevy Malibu. "I'm one person who can test a car," said Keselowski, 25, who drives a restricted Cup schedule for Hendrick Motorsports and a full Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. "I'm a professional at breaking things." Keselowski, followed by a film crew from ESPN, was a guest for the day at the plant, which builds the Malibu and Pontiac G6, and employs more than 3,000 workers. During his stay, Keselowski, who grew up a few miles from the facility, met with salaried and hourly workers and signed autographs. He also got his hands dirty, joining workers on the assembly line installing windshields and programming robotic spot welders that make the machines in the movie "Transformers" look old school. (Detroit Free Press)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

GM ends sponsorship deals with speedways, drivers and teams: GM obtained court permission Monday to end 56 promotional contracts. Caught in the pile up were 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman, 2007 Nationwide Series co-champion Jeff Burton and NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace. The sponsorships were among the contracts left with the “old” GM to be wound down in bankruptcy. The auto maker, which emerged from bankruptcy protection last week, used its spin around the Chapter 11 track to eliminate hundreds of costly contracts, including dozens of sponsorship deals. With the cancelation of Burton’s “personal service” contract, the driver will no longer make personal appearances and perform other duties on behalf of GM, but he will continue to drive a Chevrolet in NASCAR events, said David Hart, spokesman for Richard Childress Racing, Burton’s team. The two other teams did not responded to requests for comment. GM canceled its “motorsport sponsorship agreement” with Wallace’s RWI Racing LLC and its “sponsorship services agreement” with Ryan Newman Motorsports Inc. but did not detail the nature of those deals. Newman is driving the “U.S. Army” No. 39 Chevrolet Impala SS this season, after winning Daytona last year in a Dodge. GM also scraped deals with five race tracks, including Daytona International Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the auto maker gave up suites, pit passes and parking permits. (Wall Street Journal)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

EGR to Toyota? Possible JGR alliance? Once Martin Truex Jr. announces that he's driving for Michael Waltrip Racing next month, where does that leave Earnhardt Ganassi Racing? With Juan Pablo Montoya. But after GM dramatically reduced its assistance to EGR last week, is now the time that Chip Ganassi bolts to Toyota? One hot rumor swirling around the garage was a partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing to run Montoya in a fourth car similar to the situation that Marcos Ambrose has with MWR. On Sunday, JGR president J.D. Gibbs said, "No, no, no...," but the guess is his bottom line could say "yes".(FOXSports.com)

RCR denies report of lawsuit against GM: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing regarding allegations that RCR has filed a lawsuit against General Motors: “I would like to set the record straight that RCR has NOT filed a lawsuit against General Motors and I do not appreciate anyone suggesting otherwise. As is standard practice in bankruptcy proceedings, RCR has made a filing which is common among creditors in these situations. As previously stated as recently as this past weekend in Sonoma, RCR is proud to be associated with General Motors and we are working closely with them during these difficult economic times.” (RCR PR)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Richard Childress statement regarding General Motors: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, regarding cutbacks by General Motors: “Richard Childress Racing is proud to be associated with General Motors and Chevrolet. I’ve been driving Chevys since I ran a Camaro in Talladega’s first Cup race in 1969 and I look forward to continuing that relationship. I’ve been fortunate to see some of the great new products General Motors has to offer, vehicles with great fuel mileage and styling. I’ve recently purchased a new Corvette and a Camaro and they’re two of the finest cars I’ve ever driven. RCR is honored to help showcase GM products to help sell them in the dealerships. These difficult economic times have forced all of us to evaluate our budgets closer than ever but I can assure you that this will not affect our competition on the track.”(RCR PR)

An insight into much GM pays Sprint Cup teams: While no one is saying how much General Motors is cutting its financial support from teams, at least one court document puts a price tag on it. Try $2,538,750. And that's to one Cup team. A court document shows that GM was to have paid RCR Enterprises, LLC (i.e. Richard Childress Racing) that amount on June 15. Childress spoke Friday at Infineon Raceway about the GM situation. Asked if he received his June 15 payment from GM, Childress said: "That's kind of personal. I didn't ask you if you got your paycheck this week.'' If nothing else, that gives you a sense of some of the money that's out there and involved in this sport. Childress would not reveal what kind of cutbacks GM is making with his team. Asked if he would have to lay anyone off, Childress said: "I don't know really what all is going to happen. We're going to have to make cuts like everybody in the sport or in business. We don't want to cut performance. For sure, we're not going to cut performance. We'll cut a lot of other things before that.'' (Virginian-Pilot)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

GM cutting Sprint Cup support: General Motors will reduce its financial support in the Sprint Cup series, officials from several Chevrolet teams confirmed on Wednesday. Hendrick Motorsports, Stewart Haas Racing, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Richard Childress Racing officials said they have been asked to participate in cutbacks by the U.S. auto manufacturer that recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Officials did not say how large the cuts would be. "We had very productive conversations this week with the folks at General Motors, and it's clear they are committed to racing and committed to our organization," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports in a statement. "They've asked us for some help, and we're going to give it to them. We're proud to be a Chevy team, and we will do our part to support the new GM both on and off the racetrack." Tony Stewart, the co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing and Sprint Cup point leader, echoed Hendrick's sentiments. "We have been, and will continue to be, strong supporters of GM and its Chevrolet brand," he said. "These are tough times for our auto industry, and in light of what's happening to them and how it affects all the people who make a living building and selling cars and trucks, the sacrifices we'll have to make as a race team are pretty weak in comparison. We believe in the products GM has now and in the products they're building for the future. We're proud to carry the Chevy bowtie on the hoods of our racecars, and we support GM in this time of uncertainty because we know they'll be an even stronger company in the years to come." Stewart said the cutbacks will force teams to review their budgets, but "it will not impact our preparation for the track or the return on investment we provide for our partners." The cutbacks come a week after GM cut all support from its Nationwide Series and Truck Series teams.(ESPN.com)

Friday, June 12, 2009

NASCAR uncertain of GM's future in sport: A statement provided to the Free Press from a Chevrolet motorsports spokesman at the track did not confirm or deny the auto manufacturers’ future plans in the series. It said: “Chevrolet’s involvement in racing is a sound business decision that translates into the sale of cars and trucks. It is essential, however, that we continue to look at every penny we spend as General Motors takes the necessary steps to become a leaner company with a significantly stronger balance sheet. “While Chevy racing is talking to its business partners about ways to reduce cost and maximize the return of investment, it is our policy not to talk about the details of business relationships with our partners.” NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter spoke to the Free Press on today’s rumors. “It’s not secret GM is going through serious restructuring,” said Hunter. “How it will affect NASCAR — we don’t know. I would expect you’ll still see Chevys (in the series) on the race track. In the short-term, we don’t expect it to have serious effects; in the long-term, NASCAR doesn’t have answers to that." It is believed GM will also review its relationship with their Sprint Cup teams next week as the company continues to look at its involvement in NASCAR. (Detroit Free Press)

GM cuts will be "NASCAR-wide": General Motors is planning to cut back on its support of NASCAR teams in all of the sanctioning body's professional series. Chevrolet spokesman Terry Rhadigan says GM, which is reorganizing through bankruptcy, is discussing what he described as incremental cutbacks in support. He says cuts will be made soon and that the discussions are "indeed NASCAR-wide." (Associated Press)

GM cuts support in CWTS and Nationwide series: General Motors is cutting factory support for Chevrolet teams competing in NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series as the automaker restructures under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to a story that will appear in Friday's edition of SportsBusiness Journal. According to SBJ's Michael Smith, who wrote the story, the cost-cutting measures are likely to have the greatest affect on larger organizations, such as Kevin Harvick Inc., which fields teams in both series, and Rusty Wallace Inc. and JR Motorsports, which field teams in the Nationwide Series. Representatives of KHI could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon. As Smith points out, support from manufacturers typically comes in the forms of engines, parts and cash. In most cases, factory support goes to larger, more substantial organizations, while smaller teams receive little assistance, if any. "Chevrolet's (and GM's) involvement in racing is a sound business decision that translates directly into the sale of cars and trucks," an unidentified GM spokesperson said in a statement provided to SBJ. "It is essential, however, that we continue to look at every penny we spend as General Motors takes the necessary steps to become a leaner company with a significantly stronger balance sheet."(SportingNews)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

GM: Racing is important to us: Does NASCAR's future include Kurt Busch racing a Saturn? How about Kasey Kahne climbing behind the wheel of a Fiat? The bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler have raised caution flags over the future of their longtime involvement with motorsports. "Everybody's concerned about it because you just don't know what's going to happen," says Bob Pockrass, associate editor of NASCAR Scene. "Everybody thinks manufacturers will continue to be involved in the sport because it's a good marketing arm. To what scale � is the question." Racing is still a key marketing tool for an industry whose motto has been "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday." For the companies that build cars and the teams that run them, that's unlikely to change. "Racing is very important to us," says GM spokeswoman Jan Thomas. "We want to win of course, but that's not the only reason we do it � It helps us sell cars and trucks." One study, for example, found that 56 percent of Ford buyers called themselves race fans. But now, with courts and even Congress weighing in, people are hedging their bets. (ThatsRacin.com)

Monday, June 1, 2009

GM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; owes $172 billion in debt: General Motors filed for bankruptcy on Monday morning, submitting its reorganization papers to a federal clerk in Lower Manhattan in a move that President Obama said marked “the end of an old General Motors and the beginning of a new General Motors.” President Obama, speaking at the White House, emphasized that investing more billions of taxpayer dollars in General Motors was not something he wanted to do, but something he felt the government had to do to avert a calamity that would hurt millions of people. “We are acting as reluctant shareholders, because that is the only way to help G.M. succeed,” Mr. Obama said, asserting that the government’s backing, coupled with the painful restructuring that the once mighty company is undergoing, “will give this iconic American company a chance to rise again.” “I will not pretend the hard times are over,” Mr. Obama said, adding that the sacrifice needed to be made for the next generation. In its bankruptcy petition, G.M. said it had $82.3 billion in assets and $172.8 billion in debts. Its largest creditors were the Wilmington Trust Company, representing a group of bondholders holding $22.8 billion in debts, and affiliates of the United Auto Workers union, representing nearly $20.6 billion in employee obligations. (New York Times)

GM expected to let some speedway contracts expire: Around NASCAR, expectations are that GM will walk away from more expiring contracts at the end of the year, yet remain invested enough to maintain a profile with NASCAR's legion of brand-loyal fans as it regains footing. GM doesn't disclose its annual investment in NASCAR, including track deals and support to race teams, but estimates run as high as $125 million. "It's fair to say that we know that the odds of them renewing [track sponsorships] at today's levels is zero percent and it wouldn't surprise us if they end up dropping a couple of tracks. We know that very likely could happen," said Roger VanDerSnick, executive vice president and chief operating officer of International Speedway Corp., which operates 12 tracks, including Daytona International Speedway. "And then the tracks where they stay, if we are able to make it work, we do also know that those terms will probably be dramatically different." (Fort-Worth Star-Telegram)

Hendrick releases statement concerning GM bankruptcy: Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, today responded to the announcement by General Motors that it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: "The products General Motors offers are the highest quality and most fuel efficient in its history, and I have an unwavering faith in the company's leadership team and our government's commitment to support this reorganization. After all of the efforts of the past several months, it's unfortunate that bankruptcy has become the only option, but we at Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports are certain that GM will emerge from this stronger and better equipped to compete than ever before. Hendrick Automotive Group can say with confidence that the customers of our 27 General Motors franchises can expect the same high level of care and service that our dealerships have always provided, and that the full range of warranties and parts will be available. From a racing perspective, our heritage is with General Motors. In 25 years together, Hendrick Motorsports has won eight Sprint Cup Series titles with Chevrolet, which has more NASCAR championships and wins than any other auto manufacturer. Since I was a kid, Chevy has represented the highest level of performance. I've never wanted to race anything else, and I have every confidence that we will continue to celebrate victories together for many more seasons to come. Speaking for the more than 6,000 teammates at Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports, it has been a great privilege to be a small part of GM's rich history, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future together."(HMS PR)

General Motors to file for bankruptcy today: President Obama will push General Motors into bankruptcy protection on Monday, making a risky bet that by temporarily nationalizing the onetime icon of American capitalism, he can save at least a diminished automaker that is competitive. The bankruptcy, to be filed in New York, is a moment of reckoning for an industry that was once at the heart of the American economy. It culminates a remarkable four months of confrontation between Washington and Detroit that is expected to result in a drastic downsizing of the company. It also places the government in uncharted territory as a business owner, as it takes a 60 percent ownership stake in the company during its restructuring. Reflecting the government’s extraordinary intervention in industry, aides say, Mr. Obama plans to tell the nation on Monday that he believes G.M. can be brought back from the brink of insolvency, even if the company looks almost nothing like the titan of old. (NY Times)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Dodge, Chevy to face large motorsports cutbacks? Much has been made of the extent to which Chrysler and General Motors' financial problems might impact their NASCAR participation. With Chrysler filing for bankruptcy, and General Motors expected to follow suit within the next 10 days, there is cause for concern. Dodge executives have said all the right things regarding the company's participation in NASCAR -- that, despite the bankruptcy, no changes were planned. Now, there is evidence that it may be beyond their control. According to Automotive News, Chrysler wanted to spend $134 million in advertising over the nine weeks it is expected to be in bankruptcy, but the U.S. Treasury's auto industry task force gave it half that. If the government is willing to cut Chrysler's marketing allocation in half -- and that's half of what Chrysler was asking for, not half of what it is used to spending -- then it may be a tough sell to convince the feds that taxpayer dollars should go towards supporting Dodge, which has won just one race this year, Kurt Busch's victory at Atlanta. (Orlando Sentinel)

Monday, April 27, 2009

GM confirms 20,100 job cuts and elimination of Pontiac brand: General Motors said Monday it will cut 21,000 U.S. factory jobs by next year and phase out its storied Pontiac brand as part of a major restructuring effort needed to get more government aid. The struggling automaker also says it will offer 225 shares of common stock for every $1,000 in notes held by bondholders as part of debt-for-equity swap. The announcements came in a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. GM’s plan includes the demise of Trans Am sports car brand Pontiac, 83 years after the first Pontiac car was introduced. Within three years, half a million Pontiacs were sold, and the brand quickly grew in popularity, from early models like the Chief and the Master Six Coupe, to the Bonneville convertible, to the GTO — one of America’s first muscle cars and so popular it inspired Ronny and the Daytonas to immortalize it in song. (MSNBC.com)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Report: GM to eliminate Pontiac brand: General Motors Corp., facing the threat of a bankruptcy filing if it can’t meet a June 1 U.S. deadline, will preserve the GMC truck line and drop its 83-year- old Pontiac brand as part of a government-led recalibration of its business plan, people familiar with the decision said. The Detroit automaker, which received an additional $2 billion in federal assistance on April 22, will keep the GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick brands, after a review that included profitability with the Obama administration’s automotive task force, said the people, who asked not to be named because the decisions have not been announced. GM may reveal next week the end of the make that produced the Grand Prix, Bonneville and Firebirds, they said. “I hate to see these brands go, they are a part of the American experience,” said John Wolkonowicz, a forecaster and auto historian at IHS Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Massachusetts. “If you were growing up in the 1960s, Pontiac was the hottest thing going.” Pontiac spawned the “muscle car” era in 1964 when it stuffed a 389-cubic-inch V8 engine into a Tempest and called it the GTO. (More at Bloomberg.com)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

GM, Chrysler not told to pull out of NASCAR: Contrary to a well-timed April Fool’s hoax and swirling Internet rumors, the Obama administration has not ordered General Motors and Chrysler to pull out of NASCAR as a condition to receiving federal bailout money, representatives of both automakers have confirmed to SPEEDtv.com. But despite numerous Internet rumors — and one April Fool’s Day hoax story that appeared on an auto enthusiast magazine web site — there has been no official word from Washington that GM and Chrysler have to leave NASCAR. None of Obama’s comments this week about the automakers addressed auto racing or NASCAR, and representatives from the automakers confirmed they have not been told to pull out of NASCAR. (SPEEDtv.com)

Friday, December 12, 2008

GM rethinks Daytona International Speedway sponsorship: General Motors Corp. has not decided whether to renew a decades-long sponsorship of the Daytona International Speedway and its signature stock car race, the Daytona 500, despite the deal's expiration in three weeks. GM has a multiyear agreement that ends Dec. 31 to serve as the official car and truck provider of the speedway and the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious event, speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said Thursday. The race is Feb. 15. "I know we've had some talks with them but right now, we are continuing to explore opportunities," he said. "We don't comment on our prospects." GM said discussions are under way about the Daytona sponsorship but the automaker has not reached an agreement. "We don't comment about our business discussions," GM spokeswoman Jan Thomas said. (Detroit News)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Owners show support for Detroit's Big Three: "The Big Three are the backbone of our country," Rick Hendrick said in a news release sent out by Chevrolet. "With nearly 7,000 people working at Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group alone, I see their impact firsthand. The manufacturers play an irreplaceable role in the global economy and support millions of Main Street, American jobs. I feel a responsibility to those people and their families, and our leaders in Washington should, too.” Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing, expressed similar concerns and said NASCAR wouldn't be where it is today without involvement from Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford. "The Big Three have also played an important role in NASCAR for decades," Childress said. "I can’t imagine racing anything but Chevrolets," Childress said. (More at SceneDaily.com)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Earnhardt-Ganassi to race Chevrolets: Plans are in place for Chip Ganassi Racing to switch from Dodge to Chevrolet and be a part of the engine program currently used by Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress Racing. DEI, a Chevrolet-based organization, announced on Wednesday it is merging into a four-car team with the Dodge organization of Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009. Officials from both sides said no decision has been made on whether they would be under the Chevrolet or Dodge umbrella. Richard Childress, the owner of RCR and co-owner of the Earnhardt Childress Racing engine program, said a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to hopefully finalize plans to bring Ganassi Racing into the ECR program. Asked if the new Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing would have to be Chevrolet to be a part of that program, he said, "I would think so. ECR will still be around," Childress said. Childress was glad to see the merger between DEI and Ganassi, saying, "It'll make them stronger for sure. If it's put together and works like ECR, it will be great. ECR has worked beyond all of our expectations." Childress didn't rule out the possibility of employees from Ganassi's engine program joining ECR.(ESPN.com)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Chevrolet Clinches NASCAR Sprint Cup Manufacturers' Championship: Jimmie Johnson�s victory of the Checker O�Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway clinched the 2008 Manufacturers' Championship for Chevrolet in NASCAR's premier division. With one race left in the season, Chevrolet has collected its 32nd Manufacturers� crown since the inception of the award in 1950. Four different Impala SS drivers have contributed to the 11 victories thus far this year to bring Chevrolet this honor. Chevy drivers who posted wins during the season included Jimmie Johnson (7), Jeff Burton (2), Clint Bowyer (1) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1). This marks Team Chevy's sixth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Manufacturers' title for the Bowtie Brigade. The 2008 Manufacturers� Championship continues Chevrolet's dominance of North America's most popular racing series. (Chevrolet Racing PR)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Chevrolet clinches Manufacturers Championship: Jimmie Johnson, #48 Lowe's Impala SS, did exactly what he set out to do at Phoenix International Raceway Sunday - collect the maximum amount of points possible in his quest for his third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. His victory, the seventh of the season for the Hendrick Motorsports driver, clinched the 32nd Manufacturers' Cup for Chevrolet in NSCS competition. "On behalf of the men and women at General Motors," said Terry Dolan, Manager, Chevy Racing. "It is an honor for Chevrolet to clinch our 32nd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers' Cup title. It is a proud achievement based on a come-back run for the title given the tough competition we face every week on and off the race track. "This championship has been earned through the perseverance and dedication of Team Chevy's drivers, owners and crews with the collaboration of our GM Racing engineers. We look forward to carrying the momentum of achievement in to the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season."(GM Racing PR)

Sunday, November 9, 2008:

GM looks to continue NASCAR support: A GM official told scenedaily.com that the company would be able to honor its contractural obligations to NASCAR teams in 2009. But GM has already made cuts in its marketing plans and teams clearly can’t expect the manufacturer to add a lot of things to what it is absolutely committed to provide. GM has called off any talks of merging with Chrysler and its racing officials have nixed any NASCAR mergers that would involve associations with teams running another manufacturer’s product. (Charlotte Observer)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

GM notified speedways about sponsorship cuts: Troubled General Motors has notified two racetracks that run NASCAR events that their current contracts will not be renewed as part of an overall $10 billion cost-cutting program. That seems to be just the first step in what could be a huge drop in support by GM, Ford and Chrysler for tracks and teams in NASCAR's top three professional divisions, the NHRA and other racing series in the face of the weakest U.S. auto sales in a decade. Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns eight tracks that hold NASCAR events, already has been told GM will not renew contracts at two tracks - New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. GM has contracts with 12 of the 22 tracks where NASCAR's top Sprint Cup series races and is the title sponsor for the fall race at Richmond International Raceway. GM also is the official vehicle provider for Daytona International Speedway, owned by International Speedway Corp., and a track spokesman said they have not been notified of any impending change.(AP/CNNMoney.com)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Cuts may be made in GM's motorsports program: Nothing at GM is off-limits-including its high-profile NASCAR program - company executives warned as the automaker went public Tuesday in Detroit with its latest round of cost-cutting measures. With the auto industry in North America taking a beating, GM racing director Mark Kent said that every level of motorsports that GM supports-from the giant stock-car racing series NASCAR to the grassroots Sports Car Club of America-is being evaluated. GM also competes in the NHRA, USAC midgets/sprints and the American Le Mans Series. "Racing is not exempt (from cuts)," Kent said last week. "We are looking at ways to be even more efficient ... looking to see if they are genuinely positioned for a positive return on investment." Kent's words were reinforced by GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, who announced Tuesday that the automaker will reduce salaried jobs, executive salaries and truck production, among other cutbacks, in an effort to salvage the company's sinking fortunes. "While we are committed to maintain adequate resources to support launch products and brand advertising, we will implement significant reductions in promotional and event budgets, motorsports activities and back-office expenses," said Wagoner in comments to employees. (The Olympian)

June 13, 2007

General Motorsports statement regarding Earnhardt/Hendrick announcement: "Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been synonymous with the modern era of Chevy Motorsports with his 17 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series victories and two NASCAR Busch Series championships, all powered by the legendary small-block Chevy V8. Dale, Jr. has a choice in his future direction. We are proud he chose to stay with Team Chevy - the winningest name in motorsports with 609 wins and 30 championships - to pursue his championship bid. On behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet, congratulations to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports on the announcement of their partnership. They epitomize the Chevy spirit of competition. We wish them success as they embark on their new relationship." Brent Dewar, General Motors North America Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Parts (General Motors PR)

June 3, 2006:

Gilmore says GM needs to centralize engine program: Richie Gilmore, the general manager at Dale Earnhardt Inc., said that General Motors' racing executives may have to change the way they do business in order to compete against Toyota next season on the Nextel Cup tour. Toyota, a newcomer to the Nextel Cup, will be centralizing many of its key operations. Gilmore said that Chevrolet may have to do likewise, or at least make some major changes in the way that it approaches the sport. Gilmore said that Chevrolet's four independent engine-building operations may have to unify. "I really think that's something GM will have to do," Gilmore said. "We (Chevy teams) all work closely on engines, but it needs to go up another step (in centralization). We each spend a lot of money on engines, dynos and people. We have 78 people (building engines), and Hendrick has 120. (Salem-Journal)

May 30, 2006:

New GM engine? With the goal of having a new engine approved by NASCAR for next season, four Chevrolet teams are working in conjunction with GM engineers to develop the best power plant possible. (SceneDaily)

April 13, 2006:

General Motors committed to NASCAR, dispute layoffs: The news that General Motors plans to trim 30,000 workers and close nine plants left some people in NASCAR unsettled. They wondered if GM's business problems would affect the company's commitment to NASCAR. "I get asked that quite often," Mark Kent, GM's director of racing, said Wednesday from his Detroit office. "What I tell everybody is, although racing is a sport, companies engage in motor sports for business reasons. At GM, all our racing programs give us tremendous marketing value. It's a very cost-effective way to put our products and brands in front of automotive enthusiasts." To clear up any doubt, Kent said, "We're committed to racing." Chevy almost has to be in NASCAR. If GM withdrew its Chevy brand, its absence would give Ford and Dodge a huge marketing advantage. According to Kent, more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans own GM products. "Of NASCAR's 75 million fans, 13 million attend races," he said. "At many of these races, we are able to display our whole lineup of Chevrolet products. NASCAR fans buy new cars at a higher rate than the national average." (Mercury News)

Feb. 17, 2006:

Chevy to unveil new Chevy Racing ads: Chevy Racing celebrates its successes on the track with the launch of a new comprehensive advertising campaign by Deutsch Los Angeles. Touting an impressive win record of "25 of the last 33 Manufacturers' Cup Championships" and more than any other manufacturer, the television work includes a tongue-in-cheek look at Chevy's dominance in one of the country's most popular and dynamic sports. The campaign establishes "Team Chevy" - an exclusive club uniting some of NASCAR's most notable drivers and their supremacy driving Chevy's Monte Carlo SS race car. Chevy retains its tagline "An American Revolution," yet takes its advertising to a new level, adding a bit of humor with the executions. The first spot, "Toast," centers on racing superstars Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart, celebrating a handful of recent Team Chevy victories. As they recap their wins, they end with a twist on the classic NASCAR victory celebration of spraying champagne into the crowd - they casually pour their champagne over their heads. Team Chevy's long-standing domination of racing provides the irony for the second TV spot in the campaign. Entitled "Office," it shows Chevy's Racing Director, Terry, desperately searching for a place to display the latest spoils from NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart. Searching high and low in display cases, hallways, cubicles, offices and even drawers, he finds that every last square inch of the office is covered in trophies. Well, almost... "Chevy Racing is all about a passion for racing and winning and that excitement extends to our vehicle lineup, which is now America's No. 1-selling automotive brand," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. "Deutsch found a simple, clear way to deliver that message with a couple of great humorous twists." The campaign breaks on February 19 during the Daytona 500 on NBC, and television spots will air nationally on NBC and Fox. Print executions will appear in USA Today and in racing program guides. Outdoor elements will be seen at Daytona 500 and web elements will appear on sites including "Yahoo! Fantasy Racing." (GM Racing Communications)

Jan. 6, 2006:

Leno to pace the Daytona 500 with Corvette Z06: A specially outfitted 2006 Corvette Z06 will serve as the official pace car of the 48th running of the Daytona 500, on Feb. 19. "Tonight Show" host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno will drive the pace car. Selection of the Z06 model marks the second consecutive year that a Corvette has been selected as the Daytona 500 pace car. The Corvette Z06 that will serve as the Daytona 500 pace car is mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It is the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium. A racing-ready suspension and large, 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels help keep it glued to the tarmac, so it requires no drivetrain modifications to satisfy its role in front of the racing pack. In its official capacity, however, the pace car is outfitted with a variety of safety equipment and highly visible strobe lights. The Corvette Z06's 505-horsepower (377 kw) output is actually more than the power produced by the race cars that will compete in the Daytona 500 - a first for a pace car. This is because of the unique "restrictor plate" rule established for the Daytona and Talladega. racetracks. On these 2.5-mile-long super speedways, the restrictor plate reduces airflow into the engine to limit horsepower and keep race car speeds below 200 mph. With a restrictor plate, racing engine power is reduced from about 750 horsepower to about 450 horsepower. Race cars can still average more than 190 mph on Daytona's long straights. The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme, inspired by the hot-to-cool color transition of a space capsule entering Earth's atmosphere at a high rate of speed. The paint scheme is carried out with an elaborate, interlocking scallops design - a twist on hot rod-style flames - that blends "hot" Lemon Drop yellow at the nose of the Corvette with Lemon Glow, Amber Ecstasy, Blazing Copper and Hot Poppy. The colors culminate with a cool Sapphire Trance blue color at the rear of the vehicle. DuPont, the sponsor of Jeff Gordon's #24 Monte Carlo, supplied the colors, which are from the company's "Hot Hues" line of automotive paint. (GM Racing PR)

Oct. 26, 2005:

Chevy Clinches Manufacturers Championship: As a result of Jeff Gordon's win at Martinsville this past weekend, Chevrolet collected its 29th manufacturers crown and the 25th of NASCAR's Modern Era, which began in 1972. Since that year, GM Racing has earned 27 of the 34 manufacturers titles, with Chevrolet collecting 25 of those for an impressive 0.79 winning percentage (Buick has won the title twice). To date, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 572 race wins, 448 occurring in the Modern Era. "To clinch the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Manufacturers Championship with four races remaining in the season is an impressive accomplishment," said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. "It has truly been a group effort with six different drivers, along with their respective teams and our team at GM Racing, contributing to this win for Chevrolet." (GM Racing PR)

Oct. 13, 2005:

Gordon to test new Corvette: Four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon gets behind the wheel of the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at Road Atlanta with SPEED Channel’s popular Test Drive program and host Tommy Kendall on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. ET. “I had never been to Road Atlanta and I got the opportunity to drive one of the best Corvettes they’ve ever brought out,” Gordon said on SPEED’s NASCAR This Morning. “(The Z06) has a lot of power, handles fantastic and looks great – I had a blast.” Footage was also shot at the famed Le Mans road course in France with Corvette factory driver Johnny O’Connell. “This program brings together two great Chevrolet champions – Jeff Gordon and Corvette,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “There is no better example of the interaction between racing and production than the advanced technology that is shared by the championship-winning Corvette C6.R race car and the award-winning Corvette Z06, a 505-horsepower supercar that you can drive every day.” In addition to the new Corvette, SPEED Channel’s Test Drive program also has looked at the Pontiac GTO, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ranger Rover Sport, and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and Commander. Still on tap for SPEED this season are Test Drives with the Mercedes AMG cars and the Chrysler SRT line. (SPEED TV)

Aug 26, 2005

Former GM Racing operation manager, Fishel talks about the state of NASCAR: Fishel says his feeling is that NASCAR is stuck "on a plateau. "What NASCAR puts on the track each weekend has virtually nothing to do with what Detroit puts in dealership showrooms. What is hot is Toyota, and Toyota appears to be shying away from moving up to the Nextel Cup series. And if Toyota doesn't come, then Honda might not, either. And those are advertising dollars NASCAR would like to get. "Ask yourself - does Toyota need NASCAR to be successful? Does Honda?" Fishel said. So Fishel says there are big issues at stake here, big concepts to ponder, as NASCAR heads toward 2006. Fishel says he is worried about the increasing technological gap between what Detroit actually sells and what NASCAR actually races. Fishel also says he is worried about the costs of NASCAR racing. One move Fishel thinks that NASCAR executives need to make is basic, and possibly shocking. He says that the France family, which essentially owns the sport, should go outside the family and into the corporate world to hire a Fortune 500 CEO to run it. Fishel says it's time to start looking at the sport with "a clean sheet of paper. "Quite simply, let's face it, there is a better way of doing business," Fishel said. "This sport has grown exponentially the last 10 years, and a lot of people have been thrown into the business simply because there were opportunities, not that they were the most qualified. "And for a lot of these teams, the shortage of intellectual capital has caught up with them. There aren't that many great leaders. "Plus, you've got this conflict of teams with 20 or 30 engineers, at big salaries, and yet a product that is not compatible with their knowledge base. They need to be applying their skills to an appropriate product." (In part from Salem-Journal)

Aug 8, 2005

GM no happy with JGR to retest Thurs.: GM Racing needs to get its house in order. NASCAR didn't appreciate Joe Gibbs Racing bringing a 2006 Monte Carlo to Atlanta last week that was unprepared to get through the on-track portion of NASCAR's approval process. The car didn't make a target speed. How bad was the car? The team had to borrow springs from rival Ford, which had the Wood Brothers auditioning the new Fusion. "We dropped the ball," JGR team manager Jimmy Makar said. "There's really no excuse." NASCAR agreed to allow JGR and Bobby Labonte to return to Atlanta on Tuesday in an attempt to get the Monte Carlo up to speed. (Sporting News's Lee Spencer)

Aug 7, 2005

The New Monte Carlo fails to make minimum speed: Chevrolet’s first test of its new 2006 Monte Carlo proved to be something of a performance and public relations fiasco. The new Monte Carlo test car was built by Joe Gibbs Racing with input from GM Racing and taken to Atlanta Motor Speedway for its first on-track test Tuesday, two days before it was introduced to the media at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. According to GM Racing NASCAR Program Manager Pat Suhy, the new car lapped the 1.54-AMS tri-oval in “the 31.90-second range,” which failed to meet NASCAR’s minimum-speed targets. How slow was the new Chevrolet? Well, Ryan Newman’s pole-winning lap at Atlanta in March was 28.476 seconds and the slowest of the 49 cars that turned qualifying laps then was Morgan Shepherd’s Dodge, which lapped AMS in 30.222 seconds. (SPEED)

Aug 6, 2005

GM unveils the Monte Carlo SS: Chevrolet will debut an all-new Monte Carlo SS race car for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series competition in 2006. The new car will carry the legendary name and heritage of the "SS" line, relating to a powerful, new V-8-powered production Monte Carlo SS that is making its debut on the 50th Anniversary of the introduction of the Chevrolet Small Block V-8 engine. "We've won races in Monte Carlos for years, and it's exciting that we'll have a brand new one to race next year," said Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion and driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet Monte Carlo. "The new car looks to be even faster than the one we have this year and I can't wait to get a chance to race it. These cars are so fun and fast to race, and it's great that fans will now be able to come even closer to that experience with the new small block V-8 in the Monte Carlo SS."

The new race car was developed over a 14-month period using the full complement of engineering and design tools available to the people at GM Racing and Chevrolet. The company's engineers worked in concert with their key partners on pit lane, the real "customers" for the new Monte Carlo SS race car.

"We worked with all our Chevy teams to get their input on how to make a better race car, and I believe that shows in our new Monte Carlo SS," said Pat Suhy, GM Racing group manager for NASCAR racing. "We spent a lot of hours in our wind tunnel, coast-down test facility and on race tracks to make the Monte Carlo even better. Having the SS name on our new race car is important as it directly relates to the high-performance SS that the thousands of Chevy race fans can buy for the street."

The new race car retains the overall dimensions of the 2005 model, based on the sport's requirements. NASCAR continues to emphasize retaining stock dimensions, which means a good body design is essential for success in stock car racing. Unlike other manufacturers who race family sedans, Chevrolet remains the only marque in NASCAR racing that sells to fans the same two-door sports coupe that it races.

"I believe that in key areas we're able to work with our production counterparts to ensure that the race car is as good as it can be within the boundaries defined by NASCAR," said Suhy. "This shows in the front end design which retains some key characteristics that made Monte Carlo a winner and allows us to improve the race version even further. This should allow our teams to enjoy continued success across at tracks where we've historically been successful."

Following NASCAR approval, teams will begin building development cars in preparation for testing that leads up to its debut at Speedweeks. The car will make its competition debut at Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway in February, 2006.

The Monte Carlo was introduced in September 1969 as a 1970 model in the form of a firebreathing, 454 cu. in., 360-hp SS and made its NASCAR debut the same year. It has reigned as the winningest model since that time, with only a brief absence from 1988-1994. The Monte Carlo returned in 1995 and continued to take checkered flags around the country. In total, from 1971 to the present, Monte Carlo has scored 380 NASCAR Cup wins and led Chevrolet to 20 Manufacturers' Cup Championships (of 24) - more than any other nameplate. Every single victory came under the power of GM's legendary Small Block V-8 engine, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2005.

On the street, buyers of the new Monte Carlo SS will notice the similarities to the car that is the choice of NASCAR stars. The exterior features large headlamps that have a premium, jeweled appearance with three independent lighting units. These details complement other high-quality attributes to provide an overall feeling of solidity. All models receive a sporty rear spoiler.

The muscular Monte Carlo SS has a new 5.3L small block V-8 developing 303 horsepower (226 kw) and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm) of torque, propelling it from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 5.3L V-8 uses Displacement on Demand technology to regulate between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder operation, providing up to 8 percent improved fuel economy in certain driving conditions.

The Monte Carlo SS has a distinct front-end appearance, with a dual-split grille that has a black-diamond crosshatch pattern. The rear spoiler is unique, too, suggesting the purposefulness of NASCAR spoilers. Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets also are standard on the Monte Carlo SS.

Like a tuned NASCAR racer, the Monte Carlo SS comes with a unique suspension as well. The FE4 suspension, which is tuned to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L small-block V-8's performance. It offers increased stiffness and ride control, with reduced body lean and greater high-speed stability. The 34-mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 18-mm solid rear stabilizer bar are larger in diameter than the bars of the two FE2 suspension settings, providing increased roll control. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires are included with the FE4 suspension.

Monte Carlo shows several significant changes that continue to build upon the car's sporty heritage. With an unmatched lineage that reaches back more than three decades, the new Monte Carlo SS race car promises that "The Revolution Races On."  (GM Racing PR)

June 27, 2005

Chevy and Ford submit prototypes: Ford and Chevrolet have submitted prototypes to NASCAR for the 2006 season. Ford's car is expected to be named the Fusion, and Chevrolet will retain the Monte Carlo brand. The big question surrounds Toyota. The NASCAR rulebook says "any new car model to be considered for approval for competition in the 2006 season must be submitted by the manufacturers to NASCAR for initial consideration not later than July 1." NASCAR officials will not confirm Toyota's intention to offer a stock car. There has been talk that Toyota will pull out of the Indy Racing League at the end of this season, which frightens the big three American automakers currently competing in NASCAR because of the generous budgets the Japanese company devotes to racing. An announcement regarding Toyota's intention could come as early as this weekend at Daytona--perfect timing for the July 1 deadline. (The Sporting News's Lee Spencer)

June 15, 2005

GM Puts their Future Young Guns to Test: So here he is on a warm afternoon in late May, at General Motors' Area 51 - Caraway Speedway, way back down in the woods from Shepherd's Mountain. He's talking softly with fellow racer Ross Thompson, just in from Phoenix, about the unexpected turn of events that brought them and 10 others to Caraway for GM's first computer-data driver auditions.  With the stakes as high as they are, these guys should be nervous. After all, their careers are on the line in this three-day series of tests of 13 candidates by GM racing engineers. (More at Salem-Journal)

April 26, 2005

GM to keep Racing: Despite General Motors' quarterly loss of $1.1 billion, the largest deficit since the first quarter of 1992, the newly appointed director of GM racing, Mark Kent, will defend the racing program to stockholders and is optimistic that Chevrolet will be able to compete with Toyota when Toyota enters Cup, which is expected in 2007. Insiders expect Toyota's technology to make it a strong contender immediately(Sporting News)

March 21, 2005

GM and Ferrari? General Motors, or one of its NASCAR teams, may be working to create an engineering link with a high-performance engine-development company in Modena, Italy, that is run by Piero Ferrari, son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari of Formula One fame.  That's the word from a Formula One website, which points to Chevrolet as the most likely connection because of GM's long relationship with Fiat, the parent company of Ferrari.\ The entire GM-Fiat-Ferrari relationship is undergoing changes, with GM paying Fiat $2 billion to get out of a contract that could have forced GM to buy Fiat. Fiat underwrites Ferrari's Formula One operations, but Fiat is the weakest of the world's big car makers, having lost $12 billion over the past five years. It's Formula One budget is $500 million a year. (Winston-Salem)

March 5, 2005

GM Heads Not Happy With Boris: Boris Said is in hot water with General Motors. After finally getting a Chevy deal to run the Cup tour this season, Said, a star road racer, has angered GM execs by jumping in James Finch's Dodge this week.  "I got in a lot of trouble," Said said. "Jay Frye, my team manager, was mad. I really tried to get a Chevrolet ride, called and called and called. But they didn't help me. For some reason they've never really wanted to help me. "I was trying to be politically correct. But I didn't have a ride. But this is a good car and a good team, and I've known Marc Reno (the crew chief)." (Winston Journal)

Feb. 24, 2005

Chevy SSR Pacing the Field: A Chevrolet SSR will perform pace duties for the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 27, and continue those duties for a total of 20 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races this season. This weekend will be the first time the Chevy SSR, a unique blend of an open-air roadster with pick-up truck functionality, will pace the field during the 2005 race season.  "The Chevrolet SSR pace vehicle makes a bold statement on the track-just like our Chevy NASCAR drivers," said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manager. "Pacing the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series provides a good opportunity to showcase the unique style and performance of the SSR, which now offers 390 horsepower." The 2005 Chevy SSR pace vehicle has a four-color paint scheme with a "Sling Shot Yellow" nose blending into hot orange and "Torch Red" racing flames throughout the body and ultimately transitioning to a "Kinetic Blue" truck bed. The event logo for each race will be featured on both door panels with a red Chevy bowtie displayed on the hood. (Chevy PR)

Feb. 17, 2005

GM Names New Racing Head: General Motors has named Mark Kent its new director of racing. Kent will oversee engineering and marketing activities for all of GM's motorsports programs, including NASCAR, NHRA, SCCA, Grand American, American Le Mans and IRL.  Kent, 44, replaces Doug Duchardt, who held the position for the last two years. Kent has experience in powertrain development both for production and race vehicles. From 1987 to 1992, he held motorsports engine engineering and program manager positions for winning IMSA GTU and SCCA Trans Am programs. Most recently, he was the GM Powertrain design systems engineer for the Northstar V-8 line-up of engines. "Our racing efforts will benefit from Mark's motorsports engineering and program management experience and his competitive nature," said Steve Shannon, executive director of GM Marketing Services. "He has a strong track record of leading and supporting successful racing programs for the company." Kent takes the reins to GM's extensive motorsports program on March 1, 2005. (Chevy PR)

Feb. 11, 2005

Monte Carlo Redesigned for 2006: General Motors officials confirmed Friday they plan to submit a new 2006 version of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo for NASCAR Nextel Cup competition by the July 1 deadline. The production model of the car was unveiled in January at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show and again at the LA Auto Show, this time with four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon on hand for the announcement. Dodge enters this season with a new model, the Charger, and Ford made small changes to its Ford Taurus entry. The new production model of the Monte Carlo features a more contemporary appearance, with new lamps and tightened skin shortening overall length by 1.2 inches and is expected to look more like its NASCAR competition version.According to the 2005 rule book, GM must cooperate with NASCAR to enable NASCAR to complete all necessary track tests, aerodynamic tests and other competitive analysis by Sept. 1. (ThatsRacin)

Feb. 10, 2005

NASCAR Chevy Safety Ad Campaign Kicks Off: A coalition of government, business, advocacy and sport today announced new television spots promoting the use of safety belts and the proper use of child safety seats.   The Chevrolet Division of General Motors is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign to air advertisements and public service announcements featuring NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Burton.  "The first message from Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is to get people to buckle up, every time, on every trip," said Chevrolet General Marketing Manager Brent Dewar. "The second, from Jeff Burton, is for parents, caregivers and grandparents to make sure child safety seats are secured properly."  (Yahoo!)