Could this be the end of Dodge in NASCAR

[wingcar]

With Penske being the main Dodge team...could this be the beginning of the end for Dodge's involvement in NASCAR?
Were's Richard Petty when you need him....oh, I forgot he's already switched to Ford......................

Penske announces move to Ford stable for 2013
By NASCAR Wire Service
March 01, 2012 

In a move that simultaneously signals a return to a familiar place for Penske Racing and leaves car maker Dodge scrambling to maintain its presence, team owner Roger Penske announced Thursday that his teams will move from Dodge to Ford starting with the 2013 season.
Most recently, Penske fielded Fords from 1994 through 2002 before switching to Dodge in 2003. All told, Penske posted 27 Cup Series victories and one Nationwide Series win in a combined 524 starts (509 Cup and 15 Nationwide) in Ford products.
The deal with Ford covers both the Cup and Nationwide Series. With NASCAR set to introduce a new race car to the Cup series next year, both Penske and Ford officials felt it was imperative to get the deal done as quickly as possible.
"It was important to get this agreement in place early so that we can plan ahead for the debut of the new 2013 NASCAR Fusion," said Jamie Allison, Ford Racing director. "We will work with Roush Fenway on the final development of the new car during this season, but we want to be able to have our teams building their new cars for the 2013 season before the end of the year, as the transition to the new body is taking place.
"With the operations and technology resources Penske brings from all forms of racing, we know they will be a strong addition to our program, and we look forward to working with them and all our teams to create a stronger Ford NASCAR program with even greater depth."
The source of Ford engines for the Penske program remains an open question. Penske has its own engine shop, but Roush Yates Engines supplies power to the Ford camp and has done so admirably, based on the results of the last season and the last two weeks.
If the announcement raises Ford's profile with the acquisition of two of the sport's most promising young drivers -- Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger -- it leaves Dodge looking for new partners for 2013 and beyond.
Keselowski gave Penske its first NASCAR championship, driving a Dodge to the Nationwide title in 2010, and Penske paid homage to the brand in his remarks on Thursday.
"Penske Racing has had and continues to have a terrific relationship with Dodge, and we thank them for their partnership and their support over the past 10 years," Penske said. "Our organizations have experienced many great memories together, and our teams are committed to produce wins and championships with Dodge this season.
"We look forward to rejoining the Ford Racing NASCAR program beginning in 2013. We appreciate the long-term commitment that Ford has made to Penske Racing and for their continued support of the sport."
Penske and Dodge brand president and CEO Ralph Gilles both have referred to Penske Racing as a de facto factory team, but that relationship will cease at the end of the season.
As recently as late January, Dodge was an integral part of the Penske presentation during the Sprint Media Tour in Concord, N.C. Penske also was heavily involved in the development of the new 2013 Dodge Charger race car the manufacturer plans to unveil March 11 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

[Ghoste]

If what is true that Dodge will no be building the Charger and they will only be doing compact cheapo cars then it would end up true with or without Penske.

[TUFCAT]

WHAT HE SAID......

From President/CEO of SRT Brand & Motorsports Ralph Gilles:

"Dodge has enjoyed a successful partnership with Penske Racing for 10 years. It's a partnership that has produced results for both parties on and off the track. Roger (Penske) has made a business decision to accept an offer with another manufacturer. We wish Roger and Penske Racing much success in the future.

"We are committed to work with Penske Racing to compete at the highest level, win races and contend for championships this season.

"Our motorsports involvement isn't limited to NASCAR. We do value our NASCAR program and will be evaluating the opportunities available moving forward. As those opportunities materialize, we'll reveal our 2013 plans, not only in NASCAR but in other forms of motorsports."

[TUFCAT]

WHAT HE REALLY MEANT TO SAY......

From President/CEO of SRT Brand & Motorsports Ralph Gilles:


"Dodge will be f*cked without Roger Penske! He f*cked us hard and we're really pissed. He was our only game in town".

"Now we'll have to scramble around to find someone else to run the only two Dodges in Nascar. If we don't, don't worry race fans, we'll find some other type of sh*tty Motorsports to join forces with".

"We'll reveal our [plan] as soon as we come up with one - (which may be never!)"

[Ghoste]

LOL, aint that the truth.

[wingcar]

Well, I think you really cleared up that issue.....................