Dodge and NASCAR — Looking Good

"If You Unveil It, They Will Come…Hopefully"

-- Blake SmithWhile NASCAR’s top series were in "Sin City" over the weekend, Dodge unveiled their 2013 Dodge Charger for the Sprint Cup Series. The Dodge brand re-entered NASCAR’s top series in 2001, after a thirty year absence from NASCAR. The Mopar initiative was led by team owner and legendary crew chief, Ray Evernham. The brand entered 2001’s Daytona 500 with 10 entries, none of which are currently aligned with the Dodge brand. Entering the 2012 Daytona 500, where were 3 Dodge Chargers. These cars were the 2 of Penske Racing and the single car team of Robby Gordon.

Just one week into the 2012 season, Roger Penske announced his teams would be leaving Dodge and returning to Ford’s blue oval. As part of the Ford organization, Penske will have a technical alliance with Roush Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. Robby Gordon’s team, who has drifted from manufacturer to manufacturer over the years has not confirmed that they will stay with Dodge next season.

The manufacturer that was in victory lane over the weekend was Chevrolet. Tony Stewart battled late in the event with 5-time champion, Jimmie Johnson for Sunday’s victory in the Kobalt Tools 400. This win was Stewart’s first win at the Nevada speedway.

Rick Hendrick had a meeting with the appeal board on Tuesday, to appeal the penalties from a Daytona rule infraction. NASCAR upheld their penalties, as many suspected. Rick Hendrick will have one more chance to make his plea with NASCAR’s chief appellate officer. Chad Knaus will remain on top of the pit-box for this weekend’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motorspeedway.

NASCAR teams will be making a return to the east coast for this weekend’s race at the legendary ½ mile track in Bristol, Tennessee. Sunday’s coverage begins at 11AM on 92.5 WBKR and WBKR.com.