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Automobile industry

Chrysler Returns to NASCAR with Factory Support for Dodge Ram 1500

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Chrysler Corporation has made a bold move, announcing its return to NASCAR after a 24-year hiatus. The company will provide factory support to teams participating in the NASCAR SuperTruck series, starting immediately. This support involves contingency payments for podium finishes, as well as engineering development of engines and body aerodynamics. The goal is to create a fully competitive package of Dodge Ram components for the 1996 season. "We are getting back into NASCAR racing with our Dodge Ram because it makes sense from the technology and marketing perspective," said Bernard Robertson, Vice President-Engineering Technologies and General Manager Jeep(R)/Truck Operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chrysler will provide factory support to teams running the Dodge Ram 1500 in the NASCAR SuperTruck series, starting immediately.
  • The support includes contingency payments for podium finishes, with $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 for the top three positions, respectively.
  • Dodge and Mopar divisions will be involved in the engineering development of engines and body aerodynamics for the 1996 season.
  • The goal is to create a fully competitive package of Dodge Ram components for the 1996 season.
  • Chrysler's return to NASCAR marks its first involvement in the sport since it left in 1971.
  • The company aims to leverage the technology and marketing benefits of NASCAR, with Bernard Robertson citing the relevance of production sheet metal, rear-wheel drive, and the Magnum V-8 engine to the street truck market.
  • The engineering effort will combine in-house engineers with experienced race engine builders and race teams.
  • Dodge General Manager Marty Levine sees the racing program as an opportunity to enjoy the same rivalry with competitors on the track as in the marketplace.

Statistics:

  • Chrysler has been absent from NASCAR for 24 years.
  • The company will offer contingency payments for podium finishes in the Netflix SuperTruck series.
  • The payments will amount to $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 for the top three positions, respectively.
  • The engineering development of engines and body aerodynamics will be led by the Dodge and Mopar divisions.
  • The goal is to create a competitive package of Dodge Ram components for the 1996 season.

Sources:

  • "Chrysler Corporation Announces Return to NASCAR." PRNewswire, July 25, 1995
  • "Chrysler Corporation Provides Factory Support for NASCAR SuperTruck Series." CARS (Chrysler Automated Resource Service)
  • "Contact: Mike Mihelich, 810-576-8096, or Mike Rosenau, 313-956-3667, both of Chrysler."

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