From AB
Dodge to Withdraw from NASCAR at end of 2012 Season by Mike Driehorst
August 7, 2012 2:30 PM
There's been a focused emphasis on quality and doing things right in recent years with Chrysler Group operations. That focus definitely includes our motorsports operations, according to SRT Motorsports President/CEO Ralph Gilles.
"We couldn't go forward with a structure that met our standards," Ralph said today in talking about the decision for Dodge to withdraw from the NASCAR track after this season.
In the video below, Ralph talks about how the "one-stop shop" relationship we had with Penske Racing was a bit unique. Since the Penske announcement in March to move to Ford next year, Ralph said we've not been able to assemble a complete structure to meet the company's high standards so we could "go out and race with confidence."
Ralph also talks about the unlimited passion our NASCAR fans, including employees, have for Dodge and how that is so much valued and appreciated.
As Ralph said, Chrysler Group remains committed to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Through the end of last week's races in Iowa, Brad Keselowski and his No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger are in seventh place in the Sprint Cup standings, 54 points behind the leader. Keselowski is tied with the most wins this season with three heading into the Aug. 12 Finger Lakes 335 at the Glen in Watkins Glen International, N.Y.
In NASCAR's Nationwide Series, Sam Hornish Jr. is in fourth place, 34 points behind the leader, heading into the Aug. 11 Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen. While Hornish, in the No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts / WURTH Dodge Challenger, is winless this season, he does have six top five finishes and 13 top 10s through 20 races. Keselowski, driving the No. 22 Discount Tire/Snap-on Dodge Challenger, also has three wins in
15 starts in the Nationwide Series