Dodge’s Future In NASCAR’s Cup Series Still Unknown
Dodge’s future in NASCAR seems uncertain for the time being.
Since Penske Racing’s announcement in March, Dodge has been left without a primary team for next year’s NASCAR season. According to SI.com two teams have been rumored to run Dodges next year, although one of those two teams is an IndyCar team.
Richard Petty Motorsports is the only cup team rumored to make the switch to Dodge, next year due to Richard Petty’s history of racing in a Dodge car. SI.com says that Dodge and Richard Petty Motorsports have spoken but no deal has been made. Richard Petty Motorsports currently runs Fords but it is unlikely that the two-car team will make the switch since they do not have the necessary equipment to make all of the parts. RPM will need to start an engine department and a chassis department in order to make the switch.
Currently in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series the other Dodge team besides Penske Racing would be Robby Gordon and his No.7 team. Gordon has not raced in all of the cup races this year due to lack of sponsorship but he could be the only Dodge if he does get full support from Dodge. Gordon even spoke to SPEED’s Wind Tunnel about a rumor that he is on Dodge’s list of possible NASCAR teams.
“That’s a rumor to me as well, but it surprises me we’re not speaking,” said Gordon to Wind Tunnel. “If you look at the teams out there that can actually build the cars, test them, design them and make stuff happen, we’re a race team that can do that. If you look at the teams out there they’re talking to, Petty, that’s pretty much a Roush program.”
Dodge’s 2013 Sprint Cup Series car has been revealed at the start of the 2012 season. The manufacturer still has not found a team to run the 2013 charger but has plenty of months to find a new home for next season but in the meantime their future seems uncertain.
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