Obama Orders Chevrolet and Dodge Out Of NASCAR - Car News
With their racing budgets deemed “unnecessary expenditures,” GM and Chrysler are ordered to cease racing operations at the end of the season.
BY JARED GALL, ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC WOODWARD
April 2009
In a move sure to spark outrage, the White House announced today that GM and Chrysler must cease participation in NASCAR at the end of the 2009 season if they hope to receive any additional financial aid from the government. Companies around the globe—Honda and Audi, to name two—have drawn down racing operations, and NASCAR itself has already felt the pinch in the form of reduced team spending. A complete withdrawal from America’s premier racing series is expected to save more than $250 million between GM and Chrysler, a substantial amount considering the drastic measures being implemented elsewhere.
“Automakers used to operate on the principle of ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday,’ but the Auto Task Force’s research just doesn’t validate that as true,” said the statement from President Obama. While fans have decried the Car of Tomorrow for heavily limiting what little personalization the cookie-cutter series had previously allowed to participating manufacturers, and drivers have slammed its brick-like aerodynamics and unpredictable handling, even the governmental oversight committee sees that the full-scale regulation of the cars leaves the manufacturers very little space for research and development. “NASCAR is a racing series that regulates down to the smallest detail of the cars, where a car badged a Chevrolet or Dodge differs only marginally from a Ford or a Toyota. There’s no technological development to speak of.”
The statement goes on further to say the same demand will be made of Ford if it asks for government assistance. “In order to receive this money, corporations must demonstrate they will spend it wisely. Racing has been said to improve on-road technology, but frankly, NASCAR almost flaunts its standing among the lowest-tech forms of motorsport. NASCAR is not proven to drive advancements that transfer from the racetrack to the road, and this nation’s way forward does not hinge on decades-old technology. We need new, and we need innovation.”
The President realizes this will be an unpopular call, but stands behind the decision, saying, “This is an obvious cut to make, but it is not an easy one. This administration is not ignoring the tremendous sentimental value and emotional appeal NASCAR holds for so many Americans. But now is not the time for sentiment and nostalgia; now is a time for decisive financial action. If our automotive industry is to emerge from this recession intact, then these difficult decisions must be made.”
Both Chevrolet and Dodge see the move as only temporary, and fully expect to resume racing in NASCAR as soon as they have stabilized and the government’s hand in their operations is minimized. “There is nothing really to say at this point,” said one representative, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been doing this since the beginning, and we always assumed we’d be doing this until the end. Heck, nobody ever thought to think that there would be an end. But we ain’t done. As soon as this is over, we’re taking back our spot at the top.”
NASCAR officials remain tight-lipped about the call, but sources say series president Mike Helton and team managers are exploring several options, including other manufacturers to fill Chevrolet and Dodge’s vacated positions. Given the company’s recent interest in motorsport and the steady cash-flow and V-8 engine provided by its new Genesis sedan, sources indicate that NASCAR is pinging Hyundai to gauge the Korean company’s interest in occupying a spot in NASCAR. “Toyota was not well-received their first year in the sport, nor was their first season an easy one,” the source says. “But they learned, they applied the lessons, and they have proven very competitive this year.”
If Hyundai does indeed join the series, there will no doubt be a steep learning curve, and the move would leave Ford the lone domestic battling a pair of Asian makes in America’s most popular racing series. We wonder, however, how long NASCAR could hold that title without two of its most storied participants.
With their racing budgets deemed “unnecessary expenditures,” GM and Chrysler are ordered to cease racing operations at the end of the season.
BY JARED GALL, ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC WOODWARD
April 2009
In a move sure to spark outrage, the White House announced today that GM and Chrysler must cease participation in NASCAR at the end of the 2009 season if they hope to receive any additional financial aid from the government. Companies around the globe—Honda and Audi, to name two—have drawn down racing operations, and NASCAR itself has already felt the pinch in the form of reduced team spending. A complete withdrawal from America’s premier racing series is expected to save more than $250 million between GM and Chrysler, a substantial amount considering the drastic measures being implemented elsewhere.
“Automakers used to operate on the principle of ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday,’ but the Auto Task Force’s research just doesn’t validate that as true,” said the statement from President Obama. While fans have decried the Car of Tomorrow for heavily limiting what little personalization the cookie-cutter series had previously allowed to participating manufacturers, and drivers have slammed its brick-like aerodynamics and unpredictable handling, even the governmental oversight committee sees that the full-scale regulation of the cars leaves the manufacturers very little space for research and development. “NASCAR is a racing series that regulates down to the smallest detail of the cars, where a car badged a Chevrolet or Dodge differs only marginally from a Ford or a Toyota. There’s no technological development to speak of.”
The statement goes on further to say the same demand will be made of Ford if it asks for government assistance. “In order to receive this money, corporations must demonstrate they will spend it wisely. Racing has been said to improve on-road technology, but frankly, NASCAR almost flaunts its standing among the lowest-tech forms of motorsport. NASCAR is not proven to drive advancements that transfer from the racetrack to the road, and this nation’s way forward does not hinge on decades-old technology. We need new, and we need innovation.”
The President realizes this will be an unpopular call, but stands behind the decision, saying, “This is an obvious cut to make, but it is not an easy one. This administration is not ignoring the tremendous sentimental value and emotional appeal NASCAR holds for so many Americans. But now is not the time for sentiment and nostalgia; now is a time for decisive financial action. If our automotive industry is to emerge from this recession intact, then these difficult decisions must be made.”
Both Chevrolet and Dodge see the move as only temporary, and fully expect to resume racing in NASCAR as soon as they have stabilized and the government’s hand in their operations is minimized. “There is nothing really to say at this point,” said one representative, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been doing this since the beginning, and we always assumed we’d be doing this until the end. Heck, nobody ever thought to think that there would be an end. But we ain’t done. As soon as this is over, we’re taking back our spot at the top.”
NASCAR officials remain tight-lipped about the call, but sources say series president Mike Helton and team managers are exploring several options, including other manufacturers to fill Chevrolet and Dodge’s vacated positions. Given the company’s recent interest in motorsport and the steady cash-flow and V-8 engine provided by its new Genesis sedan, sources indicate that NASCAR is pinging Hyundai to gauge the Korean company’s interest in occupying a spot in NASCAR. “Toyota was not well-received their first year in the sport, nor was their first season an easy one,” the source says. “But they learned, they applied the lessons, and they have proven very competitive this year.”
If Hyundai does indeed join the series, there will no doubt be a steep learning curve, and the move would leave Ford the lone domestic battling a pair of Asian makes in America’s most popular racing series. We wonder, however, how long NASCAR could hold that title without two of its most storied participants.
BARON 8BU
New member
Nobama
The goverment is doing such a wonderful job balancing there own buget lets have them come and balance ours. duh!
The goverment is doing such a wonderful job balancing there own buget lets have them come and balance ours. duh!
ExpertXViper
New member
Keep it clean or this will go bye bye real fast. There 2 sides to every story and I happen to agree with both on this topic.
Yes the car companies should get out of Nascar because they should not be spending money on a series that does not foster much track to street technology I agree with that. They should also be focusing on their core business because once that is gone how could they sustain any racing efforts. Its like the old oxygen in an wounded aircraft statement. If the cabin looses pressure you should put your oxygen mask on before helping anyone else with theirs including your kids because without oxygen your not going to be able to help much if at all.
Nascar needs to do a few things to gain back the track to street transfer and help the car companies to sell on Monday what won on Sunday which include
1. Dictacte the rigid chassis design
2. Allow only stock bodies to be used with no air damn, contour or shaping changes allowed
3. Allow teams to use electronics in the cars because there isn't a car made anymore that doesn't use it.
4. Dictate the maximum amount of money each team can spend each year similar to the salary caps in ball sports but, that max amount is the same for all. Every time a team goes over they are suspended from one race for every $X,XXX.xx dollars they spend over the cap.
This will foster technology that can go from track to street and help control costs at the same time. Don't get me wrong I am a big racing fan (I used to be part of the Walbeck Motorsports ASA team and once worked for Galaxy Motorsports - #75 Winston cup car with Remington Arms and Polaris team). Nascar needs to change its way or it is going to start slipping down a slippery slope that they won't recover from. Like they say you have to keep up with the times or they will pass you by.
Nascar your not clear low or clear high because the future is on either side about ready to pass by!
Ok, I am off my soap box now.
Nascar needs to do a few things to gain back the track to street transfer and help the car companies to sell on Monday what won on Sunday which include
1. Dictacte the rigid chassis design
2. Allow only stock bodies to be used with no air damn, contour or shaping changes allowed
3. Allow teams to use electronics in the cars because there isn't a car made anymore that doesn't use it.
4. Dictate the maximum amount of money each team can spend each year similar to the salary caps in ball sports but, that max amount is the same for all. Every time a team goes over they are suspended from one race for every $X,XXX.xx dollars they spend over the cap.
This will foster technology that can go from track to street and help control costs at the same time. Don't get me wrong I am a big racing fan (I used to be part of the Walbeck Motorsports ASA team and once worked for Galaxy Motorsports - #75 Winston cup car with Remington Arms and Polaris team). Nascar needs to change its way or it is going to start slipping down a slippery slope that they won't recover from. Like they say you have to keep up with the times or they will pass you by.
Nascar your not clear low or clear high because the future is on either side about ready to pass by!
Ok, I am off my soap box now.
KatahdinLodge
New member
Two quick points to make.
1. Does this suck?
Of course!
2. Did we all see this coming?
I sure did.
Its hard to justify spending that much money on something when you are asking for help. Even more when the development and technology from NASCAR has little to no tranfer into road cars.
1. Does this suck?
Of course!
2. Did we all see this coming?
I sure did.
Its hard to justify spending that much money on something when you are asking for help. Even more when the development and technology from NASCAR has little to no tranfer into road cars.
BARON 8BU
New member
I wonder...
I wonder if the president would feel the same if it was a taxpayer saying" In order to receive this tax money, our elected goverment officials must demonstrate they will spend it wisely.
Bischof said:
I wonder if the president would feel the same if it was a taxpayer saying" In order to receive this tax money, our elected goverment officials must demonstrate they will spend it wisely.
Ltprose
New member
BARON 8BU said:
I like the way you think. I think I'm gonna pass that along to the postman.
sxviper32
New member
jrfan said:
so your saying we the taxpayers should pay for NASCAR? cost cuts have been implemented across the globe this year due to the economy, but it doesn't justify the American car manufacturers being allowed any incentives from the government. you make your company as lean as possible first before you ask mom and dad for help... good move on Obama's part in my opinion, he keeps the ball in their court and only offers assistance when they show they are striving to do better on their own
stretchSXV
New member
good one Bischof. You had me going for a minute there.
The way this reads, the teams could run GM's and Dodges, just not factory backed. Bet they stay in there makes
danj said:
I agree and gotcha is all I can say!
This is an April fools joke guys, and a poorly thought out one as well. Meaning the original writers, not Greg for posting it. 
http://insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2009/04/just-say-no-to-april-fools-jokes.html
http://insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2009/04/just-say-no-to-april-fools-jokes.html
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jrfan
New member
dang...............good one
sleddineinar
VIP Member
Had my blood pressure up for minute or two tho...
You funny guy!
BARON 8BU
New member
Hook, line, and sinker!
Happy April Fools Day Fella's
HOOK -- LINE -- SINKER!
Damn I hate when I fall for something that hard when it is a joke. However, I still stand behind the original comments I made.
Bischoff that was probably the best April fools joke I have seen in the last ten years.
Damn I hate when I fall for something that hard when it is a joke. However, I still stand behind the original comments I made.
Bischoff that was probably the best April fools joke I have seen in the last ten years.
sockeyerun
Test Dummy
Yeah, but at this point it's not really that hard to imagine. These scum bags want control of everything. Good Joke Bischof........