Could the Camaro run In NASCAR?

[6 Shooter]

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One of the criticisms constantly leveled at NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series is that the cars used in the series don't match reality. The Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Impala are all front-wheel-drive mid-size sedans in production form, yet their bodies adorn rear-wheel-drive platforms that are powered by hulking V-8s in racing form. Only Dodge's Charger is rear-wheel drive both in NASCAR and on the street.

Since rear-wheel drive mid-size sedans are more or less a dead breed, one possible solution would be to bring in rear-wheel drive sports cars that have V-8 power, like the Ford Mustang GT, the Dodge Challenger R/T (or SRT8 392), and the Chevrolet Camaro SS. This would bring NASCAR closer in line with the "win on Sunday, sell on Monday," mentality, even if the race cars would still be dramatically different than their production counterparts.

Ford and Dodge already run the Mustang and Challenger in the Nationwide Series (which is one step below Sprint Cup) and Ford has been contemplating running the Mustang in Sprint Cup. Chevrolet declined to bring the Camaro to Nationwide.

Chevy is now hinting that a Camaro presence is at least possible, if not likely, probably for the 2013 season. We'll keep an eye on this story, but an all pony-car series might make more sense, given the realities of racing compared to the realities of the consumer market.

www.motorauthority.com

 

[White75]

They'll still all look the same except for decals.

 

[jrose7004]

They'll still all look the same except for decals.

Exactly, the Mustang and Challeger looked just like the Fusion and Charger except with different front and rear decals!

 

[RealmSteel]

Isn't that what the "Car of Tomorrow" was all about?
That's one reason I don't watch Nascar any more.
I want to see brand competition, not just drivers.

 

[LLC5]

There isn't a nut or bolt on those vehicles that are the same as a production car, so why is there even a criticism?

 

[RealmSteel]

There isn't a nut or bolt on those vehicles that are the same as a production car, so why is there even a criticism?

That's what my criticism is all about.

I really liked the days of yesteryear when there was a variety of body styles going around the track like Petty's STP Charger.
You could root for your favorite brand and wait to see what they come up with next year.

 

[jrose7004]

Doesn't look much like a production Challenger does it?

 

[jrose7004]

 

[LLC5]

That's what my criticism is all about.

I really liked the days of yesteryear when there was a variety of body styles going around the track like Petty's STP Charger.
You could root for your favorite brand and wait to see what they come up with next year.

I was actually referencing the OP article about FWD vs RWD.

I'm with you, it's nice to be able to tell the make of vehicle being raced, but apparently Nascar doesn't put any dollar value on it (which does seem a little odd, as money is all they are about).

 

[LLC5]

Doesn't look much like a production Challenger does it?

Without the R/T badge you wouldn't even know.

 

[Tuna]

If it's a 'sticker' Camaro, I hope not!
And, it should have an "LSX" engine in it.

 

[Mark Watkins]

So far Chevy has said no Camaro. They said if they could keep the roof line and the rear quarter shapes, they would do it. The day of the truly stock car ain't coming back. It is fun to see some of the old film though. Richard Petty coming to pit road and cranking the window down.:L

Mark

 

[KANE]

That's what my criticism is all about.

I really liked the days of yesteryear when there was a variety of body styles going around the track like Petty's STP Charger.
You could root for your favorite brand and wait to see what they come up with next year.

Well said!

 

[6 Shooter]

SORRY - Production Race Car Days R Over!

I'd love to see all da pony cars/names back on da track, makes me wonder what ToYoDa would bring to da show.

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[Tuna]

Production based racing is alive and well in ALMS and a few other places but not NASCAR.

 

[o2bnkc]

I think they should take SC out of Nascar. There's been nothing stock about them for the last 30 years.

 

[jrose7004]

I really don't think anyone would go to a race if they raced what the manufacturers are building now. I mean racing front wheel drive production cars wouldn't be much of a show.