Dodge may have left NASCAR in 2012, following a decision taken three years earlier, but the company could return to the popular competition.
Highlighting the brand’s ambitions is FCA’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, who sat down with AutoNews to talk about the topic: “Yes, I’d love to. I talked to Jim France (executive VP of NASCAR) about this just last night“, the official said when he was asked if he would like to see Dodge back in NASCAR.
“I’m the one that made the decision to pull Dodge out. I am the guilty party at the table. In 2009, we came out of bankruptcy; we couldn’t (justify) racing in NASCAR when I was trying to pay bills and make payroll“, Marchionne added. “I think we’re in a different place now.“
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ chief’s statement could be backed up by a previous report that saw Brian France, the competition’s CEO, confirm discussions to bring in another automaker, without mentioning any names, though: “We’re not in position to make that announcement.“
“There is an increasing excitement around NASCAR. We continue to have on-going dialogue with a number of auto manufacturers about their interest in joining our sport. We look forward to exploration with them on this topic“, added David Higdon, NASCAR spokesman.
An official decision about Dodge’s return to NASCAR has yet to be taken, but fans won’t have to wait that long to find out the outcome, as Marchionne said “to come back to the issue in short order“, after agreeing “with both Jim and Lesa” (France Kennedy, International Speedway Corporation CEO and NASCAR board member).
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