A couple of years back NASCAR unveiled plans to take the Nationwide’s car and follow along with the Sprint Cup car move to a redesigned COT, but this time they wanted to change the manufacturer’s models to what we affectionately refer to as the “Pony Cars”. Ford and Dodge have followed right along, developing a Mustang and Challenger version respectively. Chevrolet and Toyota, most likely due to financial restraints, have drug their feet and stuck with their Sprint Cup car frames. It was hoped that Chevy would come out with a Camaro, but will run an Impala SS version instead, while Toyota sticks to the Camry (Has Toyota ever marketed what we would call a “Pony Car”?).
The template Pony Car shell
We will get to watch these new cars in action when they make their debut at Daytona International Speedway on July 2nd. The new Ford and Dodge cars, along with the Chevy and Toyota Nationwide versions of the Impala and Camry will appear in just four points races during the balance of the 2010 Nationwide. Besides their debut at Daytona, look for them on Aug. 14th at Michigan International Speedway, Sept. 10th at Richmond International Raceway and Oct. 23rd at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
May 18th over 25 teams ran their versions of the Nationwide Pony Cars at Daytona and it was readily apparent there are many problems to be resolved prior to the July 2nd debut.
Recognize the Mustang?
Read about the trials in Lee Spencer’s article at FoxSport.com:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/NASCAR-pony-cars-get-ready-for-prime-time-debut-Lee-Spencer
One thing that stuck out concerning the Daytona test trials; the cars are evidently going to be slower than the Sprint Cup cars.
Did you know that last weekend in Dover the Nationwide cars ran faster than the Sprint Cup cars in qualifying?
Do you think the new Nationwide cars are purposefully being designed to slow them down?
Finally, it’s too bad we have to contend with today’s economy. I suppose we’ll get to see the Chevrolet Camaro compete with the Mustang and Challenger down the road since GM backed off on the development costs.
There's your Challenger, klvalus!
Toyota's Supra concept car...
Tez found this shot of a Toyota Celica concept car.
I can tell you the Dodge Challenger looks SaWeet! =) Our guys think the pony cars racing will put a lot of pressure on NASCAR to change the Cup cars to distinct brands again. Its going to make the COT look more like an IROC car than ever.
ReplyDeleteI dont think they are designed to specifically slow the cars down - I think this is a nod to the manufacturers to get brand loyalty going again. But I am rarely correct about this stuff!
Toyota....hmm, the only 2 'sporting cars' I can recall from them would be the Celica and the Supra, lol
ReplyDeleteklvalus,
ReplyDeleteDo you think NASCAR would allow the Sprint Cup COT template to be changed from a uniform body style to a more manufacturer oriented body? It would sure open the door to all sorts of questionable things. I'm sure if one manufacturer's style stood head and shoulders over the others all hell would break out...
Like Gene would probably say on the speed issue, just give those engineers some time with this new Nationwide car and they'll have it crankin' around with the Sprint Cup Cars.
Thanks klvalus!
Hey tez!
ReplyDeleteMaybe Toyota will introduce a muscle car and then put it up against the pony cars in the Nationwide series. There's a Supra concept car that might fit the bill.
Thanks Hoppy! (For Kangaroos, for Australia...?) Okay, Thanks tez!
Is NASCAR listening to the fans again? We may be able to look at a car and know who the manufacturer is? A pleasant surprise.
ReplyDeleteDwind, That paint job on #16 would look sweet on your Stang!
Gene, that Mustang looks like its going 100 miles an hour just sittin' there!
ReplyDeleteI know the times say different, but Toyota needs a decent ride to put up against these other pony cars. Who knows, they've got a really nice looking Supra concept car that might fit the bill.
Thanks man!
here's a link to a possible Celica concept, Dwindy:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/toyota-celica-concept.jpg
Hey tez!
ReplyDeleteKinda looks like the Supra I posted. Both are nice looking rides! I wonder how long it takes for a concept car to become a reality?
Just curious. I'll keep my Mustang until the wheels fall off!
Thanks man!