(Mark Takahashi gets full credit for the above abomination ::sigh::)
#parismotorshow In what seemed to be a slip of a very eager tongue, new Porsche Boss Matthias Mueller let go that Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the Volkswagen Group (and guy who wants to make Porsche sparkle) will be meeting with Roger Penske at this year's season-wrapping Homestead-Miami race.
This isn't a first by any means. Remember when the Toyota Camry joined the NASCAR circus? It had a new, midsize family sedan that was built in the USA and wanted to prove to good ol' 'Mericans that Built-in-USA was just as good as being American.
And now Volkswagen, with its new "NMS" and Chattanooga factory is playing the same game. Volkswagen is desperate to become as powerful a carmaker in the U.S. as they are in other parts of the world and for that to happen, the midsize sedan is the way to go. And apparently, promoting it through NASCAR is the cracked door they see as an entry way.
We'll see if this works, or if the meeting between Winterkorn and Penske even bears fruit, but for now, a VW in NASCAR is a concept that is very much alive and well.
greenpony says:
10:14 AM, 09/30/10
Niiiice. Love the, uh, sponsor's graphics.
moparbad says:
10:38 AM, 09/30/10
Will VW race it's TDI and dominate just like Audi?
zwestbrook says:
10:53 AM, 09/30/10
The more the merrier! Now if only the National Association of STOCK Car Racing would go back to some semblance of actual STOCK cars besides headlight/taillight stickers...
lostboyz says:
10:57 AM, 09/30/10
you mean the camry doesn't have a carbed v8 and a tubular frame?
throwback says:
11:25 AM, 09/30/10
Nascar, where are the Challengers, Mustangs and Camaros? Your sport does not need more chopped 4 door sedans masquerading as coupes.
seppoboy says:
12:28 PM, 09/30/10
Nice, nothing says "credibility" and "engineering excellence" and "relevance" quite like NASCAR®
trebe182 says:
03:02 PM, 09/30/10
@throwback
It's called the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Check it out.
firstwagon says:
03:58 PM, 09/30/10
Would there be a requirement that it must contain at least one VW part? (badge doesn't count)
andy999 says:
05:44 PM, 09/30/10
@ firstwagon . . .
The engine itself has to be designed by the labeled manufacturer. This would mean, that VW would have to develop a 358 cubic inch, pushrod V8 engine capable of sustained 9500 RPM and approximately 850HP. All Nascar series cars are currently running aftermarket, purpose built transmissions, and Ford 9" style rear differential solid axle assemblies (with multi link suspension and a stabilizer track bar).
cz_75 says:
08:56 PM, 09/30/10
Wonder how many DNFs they'll have each season because of electrical problems?
kingon says:
09:36 PM, 09/30/10
Southern Confederate dont like Volkswagen is liberal in NASCAR. I know NASCAR fans are very mad at NASCAR official have one of two foreign brands for currently Toyota. I liked NASCAR is old all American muscle cars in 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's half 2000's unlike 2010's.
thegraduate says:
06:11 AM, 10/ 1/10
@kingon,
As a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, I'd appreciate it if you didn't call us "Southern Confederates." That was 150 years ago. Maybe the language barrier has hampered your learning of history?
zeniff says:
07:36 AM, 10/ 1/10
I agree with 'thegraduate'. I grew up on the west coast but now live in the South. If you don't know the South, it's much different (better) than the rest of the US paints it. As for the South being biased against non-homegrown brands, I don't really see it. I could drive to a Honda factory, then a Hyundai factory, a Kia factory, and be back home with gas to spare. A lot of imports have invested heavily in manufacturing in these parts, which the locals appreciate.
iskch says:
10:26 AM, 10/ 1/10
Zzzzzzz....