With Ford recently drawing back the curtain on its NASCAR Mustang for this weekend’s Nationwide Series race, Dodge has followed suit with one seriously retro-looking racer. In addition to the Penske Racing car, Dodge will host over 100 Challenger owners, put on a rock concert and provide plenty of other activities at its display area outside Turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway.

“Our new Dodge Challenger race car brings true brand identity back to NASCAR, so now the spotlight is going to be shared between the new car and our two star drivers from Penske Racing,” said Dodge Brand President Ralph Gilles. “We’ve been looking forward to this race weekend for quite some time, and our loyal owners and fans are going to have a lot of opportunities to celebrate the return of the Dodge Challenger.”

At Daytona fans will have a chance to win a new Challenger R/T as well as an SRT Track Experience, plus they can get signed autographs from Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Justin Allgaier.

GALLERY: Dodge Challenger NASCAR Racer

Get all the info on Dodge’s activities this weekend after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

Dodge Brand Amplifies High-performance Action Around Daytona

• Dodge will host more than 100 Dodge Challenger owners and their vehicles during the weekend when Dodge Challenger returns to NASCAR competition in Nationwide Series after an almost 30 year absence
• Interactive trackside Dodge display features various activities, giveaways and driver autograph sessions
• Rock band Atomic Tom to perform on Thursday, July 1, at Daytona Dodge

June 29, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

Before Friday night’s highly anticipated return of the Dodge Challenger to NASCAR Nationwide Series’ competition after almost 30 years, the Dodge brand will play a key role in providing Challenger owners and fans with a wide array of pre-race action and activities in and around Daytona International Speedway.

“Our new Dodge Challenger race car brings true brand identity back to NASCAR, so now the spotlight is going to be shared between the new car and our two star drivers from Penske Racing,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “We’ve been looking forward to this race weekend for quite some time, and our loyal owners and fans are going to have a lot of opportunities to celebrate the return of the Dodge Challenger.”

Leading off all the action during race week will be the performance by New York City-based rock band Atomic Tom at Daytona Dodge on Thursday, July 1. The group’s first single was “Take Me Out,” and its upcoming debut album includes “We Were Never Meant To Be” and “The Moment.” The concert will begin at 7:15 p.m. EDT at Daytona Dodge, 1450 North Tomoka Farms Road. WBHQ-FM – Beach 92.7 FM also will be on remote at Daytona Dodge from 6-8 p.m.

Dodge Motorsports also will offer a full onslaught of activities located at the brand’s trackside display area just outside Turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway, including:

• Dodge Pit Crew Challenge where fans can compete head to head or against the time clock to see who can perform a quickest simulated tire change
• Driver autograph sessions on Friday, July 2, and Saturday, July 3. Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Justin Allgaier are scheduled to attend. Fans should check with onsite display staff for actual appearance times
• Online E-Shots offers fans a chance to have a downloadable photo taken next to the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge show car
• Dodge Challenger Chase to Win Sweepstakes where fans can enter to win a new Dodge Challenger R/T
• An opportunity for fans to enter to win a day (of their choice) at the SRT Track Experience, which visits 20 premier race tracks around the country. One lucky fan will win a day consisting of four driving modules that test the limits of select SRT vehicles in a safe and controlled environment
• Vote for your favorite color Dodge Challenger: What color will win? Plum Crazy Purple? TorRed? Detonator Yellow? HEMI® Orange? Fans who vote will get a limited-edition Dodge bandana. Votes will be tallied throughout the weekend so watch the leader board for the winning color
• Play race trivia and “Spin to Win” for various prizes
• Fans can also check out all the Dodge Life and Dodge Motorsports merchandise and get a chance to see, up close and personal, the full line-up of exciting 2010 model Dodge vehicles

Hours of operation for the Dodge Motorsports display at Daytona International Speedway are: Friday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

After much speculation that IRL star Danica Patrick would enter NASCAR for the 2010 season, the hopes of those wanting to see the racing diva behind the wheel of a stock car seemed dashed when her IRL schedule was confirmed. But now it appears as though Patrick will also race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010, with a limited schedule. The car will be sponsored by Go Daddy and will be a part of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team. An official announcement is expected later today in Phoenix, where Go Daddy is headquartered.

Patrick is likely to make her NASCAR debut on February 13th in Daytona Beach, FL. She has never actually raced competitively in a stock car but did do testing for the Nationwide Series back in 2002.

The Sporting News reports that earlier this year, every single NASCAR team owner expressed interest in hiring Patrick but said they would like her to get competitive in the Nationwide series before heading to Spring Cup. That seems to be the route she is taking.

We can only imagine the marketing potential that having a woman like Danica Patrick in NASCAR could create.

[Source: SportingNews]

Dodge has officially unveiled its 2010 Challenger NASCAR racer (at least from one angle) with an announcement that it will field a two car team in next year’s Nationwide Series, run by Penske Racing.

“As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Dodge Car Brand CEO Ralph Gilles. “Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand’s legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year.”

Along with the two car effort, Dodge has also committed to supporting Penske’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Initially the two Nationwide Series cars will be Chargers, with the Challenger stepping in for four races, starting with Daytona in July. Justin Allgaier will drive the No. 12 Verizon Wireless car, with Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire car.

Dodge expects to make the move the the Challenger for the full season by 2011.

GALLERY: NASCAR Nationwide Series Dodge Challenger

Official release after the jump:

Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – Dodge Introduces Challenger For NASCAR Nationwide Series

TALLADEGA, Ala. (Friday, Oct. 30, 2009) – Dodge Motorsports today revealed the Dodge Challenger as the “New Car” for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing’s two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand. “Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand’s legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year.”

Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four “New Car” races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July. At the other 31 events that complete the 35-race season, Penske Racing will field Dodge Chargers as it did this season with the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger driven by Justin Allgaier. NASCAR is expecting full integration of the “New Car” in 2011.

Joining Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.

“Today’s announcement further reinforces our relationship and commitment to Dodge Motorsports, and we are excited about our future with this great brand,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. “We believe Dodge’s relationship with Penske Racing will continue to elevate and highlight both our brands and deliver value to Dodge enthusiasts.”

Allgaier, in his rookie season in the Nationwide Series, is currently fifth in the season point standings and the leader among Rookie of the Year candidates.

“Penske Racing has a very successful relationship with the Dodge brand,” commented Allgaier. “I am honored to be one of Dodge Motorsport’s drivers and to be able to drive the new Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is going to be awesome. The car looks great and will give the Nationwide Series its own identity.”

2010 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology—to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The two-door coupe accommodates up to five passengers and is produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI® V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway miles per gallon, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities, it’s no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates “Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car” in its 2009 APEAL Study.

“The Dodge Challenger has proven to be one of the most sought after high-performance vehicles on the street today,” said Dave Bailey, Senior Manager of Motorsports Engineering and SRT Body, Interior and Electrical. “Sharing our consumer’s passion for performance through the race version of our Dodge Challenger will continue to showcase the unique engineering brought to our race and production vehicles.”

Dodge will continue its support of Penske Racing’s three-car operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Keselowski.

The No. 12 Dodge Challenger will take part in Monday’s NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for the “new cars” with Allgaier driving.

About Dodge
Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.

Dodge introduced two new vehicles last year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand’s first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment’s only Stow ‘n Go® and Swivel ‘n Go™ seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with ESC, also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

About Penske Racing
Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced over 300 major race wins, more than 350 pole positions and 22 National Championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.

Ford has officially unveiled the first of the 2010 Mustang race cars that will join the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The car was revealed at Roush Fenway Racing headquarters in Concord, N.C., which it was also announced that 2008 Truck Series Rookie of the Year Colin Braun would drive the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang.

The car will enter NASCAR for the first time in July 2010 at Daytona International Speedway.

Ovalo, Texas native Braun moves up to the Nationwide Series after running in the truck series, and his Con-way Freight sponsor comes with him. “I’m so happy that Con-way Freight decided to move up with me to the Nationwide Series for 2010,” Braun said. “They have been a great sponsor for the past two years in the truck series so it means a lot to me that they will continue to support me in the future. I’m also looking forward to driving a Mustang next year. I’ve always thought they are such incredible cars, but have never owned one. Maybe when I win my first race the guys at Ford will want to give me one of my own.”

“This truly marks the start of the next era of Mustang racing,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports. “We fully expect this Mustang, with drivers like Colin behind the wheel, to start to enjoy the kind of success so many other Mustang racing programs have enjoyed throughout the last four decades. Mustang is a proud and historic brand for Ford. This is a car born to race, and NASCAR is the next logical step for its racing pedigree.”

Currently the Mustang competes in numerous other professional motorsports including the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions, the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, SCCA World Challenge and the Mustang Challenge Series.

GALLERY: NASCAR Nationwide Series 2010 Mustang

Official release after the jump:

FORD, ROUSH FENWAY RACING, AND CON-WAY FREIGHT UNVEIL NEW 2010 NATIONWIDE MUSTANG

Truck Series 2008 Rookie of the Year Colin Braun Will Drive the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang

CONCORD, N.C., October 13, 2009 – A new era of Mustang racing rolled out here today, piloted by an All-American driver and with a returning sponsor familiar to loyal NASCAR fans.

Three major events were rolled into one today as Ford teamed up with Roush Fenway Racing and Con-way Freight to unveil the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang with driver Colin Braun at Roush Fenway Racing headquarters in Concord, N.C.

Ford announced in July that Mustang, the iconic pony car that has raced for all 45 years of its existence, would compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in July 2010 when a limited rollout of NASCAR’s new car begins at Daytona International Speedway. Today marked the first time the NASCAR Mustang was seen in public.

Braun, 21, a native of Ovalo, Texas, will make the move from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he was the 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, to a full-time Nationwide program next season, along with Con-way Freight, which has been his sponsor for the last two years. Roush Fenway and Con-way Freight recently agreed on a contract extension to remain as a primary sponsor for 18 Nationwide races within the organization.

“I’m so happy that Con-way Freight decided to move up with me to the Nationwide Series for 2010,” Braun said. “They have been a great sponsor for the past two years in the truck series so it means a lot to me that they will continue to support me in the future. I’m also looking forward to driving a Mustang next year. I’ve always thought they are such incredible cars, but have never owned one. Maybe when I win my first race the guys at Ford will want to give me one of my own.”

Mustang has a storied history in motorsports and can claim more than 2,000 professional race wins worldwide. Its iconic standing in the auto industry aside, Mustang brings a breath of fresh air and new sense of excitement to the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

“This truly marks the start of the next era of Mustang racing,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “We fully expect this Mustang, with drivers like Colin behind the wheel, to start to enjoy the kind of success so many other Mustang racing programs have enjoyed throughout the last four decades.

“Mustang is a proud and historic brand for Ford. This is a car born to race, and NASCAR is the next logical step for its racing pedigree.”

Braun and Con-way Freight have had good success together and are experiencing a breakout season in 2009. Braun started the season by capturing his first of his three poles to date in the season-opening race at Daytona, and followed that up with his first NASCAR win, which came at Michigan International Speedway in June. He finished 13th in the point standings last year and currently sits seventh with five races remaining this season.

“We’re excited to help unveil the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Mustang, and to announce Con-way Freight’s first-ever sponsorship in the Nationwide Series,” said John G. Labrie, president, Con-way Freight. “The opportunity to continue working with Ford, Roush Fenway Racing and Colin Braun is a great one for us. Colin’s talent on the track and competitive spirit remind us of our more than 20,000 employees and the commitment they bring to their jobs every day. All of us at Con-way Freight look forward to supporting Colin all the way to another Rookie of the Year win in 2010.”

Con-way Freight’s first venture into racing took place in 2005. In 2006, the company rebranded and changed its name, and a racing sponsorship provided an ideal opportunity to build awareness of the Con-way Freight brand in an entertaining and exciting way for both customers and employees.

“Through the first five years of Con-way Racing, we saw that the program was a huge win for Con-way Freight and our customers, so we made the decision to move forward with a new affiliation with Ford, Roush Fenway Racing and Colin Braun,” said Bill Wynne, vice president of marketing, Con-way Freight. “We’ve seen tremendous rewards from those relationships, and that’s why we’re here today to announce a new era of Con-way Racing action in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.”

Mustang currently competes professionally in the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions and places like the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, SCCA World Challenge, and the Mustang Challenge Series. In addition, thousands of Mustangs see action by grassroots racers at road courses and drag strips all across America.

“I have been a Mustang owner and enthusiast for many years myself so this is an exciting day to see this car racing in NASCAR,” said car owner Jack Roush. “My teams have won several road racing championships over the years in Mustangs, and I look forward to winning more with Colin, Carl (Edwards) and Ricky (Stenhouse, Jr.). With the continued support of Ford and Con-way Freight we plan to give Colin the opportunity for his second Rookie of the Year title in NASCAR, and ultimately a Nationwide Series championship.”

Overall, Roush Fenway Racing has the most all-time victories in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with 107 and two driver championships, courtesy of Greg Biffle (2002) and Carl Edwards (2007).