NOPE! Don't count on it Mike. Actually I did find out later that Reid WAS a supporter of Chrysler in NASCAR after the fact. This was reported in the Dan Reid - Chrysler PR contact thread.Mike V. said:Many believe that Reid Bigland was directly responsible (along with his boss) for Dodge pulling out of NASCAR. Now that he is no longer the brand CEO for Dodge... Will we see the focus change?
Mike
Drew, due to the sensitivity of this topic, I have removed your post and kept what is relevant in the quote above. The goal of this thread is to discuss future support and show the new guy at Dodge that we want him to support motor sports such as NASCAR.drew54 said:I think Ralph is honestly working on a return, and if it is not financially not viable (for whatever reason, unable to put together a worthy Cup program, Europe recession, lack of marketing funds from the other brands, investing into production intent product) they will stay out.
Don't forget, when Dodge came back to NASCAR, they started in the Truck Series.drew54 said:Dang, I thought that was as positive towards Chrysler as I could make it. I will say this. To expand on my worthy cup program comment, I think this makes it very unlikely to see them invest in truck racing alone.
I think if they do come back in trucks alone, it would not be cost effective. To me, the only way it works is if there is intent to develop a few young drivers in trucks and slide them into Nationwide, and eventually cup. Not just drivers, but everyone. Offer scholarships to trade schools. Find those true gearhead Moparians and rebuild a true farm system of teams to ensure they succeed and can progress up the ladder.
It is a fine line that we walk. Motorsports can be a sore subject for many many many people, not just the fans here. I hope that the members here understand that we do want discussion, but we need to remember that comments here can affect Allpar on a larger scale.MoparNorm said:As far as fearing what Chrysler thinks about our freedom of speech and first amendment rights, here at Allpar, just let me say that several, former forum contributors have written me to complain about the censorship, as the primary reason they no longer post in Motorsports.
It's a tough path for the Moderators to walk when they are getting pressure from both sides.
As long as Marchionne is steering the company through the minefield of a failing economy, the individuals in charge of his brands, are not going to make a difference in regards to racing and focus.Mike V. said:Many believe that Reid Bigland was directly responsible (along with his boss) for Dodge pulling out of NASCAR. Now that he is no longer the brand CEO for Dodge... Will we see the focus change?
Mike
Thank you Dave!DaveAdmin said:I agree with Mike on this.
Sometimes we lose people whose input we value, and we regret that. Sometimes we lose loudmouths, and we regret that less.
Moderation on Allpar is not normally all that severe. If there are specific cases where you feel we were wrong, just say the word.
As a side note — I would expect news on NASCAR this/next month.
Racing in NASCAR can promote specific vehicles also. My fingers are still crossed. A new boss is in town and we know SRT wants back in the game. Maybe this will create the prefect cooperation to convince the higher up that it needs to be.MoparNorm said:As long as Marchionne is steering the company through the minefield of a failing economy, the individuals in charge of his brands, are not going to make a difference in regards to racing and focus.
The current and future focus is to concentrate every penny on marketing the new models coming on the new platforms. Racing in GRC and ALMS is for the purpose of moving those models. NASCAR racing would move only Dodge (in his mind) so it is taking a backseat to placing those millions in other areas of marketing, like TV, special events and other marketing campaigns, that (again in his mind) benefit the entire corporation.
There are only so many dollars to spread around and the perception of value out of NASCAR is not on his radar at the moment, so no, it makes no difference who the Brand CEO's are. The focus is elsewhere.
Possibly, but there isn't a new boss in town, there is a new figurehead.Mike V. said:Racing in NASCAR can promote specific vehicles also. My fingers are still crossed. A new boss is in town and we know SRT wants back in the game. Maybe this will create the prefect cooperation to convince the higher up that it needs to be.
Mike
Only time will tell.MoparNorm said:Possibly, but there isn't a new boss in town, there is a new figurehead.![]()
Well that's interesting... and pleasantly suprising. Time to churn up the ol' rumor mill again?DaveAdmin said:I agree with Mike on this.
Sometimes we lose people whose input we value, and we regret that. Sometimes we lose loudmouths, and we regret that less.
Moderation on Allpar is not normally all that severe. If there are specific cases where you feel we were wrong, just say the word.
As a side note — I would expect news on NASCAR this/next month.
http://www.sportsmedia101.com/motorsports/2013/04/12/john-menardearnhardt-ganassi-racing-rumor-screams-one-word-dodge/hemi_magnum said:Well that's interesting... and pleasantly suprising. Time to churn up the ol' rumor mill again?
Yep.Mopar7171 said: