Post by labontefanboy on Jan 12, 2014 22:24:41 GMT -5
Honda to enter NASCAR competition beginning in 2009
The NASCAR world's jaw collectively dropped this morning, as Japanese automaker Honda announced they will begin competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in 2009. The move comes out of nowhere, as Honda, as recently as this past December, claimed they had no interest in competing in NASCAR and was satisfied with its American sales. However, with Toyota now competing in the Nextel Cup Series this season, Honda officials reportedly felt the need to join them as the second foreign manufacturer in the sport. Honda Performance Development President Robert Clarke had this to say: "Many people have theorized throughout the years about what it would be like to have Honda in NASCAR.....well, now I can tell you that you don't have to theorize anymore. We're proud to announce that we will enter the Honda Accord in NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide competition starting in 2009. This is a groundbreaking day for Honda as an entire company; it's widely known we strive to stay at the forefront of automobile manufacturing and we think by participating in NASCAR we can expand our presence in the United States even further." NASCAR President Brian France also was excited to bring a new manufacturer to the sport, stating that "it's not every day that such a popular vehicle like the Honda Accord will go 200 miles per hour. But with Honda in NASCAR, we will be able to show off the win on Sunday, sell on Monday concept that got our sport to where it is today. I'm very excited to have Honda aboard as we continue to develop a diverse, international fan base and spread our appeal across the globe." There were no confirmations of any teams on board with Honda at this point, but Clarke did mention that HPD has already begun talking to existing teams and hopes to bring new teams into the sport. Andretti-Green Racing, a top-tier team in the IndyCar Series, has long been rumored to have interest in jumping to NASCAR and is expected to be courted by Honda. (NASCAR.com) (4/10/07)
The NASCAR world's jaw collectively dropped this morning, as Japanese automaker Honda announced they will begin competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in 2009. The move comes out of nowhere, as Honda, as recently as this past December, claimed they had no interest in competing in NASCAR and was satisfied with its American sales. However, with Toyota now competing in the Nextel Cup Series this season, Honda officials reportedly felt the need to join them as the second foreign manufacturer in the sport. Honda Performance Development President Robert Clarke had this to say: "Many people have theorized throughout the years about what it would be like to have Honda in NASCAR.....well, now I can tell you that you don't have to theorize anymore. We're proud to announce that we will enter the Honda Accord in NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide competition starting in 2009. This is a groundbreaking day for Honda as an entire company; it's widely known we strive to stay at the forefront of automobile manufacturing and we think by participating in NASCAR we can expand our presence in the United States even further." NASCAR President Brian France also was excited to bring a new manufacturer to the sport, stating that "it's not every day that such a popular vehicle like the Honda Accord will go 200 miles per hour. But with Honda in NASCAR, we will be able to show off the win on Sunday, sell on Monday concept that got our sport to where it is today. I'm very excited to have Honda aboard as we continue to develop a diverse, international fan base and spread our appeal across the globe." There were no confirmations of any teams on board with Honda at this point, but Clarke did mention that HPD has already begun talking to existing teams and hopes to bring new teams into the sport. Andretti-Green Racing, a top-tier team in the IndyCar Series, has long been rumored to have interest in jumping to NASCAR and is expected to be courted by Honda. (NASCAR.com) (4/10/07)
