Dodge says nothing finalized on 2013 teams

Three months after its NASCAR future was thrown into disarray by Penske Racing's impending departure to Ford, Dodge still seems without a firm plan for Sprint Cup in 2013. Recent reports have linked the manufacturer to an IndyCar team Andretti Autosport moving into Cup and suggested Dodge could make an announcement in two weeks at Michigan International Speedway. But a Dodge executive said in a Wednesday statement to USA Today Sports that nothing has been finalized.

Aside from not having any teams in its 2013 lineup, Dodge also hasn't settled on an engine builder. The manufacturer could cut a deal to keep receiving motors from Penske's shop or could start its own engine room. Current Cup teams without a manufacturer deal for next year include Richard Petty Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

Furniture Row and RPM declined to comment. Front Row general manager Jerry Freeze told USA Today Sports his team had informal talks with Dodge "but nothing of substance" since the March 1 announcement of Penske's switch to Ford. Time is growing short on a decision because of NASCAR's switch to a new model next year. The car's bodies will require new templates and pieces, and the team is planning to build chassis starting Oct. 1, several weeks earlier than in past seasons. USA Today