Chevy Executives Say IndyCar Project Won’t Impact NASCAR Program

Chevrolet announced earlier this month that it would get back into the IndyCar Series, supplying engines to a handful of teams beginning in 2012. That move, company executives say, will not impact its NASCAR program, which includes Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

Although those who oversee Chevrolet’s motorsports programs will have the IndyCar program as an additional part of their responsibilities, the money and personnel to run the program will not be taken from its NASCAR budget.

“Obviously we are going to add people to support the IndyCar Series," said Chevrolet U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Jim Campbell. “It does not affect us for NASCAR."

The addition of the IndyCar Series program was made because of what that series has to offer – a younger fan base, a car that runs alternative fuels, etc. – and is not a reflection on what NASCAR provides the company as far as marketing opportunities, Campbell said during NASCAR’s season-ending weekend at Homestead earlier this month. The resources are available today but have to be applied in a very disciplined way, vigilant on driving the best results with the lowest expenses," Campbell said. “We believe adding IndyCar will allow us to achieve [our] objectives."

Chevrolet still is reaching its objectives in NASCAR as well.

“Attendance is down, viewership is down, but when we look at it relative to other platforms, we still have amazing [results]," Campbell said. “We will not miss that [NASCAR] opportunity."

“As we go forward with the 2013 Cup car, we are working to push that envelope even further," GM Racing Director Mark Kent said. “Each of the manufacturers wants more identity into the car. NASCAR, based one what they learned for 2011, they’re a lot more open to helping us work collaboratively for 2013 to meet all of our objectives.

“The ’13 car should be very exciting for all of us." Fox Sports