New Dodge CEO reaffirms commitment to NASCAR

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Related story: Mike Accavitti resigns 'to pursue other interests' amid Chrysler restructuring

Ralph Gilles, the new president and chief executive officer for Dodge cars, said that the change in leadership over the Dodge brand will not impact Dodge’s interest in NASCAR.

Mike Accavitti, a pro-NASCAR marketing executive, was named CEO of Dodge in June but resigned amid a Chrysler restructuring that separates the leadership of the Ram trucks from the Dodge cars.

“Dodge intends to remain involved in NASCAR competition,” Gilles said in a statement Tuesday. “Our brand-focused strategy for development and marketing of Dodge vehicles through the sport remains a good fit for the company.

“Dodge customers and NASCAR fans share the enthusiasm for performance on and off the track. We’re looking forward to strong performances for the remainder of 2009 and the foreseeable future.”

Dodge only has one organization – Penske Racing – signed for the 2010 season since Richard Petty Motorsports plans to move to Ford. After having no drivers in the 12-driver Chase For The Sprint Cup field in 2008, Dodge has two drivers (Penske’s Kurt Busch and RPM’s Kasey Kahne) in the Chase this year.

“I haven’t met Ralph,” Busch said Tuesday. “But I do know that this has changed hands and that this in the short term won’t affect the motor racing program for Dodge. I do enjoy the support they gave us, and they’re fully committed. They fully know about the details behind the scenes.

“One thing I’ve gathered [is] Ralph … is an avid car enthusiast. He spends time at the track and goes go-karting and likes Formula One racing. So it’s up to us to carry the NASCAR banner through these tough times.”

Comments

7 responses to "New Dodge CEO reaffirms commitment to NASCAR". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    galvan18244 said:
    Oct 6, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Dodge should give kurt a job! kurt promotes and does soo much for dodge, i have a feeling kurt is the next ceo of dodge lol!

  2. 2
    troyhackney said:
    Oct 7, 2009 at 3:49 PM

    Having just one organization at the top level of Nascar does not mean commitment. Not re-signing RPM (or missing payments during the 2009 season to RPM) does not mean commitment. I would have to say the only commitment Dodge has is getting exposure in lame articles like this one. It's a simple equation: Dodge equals no commitment. And before people start bashing me, I am a Dodge fan that has three Dodge-Chrysler cars, and I pull for Kasey Kahne.

  3. 3
    SheilaLovesNASCAR said:
    Oct 7, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    If Dodge has such a commitment, then did RPM have to find support elsewhere? Or does Dodge only support Penske? That's not support.

  4. 4
    galvan18244 said:
    Oct 7, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    RPM let dodge down, they did nuthin!! yea dodge may have screwed them but i would too, it was a waste of money for dodge to fun rpm whey they were not doing anything, i think only the 9 got money from dodge, which should be right, cuz the other 3 cars are a joke!

    i call that smart support!

  5. 5
    keith308 said:
    Oct 7, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    Dodge should help Robby Gordon and the #71 car

  6. 6
    xbrownsx said:
    Oct 8, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    I am a longtime DODGE Fan / owner. 1973 Dodge Charger SE 440 CI. 2007 Dodge Magnum R/T. 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8. 2007 Dodge Hemi RAM Reg. Cab.
    ALL have been very dependable and I enjoy every one.
    I will support DODGE at NASCAR and in their showroom.
    Looking for the #2 Miller Lite DODGE take the waving checkers at Daytona in February.
    PETTY

  7. 7
    xbrownsx said:
    Oct 8, 2009 at 12:13 AM

    Petty WON'T HAVE ANY CARS IN THE CHASE NEXT YEAR IN A FORD. MARK MY WORDS...
    I can hear RPM's excuses already: "It's taking us a bit longer to learn more about this Ford engine, maybe next year..."

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