Drastic change for Busch Series? Pony cars by 2009
Quote selected text Published September 16th, 2007 in NASCAR News
NASCAR hopes to inject new life into its Busch Series by changing the types of cars raced, beginning as early as 2009, according to multiple sources familiar with the project. If plans go according to schedule, the next-generation Busch Series cars will be Chevy Camaros, Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs and an as-yet-to-be named Toyota model, sources said.
Ford overhauled the Mustang as a 1960s-retro model in 2005, to positive critical and commercial results. Chevrolet and Dodge will release similarly retro-themed Camaros and Challengers, respectively, by the 2009 model year. The Mustang, Camaro and Challenger all are two-door coupes with rear-wheel drive and available V-8 engines, a hugely popular combination in the halcyon days of 1960s muscle cars. A switch to these cars - plus whichever model Toyota chooses to campaign - would make a huge amount of sense, as it would help the Busch Series have its own distinct identity apart from Nextel Cup and help remove the stigma of the series as “Cup Lite,” as some call it now.
Sources familiar with the project said NASCAR has discussed the idea of switching cars with the manufacturers and has received a positive reception for the idea.
- Busch to move to COT in 2009?
- Ford could run the Mustang in 2009
- Report: Nationwide COT to be used full time in ‘09
- Busch team Brewco to be sold to Gibbs?
- Truex will race for DEI at least through 2009
I think this is a great idea. I’ve been saying they should do this for years. Not only does it sort of give Busch it’s own identity, but if they make the cars different enough, Cup drivers that run Busch races to try and get a leg up on the Cup field on Sunday would be a thing of the past!
Hey this is way to cool to happen….Now if they would use current engines that come in that type car,DOHC type stuff —– would make for some racing……….
Anonymous reply was from me and I will add —- That going to the newer engines would give the series their own idenity ….
I’ve been wanting to see this happen for a while now…hope they can pull it off! Maybe they should keep the cars somewhat stock but integrate the safety features they have in the current cars. It’d be interesting to watch and less costly for teams.
About time! The only thing that would make this better would be to spread the series around to more tracks that Cup doesn’t visit.
Plus, as a gearhead, I’d rather be pulling for Dodge Challengers and Chevy Camaros than Avengers and Impalas!
I’m with Jeff. Down with the BuschWhackers.
NOT TOO BAD!!!!!!!!! bring on the NEW muscle
oops!!!! toyota dont have a pony car hahahahahahaha it would be cool to see mustang and camaro (or vette) on the track
THIS WOULD BE AWSOME!!!! CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THIS!
I think if this does happen maybe Toyota can bring back the Supra. I know they have a concept of it right now…
if u wanna get rid of the buschwackers, all u need to do is move the busch race to sunday and have nextel race on saturday.
Aah yeah, Nick B.. Forgot all about the Supra! That’s probably what they’ll do. I don’t see them running the Corolla out there!
People, People, you think the cars are going to Look like ponys cars? ROFL……… Think again, everything will look the same as it does today and only have a different name, mustang, camaro, etc…
This sport is only looking for a different way to get your money fueled into this avenue and they know this is the way boys.
What they should change are having the Cup drivers running for their own points and not against the drivers up and coming in the Busch series when the Cup drivers think it’s too hard too win the Cup and drop back and drive against High School type Stock Car Drivers to take a Win and grin in the winners circle. Get real NASCAR. Make a difference where it counts. Stop allowig the Cup drivers to race aganist the Busch drivers for points and for a win. It’s like watching going to a high school game to watch your favoirte kid play and this bully comes along, who can’t run or wants a win and drops back, wins and goes home……….
Now, if NASCAR, allows the cars to LOOK like Mustangs, Camaro, etc, that will be great, I will eat my words the day that every happesn again. That will be the day, when Stock Car Racing Returns to it’s Roots and becomes Real Racing Once Again and not a Generic Brand.
They would let Toyota run a Solara. Iys not a pony car , but its the right size and is kinda sporty.
I think it’s a cool idea. But then that means all new drivers
have to compete for Cup races only. And with the top 35 there is
no way in hell they are making it. Because now most drivers
are spotted in Busch. and Pony Cars are not the same as Busch.