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.

 

That's a great idea!!!!!

Dusty

 

that sounds sweet. then dodge can start dominating the track again can you say HEMI

so yota will be entering a FWD car lol

 

it sounds like it will be alot closer to being "stock car racing", rather than rwd and fwd sedans altered to look like coupes...

also, if toyota cant bring a RWD V8 coupe to the table, they shouldnt be allowed to compete. while nascar is anything but "stock cars", the racing series in japan all have fairly strict requirements as far as the drivetrain config and such...nascar should expect the same of toyota here, but then they would have to require ford and GM to do the same thing...and god forbid that GM put together a good running rwd car...

 

I think it'll be very interesting to see what Toyota comes up with for the Busch Series when this happens. (Busch is giving up sponsorhip next year though so it'll also be interesting to see who picks it up) Keep in mind that everything is COT from here on out in the Cup Series though and I think that is where they really want to be. Nothing there will really be "brand" there anymore except for the base block of the engine and the sticker on the hood. It's becoming more and more like open wheel, You can not go to your local dealership and find a single part for sell that is on the COT for your Avenger, Camry, or Impala. They have the same front clips, hoods, trunks, and spoilers. Their are no more Chevy templates, Ford templates, Dodge templates, or Toyota templates in the inspection booths after February of '08 (which is why NASCAR is being SO strict with that "drop down" crab COT template). In fact, did you know that ALL of the cars run the same 9" FORD rear end?

Ultimately, Chevy, Ford, and Dodge know that Toyota (like it or not) is going to turn around its CUP level performance.Toyota has not entered into anything that they have not figured out how to win in. In only a few years they have become a powerhouse in the Truck and Busch Series. Once they get some Joe Gibbs money and engineering, Get Tony, Denny, and Kyle behind the wheel... Watch out.

Mitch