SPECIAL EVENT (WELCOME, NC.) - "The Intimidator" RCR Series 3 Camaro Fetches $575,000

“The Intimidator,” a one-of-a-kind RCR Series 3 Camaro with direct ties to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the legendary Dale Earnhardt, sold Jan. 19 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., for $575,000.

The RCR Series 3 Camaro (www.rcrseries3.com) is a joint venture between RCR and Total Performance Incorporated (TPI) of Wichita, Kan. “The Intimidator,” serial No. 3 of the 50 which will be produced through 2010, is equipped with the actual engine block and other engine components that powered Earnhardt and the No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the 2000 Daytona 500.

The buyer, Jimmy Richardson, principal of Colson Park Capital, Inc., in Hickory, N.C., also has ties to the famed No. 3 GM Goodwrench teams. His Mom ‘N’ Pop’s Old Fashion Sugar Cured Country Ham was an associate sponsor of the team for six years (1991-96), three of which resulted in championship seasons (1991, ‘93, ‘94).

“’The Intimidator’ is a real piece of history and the continuation of a personal relationship with Richard Childress Racing that began in 1991,” said Richardson. “We sponsored Richard and Dale for six years and were fortunate enough to win three championships. My family has a museum in Hickory and we plan to park ‘The Intimidator’ right in front of the championship trophies and photos we have. We’re just pleased to now be a part of ‘The Intimidator’ history and excitement.”

From the custom “RCR Black” paint, to the actual race car pedal assembly, to the gear shift knob -- the inspiration for RCR Series 3 Camaro came from the famous No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet race cars. Most significantly, the RCR Series 3 Camaro includes two engines, one of which is a Chevrolet SB2 block race engine built and tuned at the renowned RCR engine shop especially for this project. The other is a crate engine built with a Rodex block and heads by Keith Craft Racing of Arkadelphia, Ark.

“I was very happy to see my good friend Jimmy Richardson end up the top bidder for ‘The Intimidator’,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. “He was a big part of RCR for a number of years so it’s like the car gets to stay in the family. This was a great kickoff for the RCR Series 3 Camaro. I know all the hard work and long hours that Brook Phillips and everyone at Total Performance put into ‘The Intimidator’ so it was gratifying to see the car sell for a great price. I also know that their commitment to building the rest of the Series 3 Camaros is even stronger.

“It was my first trip to the Barrett-Jackson Auction and I was very impressed with the entire program. Craig Jackson, Steve Davis and Gary Bennett opened up their program to us and did things for the sale of ‘The Intimidator’ that they hadn’t done before. They’re a special group of people and I look forward to continuing our relationship. It was a great experience.”

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned nearly 180 victories and 11 NASCAR championships, including the 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series owners’ point title and six in the Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Truck Series. Its 2008 Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 AT&T). Its 2008 Nationwide Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 BB&T), Bobby Labonte (No. 21 Chevrolet) and Burton and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn).

About Total Performance Incorporated

TPI is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of custom automotive builds and restoration projects. Brook Phillips launched TPI in 1983 with a commitment to producing the highest quality custom builds and innovative designs. The Wichita, Kan., company has earned numerous awards at SEMA, Barrett Jackson, the Good Guys Midwest Nationals and the Street Machine Nationals. TPI’s restoration projects include Richard Childress Racing driver Clint Bowyer's 1949 Custom Coupe and Gas Rhonda's legendary 1967 Mustang Funny Car. Phillips’ personal involvement, as well as the input of RCR engine builders, chassis specialists, engineers and fabricators ensures the RCR Series 3 Camaro will embody RCR excellence. They will not come cheap, but you can’t put a price on being a part of the RCR legacy.