Is Chrysler Getting Out of Road Racing?

November 27, 2001

Sacramento - Does Chrysler now doubt the adage, "Race on Sunday, sell on Monday?" Doubtfully. But Chrysler has ended its long-term relationship with Team ORECA, who successfully built and campaigned Dodge Vipers at Le Mans and other road racing circuits for the last five years.

Chrysler offered no explanation for discontinuing its sports racing effort other than to say that its future advertising programs would focus on other consumer "passion points."

The Viper GTS-R prepared and raced by ORECA has been less competitive over the past year and Chrysler may be searching for someone who can breathe new life (speed) into its sports racing program.