CHEVROLET CLINCHES NASCAR WINSTON CUP MANUFACTURERS' TITLE

Title is 27th for Chevrolet, 34th for GM Racing since 1952

 

Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 11, 2003 - Tony Stewart's victory in the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway clinched the 2003 Manufacturers' Championship for Chevrolet in NASCAR's premier division. With five races left in the season, Chevrolet clinched its 27th Manufacturer's crown and the 23rd of NASCAR's modern era, which began in 1972.

 

Through 31 races this season, 10 different Chevrolet drivers have earned at least one victory. Jimmie Johnson, Robby Gordon, Michael Waltrip, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Stewart and Joe Nemechek all posted Chevrolet victories.

 

The 2003 Manufacturers' title continues Chevrolet's dominance of North America's most popular motorsports series. In fact, Chevrolet's nearest competitor has won just six times. Since 1972, GM Racing has earned 25 of the 31 Manufacturer's Championships contested, with Chevrolet collecting 23 of those for an impressive .742 winning percentage. 

 

PATRICK SUHY, OVAL TRACK GROUP MANAGER, GM RACING:

"Clinching the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Manufacturer's Championship with five races left in the season is a testament to the depth and stature of all Chevrolet and GM Racing teams. It was truly a group effort, as 10 different Chevrolet drivers contributed to our 15 victories so far this season. This outstanding cooperative effort among the teams, in concert with the technology and support provided by GM Racing, makes this championship special for all concerned.

 

"Chevrolet has a storied history in NASCAR racing, winning 404 races since the modern era began in 1972, and no other manufacturer comes close to the number of manufacturer's championships Chevrolet has won since NASCAR began this program in 1952. If you look at all the Manufacturer's Championships since 1952, Chevrolet and the other GM brands associated with motorsports have won 67 percent of them (34 of 51). That is some kind of track record, and it further establishes the dominance and excellence that is part and parcel of GM Racing. We're looking forward to defending our title in 2004 and earning our 35th championship."