This weekend's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway will mark the end of an era for one of NASCAR's most enduring, popular and successful icons – the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.
Since its series introduction back in May 1971, the legendary Monte Carlo/Monte Carlo SS has contributed to 24 of the 31 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturers' championships won by the Detroit-based manufacturer, making it irrefutably the winningest nameplate for the bow-tie brand in NASCAR competition. Of the 23 NASCAR Cup drivers' crowns claimed by Chevrolet drivers, meanwhile, 16 of the champions powered their way to the top prize with the help of the Monte Carlo, collecting a staggering 396 victories in the process.
The Monte Carlo SS will be replaced full-time in NASCAR Sprint Cup series competition in 2008 by another legend in the Chevrolet line-up, the Impala SS, which with 13 wins from 16 starts has already been proving its worth. However, the tradition of the Monte Carlo SS will continue in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning at
Daytona next year. While the winning era of the immortal nameplate will end with the drop of the chequered flag at Homestead, the memories amassed by its drivers, teams and fans will never be forgotten.
“The 2007 season has been historic for Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series,” remarked Ed Peper, general manager of Chevrolet, acknowledging the fact that all good things must come to an end. “We have enjoyed tremendous success on the track with 26 victories – earning Chevrolet's 31st manufacturers' championship – and an exciting championship battle going down to the wire.
“When the chequered flag falls at Homestead, Chevrolet teams and drivers will say goodbye to the Monte Carlo SS in NASCAR Cup competition. With 396 wins since its introduction in 1971, the Monte Carlo brand has set a benchmark in the series. Drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Snr, Benny Parsons, Cale Yarborough and Terry Labonte piloted their Monte Carlos to wins and championships. These icons in the sport passed the torch to today's champions such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart.
“We at Chevrolet will watch with pride as the Monte Carlo takes its last NASCAR Cup chequered flag at Homestead, with our sincere thanks to the teams, drivers and most importantly the fans who have supported Monte Carlo throughout the years.”
