Chevy will be gunning for a record-breaking 27 wins in a single season in Florida this weekend, which would give the GM manufacturer the impressive statistic of having triumphed in exactly 75 per cent of all points-paying races in 2007. Those who have competed with the Monte Carlo over the years were in reflective mood as it gets set to take to the track one final time before retirement.
Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Jeff Gordon has been an exclusive Chevrolet driver throughout his remarkable career. With 81 wins, 233 top five and 316 top ten finishes in 15 years, the Californian leads the distinguished list of drivers who have enjoyed success in the Monte Carlo/Monte Carlo SS.
“My favorite racing memory of the Monte Carlo was its re-introduction into the Cup Series back in 1995,” the 36-year-old reminisced. “The car was so dominant that year, and we were able to win our first championship with it as well.”
Gordon's current Hendrick Motorsports team-mate and defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, meanwhile, has rocketed to 33 career wins, all behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.
“One of the neater things I have done is go to the Monte Carlo assembly plant and see the whole process,” the 2007 NEXTEL Cup champion-elect commented. “That was actually really cool. I got to go up in the testing bay and go through all the cycles, then got the green light and the sticker and drove it off the assembly floor.
“On-track, [the best memory] would be my first win in NEXTEL Cup (California Speedway, Spring 2002) in a Monte Carlo. I have been a GM/Chevy guy my whole career, so I am very proud to say I have only raced bow-ties, and I don't think there are many guys in the garage that can say that.”
“Probably my best memory with a Chevy Monte Carlo is what is still my favourite racing memory,” added two-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. “[It was] winning the Brickyard 400 for the first time (2005). Everyone knows how badly I wanted to win at Indy, and when I finally did it was the best feeling I ever had.
