|
Legend ready to bow out in style |
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.”
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.”
