Chevrolet/RCR unveil new Monte Carlo.

The winningest manufacturer in the history of NASCAR, Chevrolet, has unveiled the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo race car prior to the UAW-GM Quality 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway this week.

The launch car was dressed in the new silver and black GM Goodwrench paint scheme by Richard Childress Racing (RCR), GM Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO), and Chevrolet that will be used on the #29 RCR Monte Carlo driven by Kevin Harvick next year.

NASCAR officials approved the specifications of the '03 Monte Carlo model in August, and on Thursday RCR offered the first glimpse of not only the body shape but also the all important paint scheme for next year.

The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season will mark the 18th year that GM Goodwrench has been a winning member of the Richard Childress Racing organization. In 1985, GM Goodwrench entered NASCAR as an associate sponsor of RCR, and in 1988 became a primary sponsor with the late Dale Earnhardt and the famous black #3.

Continuing to lead the field, GM Goodwrench and RCR hold the record with the longest active relationship between a primary sponsor and a NASCAR team.

While retaining the familiar GM Goodwrench flagship colours, the '03 paint scheme features more black than silver on the hood, roof, and rear deck. A striking touch of neon red emphasizes the bold wing-like graphics on each side and punctuates the number 29.

Duane Miller, General Director GM Parts Sales: "We were looking for a more aggressive approach to showcase the GM Goodwrench logo and with the new paint scheme on the No. 29 race car, we believe we've found it. We've come a long way since the GM Goodwrench car was introduced in 1988.

"In essence, our association and relationship with Winston Cup and the RCR teams is a great example of our overall advertising push for 2003 - aggressive, focused and driving for results. Goodwrench is proud to continue our association with RCR and Kevin Harvick in taking Goodwrench to another level."

"We think this '03 race car is going to be a real hit with the fans," added Chevy GM Kurt Ritter. "The new model is unmistakably Monte Carlo with its distinct and sporty style. We are suitably impressed with the new look of this racecar.

"Chevrolet has had the good fortune of being associated with Richard Childress for 17 years, and RCR has put us in victory lane time and time again. We're really looking forward to our 18th year with RCR and to continuing as the most successful nameplate in NASCAR Winston Cup competition in 2003 and beyond."

"Richard Childress Racing has worked long and hard with Chevrolet in order to get the new Monte Carlo ready for next season, and we're very proud of the final product," continued the multi-title winning team owner. "General Motors has been a very important part of the success of RCR over the years, with both the GM Goodwrench program and on the Chevrolet side. We're honoured to unveil our 2003 No. 29 GM Goodwrench paint scheme with the new '03 Chevrolet Monte Carlo model."