Dodge exits Nascar

Dodge has decided to drop out of Nascar racing at the end of this season, making it the only domestic automaker without a presence in America’s most popular motorsport, said Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of Chrysler’s SRT Motorsports brand.

Karl Brauer, editor in chief of Totalcarscore.com, said Dodge’s decision is surprising, but may reflect Nascar’s declining appeal.

Ticket revenue fell by 38% over the past five years at its three publicly traded companies, which host 35 of the 38 race weekends, according to a story in July by the Charlotte News & Observer. It may also signal Chrysler’s intent to spend more money on other motorsports racing leagues, Brauer said.


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