Chrysler says no to V8 Supercars

Chrysler Australia has played down suggestions that it is set to join the racing ranks of V8 Supercars.

The iconic US brand has been linked to an entry into the racing series on and off for more than two years. But the brand has said it has no intention of expanding its support role in the series.

Speculation has built around Chrysler again over the last few weeks, reaching fever pitch during the series' inaugural visit to the USA last weekend. There series insider, and architect of the Car of the Future regulations under which Chrysler would run, Mark Skaife, announced a fifth manufacturer was close to formalising their presence in the series. Now, motor racing weekly Auto Action has 'outed' the brand on the cover of this week's issue announcing; "IT'S CHRYSLER!"

But both Chrysler itself and officials of Brad Jones Racing and Garry Rogers Racing (linked by the Auto Action article to the brand) have distanced themselves from the 'scoop'.

Karla Leach, Director Corporate Affairs, Fiat Chrysler Group Australia told motoring.com.au that Chrysler's involvement in V8SC was "limited to the Safety and Course Car sponsorship".

"That's the level of involvement we're committing to in the V8 arena and we don't anticipate there will be any change to that for the forseeable future," Leach stated.

"There have been no recent discussions with us or Chrysler in the USA with regards a factory or factory-supported entry into V8 Supercars,

"There were some discussions 18 months or so ago but we have no plans to go V8 racing," she said.

Speaking to motoring.com.au's Bruce Newton at the Austin 400, BJR principal, Brad Jones, said his squad had no deal was in place.

"Currently we are talking to manufacturers but we are not in a position where we have a deal in place," Jones stated.

"You are always having as active discussions... But in all honesty we have a great relationship with Holden currently and we are winning races and we are very focussed on the current season," he said.

Garry Rogers, linked with early discussions with Chrysler, told motoring.com.au: "We would like to align ourselves with a manufacturer and we have made no bones about that. And I have had talks with Holden about that because they have been very good to us and we have been very good to them. But I understand they are not spending more money and why would they when they have Lowndes and Whincup?"

Confirming Chrysler's comments today, Rogers confirmed: "They were probably more committed a year ago when I was talking to them then, but they are not totally disinterested. I have had discussion with them recently but nothing solid."

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