Cobalt to Debut in NHRA
03-17-2005, 03:26 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-11-04
Location: patterson, ca
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cobalt to Debut in NHRA
Cobalt to debut in NHRA
FONTANA -- With an eye on the growing sports compact market, General Motors unveiled its new entry-level drag racing vehicle, the Cobalt Phase 5, Wednesday at California Dragway.
The new car, in general production since late 2004, will join other Ecotech-powered entries in the NHRA Sports Compact Drag Racing Series and the Powerade Drag Racing Series.
The Cobalt Phase 5 features a powertrain, safety components and chassis developed by GM Racing, including the 500-plus horsepower Ecotech race-prepared engine.
"A sports compact racer can install components of the Phase 5 package as time and budget allows,' said Fred Simmonds, GM Racing group manager for drag racing. "GM is opening the door for sport compact tuners to race with Chevrolet by offering components specifically engineered for sports compact racing.
"We have done the research and development at the top end of the class. If someone wants to race within the 11- to 14-second range, they can do it.'
A instruction manual will allow racers to make such modifications.
"We have created a car racers can build in their own shops using available parts,' said Carmen Smith, racing program manager for sports compacts. "The individual components of the Phase 5 race car are designed for straightforward installation.'
Marty Ladwig has been selected by GM to drive its Cobalt entry in the Pro Front Wheel Drive class in the NHRA Summit Sports Compact Drag Racing Series. Gary Gardella will race the Cobalt in the series' Hot Rod class.
Simmonds also said four competitors in the Powerade Drag Racing Series Kurt Johnson, Erica Enders, Ron Krisher and Dave Connelly will debut the Pro Stock Cobalt next month at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
Additionally, it was announced that two drag racers will compete in Cobalt Phase 5 entries in the NHRA Quick 16 and NOPI Chic classes. Erica Nocita of Monrovia will compete in the western part of the country and Brittany Kindle on the East Coast.
"What I like about the Cobalt is that it looks great, with good styling,' said Ladwig, who will debut the car April3 at Moroso Raceway in West Palm Beach, Fla. "This is much better than any previous car we've had.
"It has race styles and there are lots of ways to personalize it, whether it's a wing or other accessories.'
Simmonds is banking that the Cobalt may create a new generation of racers on the strip, and not on the streets.
"We want to plant the seed for entry-level racers with an affordable racing package,' Simmonds said. "We are offering cars that are quicker, reliable and affordable.
"It is our hope that Erica and Brittany will race all year with the same engine and transmissions, with just changing oil and sparkplugs.'
The introduction of the Cobalt is a far cry from where GM was when the sports compact series started three years ago in Palmdale.
"There were no GM cars in the field,' Simmonds said of the series debut. "At Moroso, there will be between 10 to 12 Cobalts, Sunfires and Cavaliers. That's a huge number in a very short period of time.'
Website
http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories...766863,00.html
FONTANA -- With an eye on the growing sports compact market, General Motors unveiled its new entry-level drag racing vehicle, the Cobalt Phase 5, Wednesday at California Dragway.
The new car, in general production since late 2004, will join other Ecotech-powered entries in the NHRA Sports Compact Drag Racing Series and the Powerade Drag Racing Series.
The Cobalt Phase 5 features a powertrain, safety components and chassis developed by GM Racing, including the 500-plus horsepower Ecotech race-prepared engine.
"A sports compact racer can install components of the Phase 5 package as time and budget allows,' said Fred Simmonds, GM Racing group manager for drag racing. "GM is opening the door for sport compact tuners to race with Chevrolet by offering components specifically engineered for sports compact racing.
"We have done the research and development at the top end of the class. If someone wants to race within the 11- to 14-second range, they can do it.'
A instruction manual will allow racers to make such modifications.
"We have created a car racers can build in their own shops using available parts,' said Carmen Smith, racing program manager for sports compacts. "The individual components of the Phase 5 race car are designed for straightforward installation.'
Marty Ladwig has been selected by GM to drive its Cobalt entry in the Pro Front Wheel Drive class in the NHRA Summit Sports Compact Drag Racing Series. Gary Gardella will race the Cobalt in the series' Hot Rod class.
Simmonds also said four competitors in the Powerade Drag Racing Series Kurt Johnson, Erica Enders, Ron Krisher and Dave Connelly will debut the Pro Stock Cobalt next month at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
Additionally, it was announced that two drag racers will compete in Cobalt Phase 5 entries in the NHRA Quick 16 and NOPI Chic classes. Erica Nocita of Monrovia will compete in the western part of the country and Brittany Kindle on the East Coast.
"What I like about the Cobalt is that it looks great, with good styling,' said Ladwig, who will debut the car April3 at Moroso Raceway in West Palm Beach, Fla. "This is much better than any previous car we've had.
"It has race styles and there are lots of ways to personalize it, whether it's a wing or other accessories.'
Simmonds is banking that the Cobalt may create a new generation of racers on the strip, and not on the streets.
"We want to plant the seed for entry-level racers with an affordable racing package,' Simmonds said. "We are offering cars that are quicker, reliable and affordable.
"It is our hope that Erica and Brittany will race all year with the same engine and transmissions, with just changing oil and sparkplugs.'
The introduction of the Cobalt is a far cry from where GM was when the sports compact series started three years ago in Palmdale.
"There were no GM cars in the field,' Simmonds said of the series debut. "At Moroso, there will be between 10 to 12 Cobalts, Sunfires and Cavaliers. That's a huge number in a very short period of time.'
Website
http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories...766863,00.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post