GM teams take a hit as Toyota takes pole

Friday, Jun. 12, 2009

BROOKLYN, Mich. - As part of its reorganization after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, General Motors has discontinued its funding of NASCAR teams in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series.

More cuts - at NASCAR's top level, Sprint Cup - may be next.

GM couldn't even salvage some positive headlines on the track Friday, as Toyota driver Brian Vickers won the pole for Sunday's LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway, his third pole of the season.

In fact, three of the top four starters Sunday are Toyota drivers. Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson was the fastest Chevrolet driver and will start third.

Earlier Friday, several teams affected by GM's decision began confirming the disappointing news.

"Kevin Harvick Inc. has lost its manufacturer support," KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick said in a statement. "Although this will require some internal restructuring, our commitment to our sponsors to provide the best possible product on the race track will not change."

KHI fields entries in the Nationwide and Truck series this season and won the 2007 Trucks title with driver Ron Hornaday.

Kelley Earnhardt, general manager of JR Motorsports, said that organization would continue to use Chevrolets despite the cutbacks.

"We are fully capable of adjusting our business model to accommodate this change, and with the backing of Hendrick Motorsports, we will continue to lend our full support to Chevrolet," she said.

"The manufacturer support GM provides at the NASCAR Sprint Cup level is more critical in nature than in the Nationwide Series, and I hope Chevy is able to continue supporting that level, as the promotion of NASCAR works well for its demographics."

GM last week filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has started the process of evaluating the cost effectiveness of several of its programs, including its manufacturer support in motorsports, and specifically NASCAR.

On Wednesday, GM officials are expected to meet with several teams in the Cup series to detail what, if any, cuts would occur at that level, multiple sources told the Observer and ThatsRacin.com.

"It's obviously a tough time for GM. It's a tough time for our country," said Johnson. "And one thing that I do know is that racing sells cars.

"Hopefully, we can continue to do that for Chevrolet and for GM and go out and win on Sunday and sell on Monday."

GM released a statement confirming its evaluation of its motorsports support.

"It is essential that we continue to look at every penny we spend as General Motors takes the necessary steps to become a leaner company with a significantly stronger balance sheet," the statement said.

"While Chevy Racing is talking to its business partners about ways to reduce cost and maximize the return on investment, it is our policy to not talk about the details of business relationships with our partners."

Until then, Cup teams will wait for word on any potential cutbacks.

"We, along with all the other Chevy teams, are in conversations with GM about what effects there may be as a result of their filing for bankruptcy," said Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing spokesman John Olguin.

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