“It Was All Out War”- Richard Petty Unravels Chrysler’s Unfiltered NASCAR Dominance That Led to Immense Off-Track Successn

Before today’s triangle war in NASCAR reached its epitome, with manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota going all out for supremacy, there was another behemoth that ruled the NASCAR tracks with brute speed and power. Chrysler, before its downfall, was a force to be reckoned with on and off the track. Their revolutionary hemi-V8s were more than a game-changer.

In fact, “The King” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, briefed about Chrysler’s dominance and how it blew away Ford, making an efficacious impression in the automotive industry—one that changed the industry for good.

Richard Petty details how Chrysler wiped out the Ford chapter in NASCAR, starting a new wave of race machines

Long before the ensuing Ford-Chevy-Toyota triple threat match, NASCAR had several other manufacturers that fought tooth and nail for dominance. Plymouth, Buick, Hudson, etc. were some of the top manufacturers competing against each other. One by one, they all fell from the scene until the battle was between Ford and Chrysler, when Chrysler decided to unveil its power-breathing monster of an engine that stopped Ford in its tracks.

While manufacturers during the late 50s and early 60s were accustomed to developing hemispherical V8s, Chrysler’s configuration was a cut above the rest. The 426 Hemi V8 or the 440 Mopar big-block V8 was and is still a legendary layout that blew away Ford, etching Chrysler’s name in the history books with a 41% win percentage in the 1964 season.

Instead of going around and beating around the bush, Chrysler relied on the basics, tweaking more power out of their V8s and aerodynamics to counter the Ford attack. Reflecting on the manufacturer’s success, “The King” said, “In 64 it was an all-out war, Ford against Chrysler, Chrysler came with a Hemi-engine and they just blew everything away, we won Daytona. The thing we kept telling the factories, all the racing teams you know, that you got to put your money in the car and win on Sundays so you can sell on Mondays.”

WATCH THIS STORY: The Daytona disaster: Richard Petty’s near-fatal encounter 

Back then, the market was all about speed and performance. Chrysler’s hemis were a game-changer, revolutionizing the market forever as their NASCAR dominance got them the fame and recognition required to push out their product deep into the automobile sector, beating other manufacturers before the punch. However, the manufacturer’s reign at the top did not last long. But its supremacy is one that still burns bright in the community, with zealous fans still reminiscing about the good old days.

Chrysler and Dodge’s tragic fall from grace

Trending

Ricky Rudd Boldly Predicts Shane van Gisbergen to Lose His NASCAR Crown With Cup Series Promotion

Richard Childress Discloses His 6-Word Promise to Kyle Busch Amid Unending NASCAR Misery

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gets Candid on His Humble Upbringing as He Pens an Emotional Message to $8.4 Billion Worth NASCAR Partner

After Painful NASCAR Exit, Tony Stewart Shutting Down Prized Venture In Emotional Decision Shocks Fans

Richard Childress Disappointed With NASCAR’s Motives Forcing Him to Possibly ‘Lay a Lot of People Off’

Soon after their reign at the top, the brand came across a set of hurdles that pushed them further down the ladder. One of the factors that led to Dodge and the Dodge Daytona’s exclusion from NASCAR competition was the need for change. Struggling to meet the demands of the market, the brand was eventually undertaken by the Italian management of Fiat.

Despite Chrysler going bankrupt in 2008 owing to the financial crisis, Dodge has continued to compete in NASCAR. Amidst the ownership disputes and struggles, the American manufacturer that started to rival Ford was caught in a rut as the venerable American automaker Dodge said goodbye to NASCAR after the 2012 campaign. Dodge returned to the sport in 1999 but finally pulled the plug in 2012, while it continued to compete in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series for a few more years.

READ MORE: After Failed Dodge Partnership Attempt 10 Years Ago, $40 Million Worth American Giant Begins NASCAR Bid

Even though the manufacturer departed from NASCAR, Dodge/Chrysler is one of the most storied and arguably one of the greatest American names in the automotive industry.