GM withdraws Pontiac
General Motors have announced that it will be withdrawing its Pontiac brand's involvement in NASCAR from next year. The company says it wants to focus all its efforts on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
"GM Racing will focus its 2004 NASCAR program on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and will no longer race or support the Pontiac Grand Prix race car," said Doug Duchardt, director of GM Racing. "This transition will enable GM Racing to strengthen its Chevy Nextel Cup program and, at the same time, work with Pontiac on its future racing plans."
"This is a surprise," said Pontiac stalwart driver Johnny Benson. "I didn't think it would come this soon. I guess it's disappointing that we are going to lose a car in the series.
"The Pontiac was a good make and a pleasure to drive. If GM isn't going to support Pontiacs next season, I doubt you will see too many teams running them."
The Pontiac Grand Prix has won two of the past three NASCAR drivers' championships with Bobby Labonte in 2000, and Tony Stewart in '02.
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