Nardelli's NASCAR debut is a winner.(Final assembly)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing )(Brief article)

Automotive News, February, 2008

So why did Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli have such a big smile at this year's Daytona 500?

Well, he's a big NASCAR fan, and it's NASCAR's most prestigious event. More important: Dodge finished 1-2 and captured six of the top eight spots.

Penske-team driver Ryan Newman won, and teammate Kurt Busch came in second. It was the Penske team's first win at the Daytona 500 in 24 tries.

Before the Feb. 17 race, Nardelli was seen talking with the Dodge teams, slapping backs, shaking hands and offering a challenge: a $1 million bonus to the Dodge team that won.

"I told our pilots to make sure you get 12 hours of rest because we're going to be here awhile,'' he told a newspaper reporter before the race. "I'm looking forward to the winner's circle...

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