So said Dodge racing boss Mike Accavitti in opening remarks at the Evernham Motorsports NASCAR media stop Thursday, the final day of the tour. Accavitti, director of Dodge Motorsports Operations and SRT Planning, said Dodge wouldn’t back out of Nextel Cup racing, as some have suggested, and Ford might. “Dodge is here to stay,” Accavitti said. “I’m very proud our message is sinking in. Dodge buyers value the fact that we race.” Accavitti said Dodge’s goal this year is to improve upon last season’s Cup performance, in which its teams won seven times and claimed 16 poles — the manufacturer’s best year since rejoining NASCAR’s premier series in 2001. Achieving more consistent finishes is a priority, Accavitti said. Accavitti will try to entice Dodge drivers, including Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman, at Daytona next month. Should one win the Daytona 500, the driver will get to choose an SRT vehicle, including the V-10 Viper.(Detroit Free Press)(1-26-2007)
