Rick Hendrick admits he still has his doubts on the Car of Tomorrow. Credit: Autostock

Hendrick: Issue with COT is performance, not sales

Chevrolet phasing out Monte Carlo SS in favor of Impala SS for 2007

CHARLOTTE -- Nextel Cup owner Rick Hendrick is more concerned about performance than he is selling cars when it comes to the Car of Tomorrow.

Although he declined to comment on the new Impala SS that will replace the Monte Carlo SS in the 16 COT races next season, Hendrick isn't worried the COT's boxy shape, rear wing and front-end splitter will create a lack of identity for manufacturers and car dealers.

	Several teams in the garage are dead-set against the Car of Tomorrow. Credit: Autostock
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"What we put out there in the car now, there's nothing we deal with that is like that car," said Hendrick, who is one of the largest car dealers in the United States. "The Monte Carlo is a little closer to it [than the COT], but I don't see that being a problem.

"Put the stripes and lights on it and the nose and tail, and it'll be OK."

That doesn't suggest Hendrick is sold on the COT. In many ways he believes it's a "big mistake."

"If it stinks the show up NASCAR is not going to be too happy," said Hendrick, whose driver Jeff Gordon was critical of the car during testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway last week. "We've got some pretty good racing right now."

But Hendrick doesn't believe the COT will negatively impact sales for Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge or Toyota.

"We'll overcome that," he said.

Meanwhile, a prototype of the Impala COT built by Hendrick Motorsports will be unveiled this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, multiple sources said.

It is the first step in phasing out the Monte Carlo, which has won more races than any model car in Cup history. General Motors has opted to switch to the Impala SS because it has become a bigger volume seller at the dealerships.

The Monte Carlo SS will continue to be used in non-COT events and the Busch Series next season.

Dodge also is looking to switch from the Charger to the Avenger.

The Monte Carlo was introduced to NASCAR in 1971. From 1973 to 1979 the Monte Carlo produced four Cup manufacturer's championships.

Chevrolet won five consecutive manufacturer's championships from 1983-87 and 95 of 183 races before being replaced by the Lumina from 1989-94.

Monte Carlo was re-introduced to NASCAR in 1995 when Gordon began a string of three championships in four years. Chevrolet has won the last three manufacturer's championships, including last season when Tony Stewart won the Cup title.

The Monte Carlos SS has produced 20 of the 32 wins this season, including six of the last seven and 13 of the last 17. Seven of the top 10 drivers in points are in Monte Carlos.