FLLOWING THE WORLD introduction of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger this month in Detroit, Chrysler Group is auctioning the NASCAR body shell used in the press reveal along with the first volume production Dodge Charger to roll off the line at its Brampton, Ont. (Canada) Assembly Plant.
"The King" Richard Petty, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series title winner and legendary Dodge Charger driver, will personally deliver the keys to the top bidder at the May 7, 2005, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway. The auction proceeds will benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Salvation Army.

The mock race car shell is a replica of NASCAR Rookie-of-the-Year driver Kasey Kahne’s No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger. The shell covered the production version of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger as it was revealed to more than 3,500 international media in a press conference at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Petty and Kahne took part in the introduction of the vehicle, representing the past and present of Dodge dominance in NASCAR racing. The NASCAR shell has been autographed by Petty, Kahne and Chrysler Group President and CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

"The reveal of both the production Dodge Charger and Charger race car struck an emotional chord with NASCAR fans and Charger enthusiasts alike," said Zetsche. "In fact, during the first week following the press conference, the Dodge Web site received more than 300,000 ‘Charger hits’ and more than 50,000 handraisers requested more information on the car.