Riley and Scott to do Chevrolet Camaro for Koni GS

[JHDrew]

Looks like the GM vs Ford pony car war will be back in full swing...

The legion of Chevrolet Camaro fans will have a new place to focus their enthusiasm starting next January at Daytona International Speedway, as the legendary V8-powered classic Chevrolet performance machine will return to competition in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge GS Class in 2009.

Riley Technologies has been named the exclusive builder for the Camaro for KONI Challenge competition. The entry will be closely based on the highly anticipated all-new 2010 Camaro, which was recently officially unveiled simultaneously at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, and GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio North Hollywood, California, GM.

By entering the KONI Challenge, the Camaro will be competing head to head against a world-class field of production-based racers. The category has established itself as key showcase for both driver and product capabilities, and has enjoyed tremendous fields thanks in part to a SPEED television presence as well as a rules package that keeps cost containment a constant focus.

With that philosophy in mind, Riley will be offering four configurations for teams to select from, creating additional opportunities for teams at varying levels of investment to suit team budgets. Teams will be able to select from a complete turn-key race car, a complete unassembled car kit, an unassembled car less purchased parts, and a Riley Technologies Body In White fitted with a roll cage.

"We are very excited to be named the exclusive builder of the new Chevrolet Camaro for KONI Challenge," said Riley Technologies Vice President Bill Riley. "We will offer the same level of support for our Camaro KONI Challenge competitors as we do our Daytona Prototype and Rolex GT Class customers. The KONI Challenge is tremendously competitive and we are really looking forward to seeing our customers hit the track starting at Daytona in January."

"The KONI Challenge series is a great venue in which to demonstrate the performance attributes of the new Chevrolet Camaro," said Mark Kent, Director, GM Racing. "As the exclusive builder of the Camaro for competition in the Koni Challenge series, Riley Technologies will assure the racing version of the Camaro maintains the highest quality standards, is safe and affordable to purchase and operate. With Riley Technologies long history of developing and producing championship winning race cars, we are confident that the Chevrolet Camaro will be a championship contender in the KONI Challenge series."

Riley Technologies has established an excellent record both on the track, and in the paddock. Riley products won both the Daytona Prototype and GT classes of the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona, adding to a remarkable record of over 50 victories in the category. A key ingredient in that success has been the high level of service and support that the manufacturer offers its wide customer and competitor base.

"The addition of the Camaro to the KONI Challenge GS class has been anticipated since our first peek at the car, and it's sure to become an instant fan favorite," said Grand-Am Vice President of Competition David Spitzer. "We are glad to support GM Racing, and their selection of Riley as the supplier of both cars and kits. They have a track record of safe and successful race cars, and excellent customer service. Grand Am will work closely with GM Racing and Riley to ensure the Camaro is priced fairly, and with the dedication of Riley we expect to have Camaros on the grid for Daytona in January."

The machine will be delivered ready to race for $130,000, with deposits currently being accepted. Riley will be the only approved manufacturer for the car in KONI competition.

The Grand-Am KONI Challenge GS Class is the top KONI Challenge category. The 2008 KONI Challenge season has seen wins by the BMW M3, Porsche 911, and the Ford Mustang. In addition to racing in support of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the KONI Challenge also holds events in conjunction with the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, as well as staging stand-alone events.

[ismaelg]

While not surprising that is very cool to hear!

I want a new Camaro. Can you guys help me convince my wife?

[george 53]

"C'mon(insert name) , If you let Iz have a NEW Camaro , He'll buy YOU ANYTHING YOU WAAAANNNNTTT! He's been A GOOD boy an He REALLY DOES deserve one!" How was that Iz? think she'll go for it? Naw, me either, but it was worth a try!.

[Nick F40]

hmmm very interesting considering the Speed World Challenge is the grounds for these things and what is basically the new Trans Am series, I like the Koni Challenge though. Can't wait to see this.

I guess Riley and Scott were starting to get lonely!

Thanks Jim

Edited August 14, 2008 by Nick F40

[gasman]

The Camaro should be a much better track racer then the Mustang. The Mustang still has a solid rear axle. where the Camaro has independent suspension all around (they've entered the 21st century. now all GM has to do is ditch the leaf springs in the Corvette and they'll be officially there)

[Brendan]

I think you mean Riley, not Riley and Scott. The Scott part is no more. He's been doing all the new racing development for GM for their production based cars. He did the GTO, the GXP, and also he did some work with the Corvettes. The Camaros should do very well against the Mustang on certain tracks, but it will be interesting to see how much of a restrictor will be put on. They did the same thing when the Cobalt first came out in the series...kicked everybody's butt, then it was handicapped so much it could not longer compete.

[Berk765]

The Camaro should be a much better track racer then the Mustang. The Mustang still has a solid rear axle. where the Camaro has independent suspension all around (they've entered the 21st century. now all GM has to do is ditch the leaf springs in the Corvette and they'll be officially there)

Yes that's what Ford needs to do. I wish Ford put more power in there cars. I'm a Ford guy myself, but that Camaro is impressive. Now they need to do a Baldwin Motion Camaro with quad turbos with at least 800HP. Sounds like an idea for a model huh? Hmmm....maybe I'll stick with Chevy and Mopars and forget Fords. But I can't I'm a Ford man.

[Nick F40]

oh yeah I guess so, thanks!

Still kicks butt though