Dodge Brand Gets Revved Up for a Weekend of Thrills and On-track Action at Superbike World Championship May 29-31 in Salt Lake City, Utah

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 27 /PRNewswire/ --

• Two-wheel racing enthusiasts with a need for speed have the chance to see what four-wheel performance at its best is all about in thrill rides with Dodge SRT8 products
• Dodge brand plans onslaught of activities to showcase products to race enthusiasts attending the only U.S. stop of the Superbike World Championship
• Tens of thousands of fans expected to attend Miller Motorsports Park event

When the motorcycles take to the track May 29-31 at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Dodge brand will be a part of the thrill ride. Dodge is a proud sponsor of Miller Motorsports Park and the Lucas Oil Utah USA Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship presented by HANNspree. Dodge's presence at this event signifies an evolution in marketing strategy and activation since the separation of the Dodge and Ram brands.

"The crowd at the Superbike World Championships loves speed, agility and top performance, all core values of the Dodge Brand," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This Superbike event is an excellent opportunity to show these driving enthusiasts how our Dodge brand cars perform, get them in the cars and add to their overall event experience. It's an excellent avenue to find, reach and connect with new customers."

Just as Dodge Chargers are modified stock cars competing in NASCAR and Dodge Vipers continue to race all over the country, Superbike motorcycles are tuned versions of motorcycles available for sale to the public, making Dodge's tie-in with the Superbike World Championship a fit for the performance edge of the Dodge brand.

"There is a kindred spirit between the two," Gilles added. "We see a connection back to our core product and the thrill seeking lifestyles these two-wheel lovers strive for."

On Memorial Day weekend, factory efforts from Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW and Aprilia will face off with the world's best riders for Superbike World Championship glory and corporate bragging rights on one of America's finest road-racing circuits.

"The Lucas Oil Utah USA Round of the Superbike World Championship is the most significant international sporting event in Utah since the 2002 Winter Olympics, and one of America's most significant motorcycle events, period," said John Larson, General Manager of Miller Motorsports Park. "We're thrilled to have Dodge here with us on Memorial Day weekend to share in all of the excitement."

Four 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8s with special, one-of-a-kind graphics will be used as on-track safety vehicles by race officials. With 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the ultimate modern American muscle coupe will have no problem keeping up with the high-speed action.

Dodge is making it easy for fans to get involved with a full onslaught of activities, including:

• SRT Thrill Rides - Jump in, buckle up and hang on! Race fans can go for a ride in Dodge Challenger or Charger SRT8's around our SRT course with a professional driver behind the wheel
• Dodge and Dodge Motorsports merchandise -- Check out all the new Dodge Life gear
• Challenger Chase to Win - Race fans can enter to win a new Dodge Challenger R/T
• Win a day at the SRT Track Experience - Race fans can enter to win a day (of their choice) at the SRT Track Experience. The SRT Track Experience visits 20 premier race tracks around the country and one lucky fan will win. This day consists of four driving modules that tests the limits of select SRT vehicles in a safe and controlled environment
• Vote for your Favorite Color Dodge Challenger - What color will win? Plum Crazy Purple? Race fans can vote for their favorite color of Dodge Challenger and get a limited-edition Dodge bandana. Votes will be tallied throughout the weekend so watch the leader board for the winning color
• Get a chance to see, up close and personal, the full line-up of exciting 2010 model Dodge vehicles 

The Dodge Motorsports Display will be located in the West Paddock Area. The display is open for fans:

• Saturday, May 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MDT
• Sunday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MDT
• Monday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MDT

About Dodge

Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.

Dodge introduced two new vehicles for the 2009 model year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand's first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment's only Stow 'n Go® and Swivel 'n Go® seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Journey and 2010 Dodge Avenger (with ESC) also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC