Chrysler Group LLC has announced that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant — the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 — will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand." (photo courtesy Dodge) [07/14/09]

Stanke’s AA/FC team on Iowa tour

Stanke Motorsports’ "Twin Town Shaker" driven by Mark Worden, will begin its Iowa Summer Tour with a stop at Eddyville on the 18th for the Drag List Nationals. Then on to Cedar Falls for the Night of Fire on the 25th. This is the team’s sixth year at the Night of Fire, but the first with the ’77 Arrow Funny Car.

The team will also compete in the fourth and fifth events of the DragRacingOnline.com AA/FC Challenge during the World Series of Drag Racing Aug. 28-29 at Cordova (Ill.) Dragway Park and the Muscle Car Reunion Sept. 11-13 in Kansas City. (Don Eckert photo) [07/14/09]

Saldana gets 12th victory

Mopar-powered driver Joey Saldana set a career high in 2007 with the World of Outlaws Sprint Series, winning 12 A-Feature events over the course of the nearly 80-race season. Saldana matched that mark on Wednesday night, July 8, at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, winning for the 12th time in 2009 in just the 34th race of the season.

Saldana started on the pole and led the first 11 laps before Donny Schatz got around him. The duo battled in traffic until Saldana, using the high side, ducked under Schatz to take the lead on the 32nd lap. Saldana held on to the lead after a two-lap shootout necessitated by a late caution and claimed the 51st win of his World of Outlaws career.

Saldana is in the midst of his fourth season driving for Kasey Kahne Racing and has won 36 World of Outlaws A-Feature events since joining the team owned by the NASCAR star, who was in attendance for the win.

"It's exciting for this whole team," said Kahne. "They have done a great job all season. To see a race like that ... was unreal. That was awesome to be here and be a fan and get to watch it."

With a second-place finish on July 11 at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wis., Saldana trails the first-place Schatz by just five points in the World of Outlaws Sprint Series point standings. [07/14/09]