A Rare Piece of NASCAR History
The vehicle on offer is a fully documented 2001 Dodge Intrepid stock car that played a decisive role in the automaker's re‑entry into the premier NASCAR circuit. Its significance stems from being part of the program that ended a decades‑long absence from the sport's highest level, a comeback orchestrated by Ray Evernhem and his team.
Built by Ronnie Hopkins Engineering, the tube‑frame chassis was assembled under the guidance of Evernham Motorsports, with testing conducted by NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott. The car wears a distinctive red No. 9 Dodge Dealers/Evernham Motorsports livery and retains many of the visual cues that defined early‑2000s American stock cars.
Power comes from a naturally aspirated 5.8‑liter Dodge R5 V8 race engine that delivers 808 horsepower and 537 pound‑feet of torque. The powertrain is paired with Aero racing wheels, Goodyear Eagle slick tires, Brembo front brakes and AP Racing rear calipers, while the cockpit features dual ButlerBuilt seats, Simpson harnesses, a full roll cage and a 10,000‑rpm tachometer.
Auction Details and Collector Interest
Bidding for the historic Intrepid will conclude on May 31 on BringATrailer, the online marketplace that specializes in classic and contemporary race cars. Industry observers note that vehicles linked to Dodge’s NASCAR resurgence rarely appear on the open market, suggesting strong interest from both enthusiasts and Mopar collectors.
The auction presents a unique chance to own a piece of automotive history that helped shape a pivotal era in American motorsport, with the car’s documented lineage, original components and celebrated driver signature enhancing its appeal.