CONCORD, N.C. - Life comes at you fast.
Once billed as the "Car of Tomorrow", NASCAR's Generation 5 ride came and went from 2007-2012 and was met with, well, mixed reviews from drivers and fans alike. But one thing that was undeniable: the model was certainly unique, both in terms of performance and aesthetics.
And like every NASCAR phase over the last 40 years plus, Hendrick Motorsports was there, making its own history. Even now, walking around campus, remnants of the infamous Gen 5 can be found in the form of trophies, merchandise and, yes, even race cars.
That's where our good buddy Sam Ulrich, resident archivist here at Hendrick Motorsports, landed this week as the NASCAR Cup Series gets set for the Bristol Night Race this weekend. See, the Car of Tomorrow's first race was held on the high-banked, Tennessee short track and guess what, Hendrick Motorsports went to victory lane that night.
The date? March 25, 2007. The winner? Kyle Busch.
The car? You bet, still right here at Hendrick Motorsports.
The Chevrolet Impala SS is currently being restored by Hendrick Performance for team owner Rick Hendrick's private collection. And certainly, there's plenty of history to be salvaged.
Busch's win in 2007, aside from being the first in the Car of Tomorrow, marked the 600th victory for Chevrolet in NASCAR. It was also the 61st win for the Impala and the first since 1964 when Wendell Scott became the first African American to win a NASCAR race.
Now, where do you come in?
So glad you asked! As has become our weekly tradition, ol' Sam has put his brain to work, trying to come up with a trivia quiz that's unnavigable to even the most hardcore gearhead.
Think you're up to the challenge? If you are, a prize awaits!
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To commemorate this week's artifact, Sam reached deep into his trunk-o-goodies and pulled out this gem, a hat from Busch's rookie season in the Xfinity Series, complete with a Hendrick Motorsports, 20-year anniversary patch.
A collector's item, indeed.
Remember to answer all seven of Sam's questions and if you account for one of the highest scores, you'll be automatically entered to win! As always, attempts are limited to one per device and the quiz will remain open until 11:45 on Monday night.
Enjoy and good luck!