Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Spring event, 11 -
12 May 2018.
Estimates:
$25,000 - $35,000
Fresh Ernie Elliott V-8 engine; four-speed manual transmissionFirst
car raced by Evernham MotorsportLast car built by Ray Evernham and
Chad Knaus; two of the winningest crew chiefs in NASCAR
historyRaced as a Ford and a Dodge; driven by Casey Atwood
The early 2000s was a truly exciting time for NASCAR. The sport was
achieving its highest television ratings, and attendance numbers
were soaring. Money was flowing in from new and exciting sponsors.
The dominant teams of the '90s, including the storied
Hendrick-owned team of Jeff Gordon, were facing stiff competition
from well-funded new teams and even new manufacturers. Into this
hot environment came Evernham Motorsports.
Founded by Ray Evernham, legendary former crew chief to several of
NASCAR's biggest stars, including Jeff Gordon, Evernham Motorsports
would be one of the first teams signed by Dodge for their
long-awaited return to the sport. For the 2000 season, however,
Evernham would campaign Fords while the Dodge program development
finished. The car offered here, driven first as a Ford and
eventually as a Dodge by young driver Casey Atwood and still
bearing his signature graphic above the door, is in fact the first
car campaigned by Evernham Motorsports, making this an important
piece of NASCAR history.
This NASCAR racer was the last car built by Ray Evernham and his
former lead fabricator Chad Knaus. Knaus is now one of the
winningest crew chiefs in NASCAR history in his own right. It wears
the final iteration of the Ford/Motorola/Evernham Motorsports
livery campaigned in 2000 prior to the change in manufacturer and
sponsorship for Dodge's inaugural 2001 season. That season, Atwood
partnered Bill Elliott and brought Evernham Motorsports to the
forefront of public attention with their bright red paint schemes
and aggressive driving style. Without this car, none of that would
have been possible.
This car remains in excellent condition. It is currently powered by
a freshly built Ernie Elliott V-8 and four-speed manual
transmission. It would make an ideal choice for showing, museum
display, or for vintage racing with appropriate preparation.
Please note this vehicle is being sold on BOS only
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/AS18.
