New Car: Pete Berner’s XPS ’12 Camaro
(Photos courtesy Pete Berner Racing; Click to enlarge)
Pete Berner’s sharp new Summit Racing Equipment ZL1 Camaro might have you thinking he’s ready for a “comeback” tour, which isn’t far from the truth. The flashy RJ Race Cars-built ride, featuring paint by SD Enterprises, is reminiscent of Berner’s familiar look from earlier in his Pro Stock career when he captured his first world championship (IHRA, 2006).
Not that Berner has ever been out of the picture in top Pro Stock competition, but this year he’s hoping not to be just a contender, but to set the bar for the ADRL Extreme Pro Stock class.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this car,” Berner said. “GOS Motorsports Graphics did a fantastic job on the design, mixing my nostalgic colors with the familiar Summit red and blue. Rick, Rickie and the crew at RJ Race Cars did a phenomenal job, as did Steve Dekkenga and his group at SD Enterprises. The detail is awesome. I think the car truly speaks for itself. I know our Summit fans are going to love this ride.
“Last season we weren’t running like I expect of myself. I’m a very goal-oriented individual and this season my goals are to fix our issues from last year. In some ways, we were the pursuer last year. We’re ready to return to being the one that everyone else is trying to run down.”
The piece of nostalgia featured in the Camaro’s color scheme might be the only heritage part of the car, however, as much of the new Extreme Pro Stock machine is equipped with chassis and engine innovations that Berner hopes will pave the way for the next generation of XPS racing.
“Rick worked very closely with us on some new innovations in the building of this chassis. As teammates this upcoming season, we’re going to continue to work closely in testing these items and others.”
“Pete’s car was our first Pro Stock 2012 Camaro,” added Rick Jones of RJ Race Cars. “I think it’s so cool to see the Chevy Camaro come back to Pro Stock. We put a lot of effort in this car; we are trying a few new things we have found lately. We are excited to see how it runs; my expectations are very high.”
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