As we were perusing the Internet the other day, for car related reasons of course, we came across a very interesting post on Craig’s List that proves the second coming of the muscle car is still going strong. Chrysler’s in house high performance specialists will sell racers a Hemi powered Mopar Drag Pack Challenger->ke249 that is good for 10 second quarter mile runs and the blue oval has brought back a purpose built Ford Racing Boss 302R Mustang->ke428 ready for Grand-Am road racing with a 21st century 5.0 Liter V8 under the hood that promises to deliver some pretty fast laps. However bowtie enthusiasts will be happy to hear that GM Performance Parts is offering the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro as an off highway body in white blank canvas for race teams to drape over the chassis of their choice before packing up the trailer and heading out for whatever series they want to compete in, starting at only $7,000.

The benefit of this approach is that not only will racers be able to practice whatever discipline they desire, but also the bare metal body shell is a much better start for a purpose built racecar. The special order GM Performance Part means that crews will not have to waste any time tearing down the vehicle in order to strip as much weight as possible, in fact the only way to make a steel bodied 2010 Camaro->ke248 weigh less would be to Swiss cheese one of these things. Offering the perfect start for anyone who is serious about going racing, the bare body means that the car can be custom built to whatever specifications are necessary, with everything from the engine and suspension to the rear end being up to the builder. Luckily GM also offers every conceivable component to fill those empty bolt holes from big blocks ready for drag racing to high performance trannys built to take the abuse. It’s the little things like these that our dreams are made of and makes us proud to be in America.

Press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

Grand Blanc, Mich. – Racers who want to slip into something more fashionable at the track next year will find the 2010 Camaro is just their size. GM Performance Parts will offer body in white packages of the new Camaro starting in the first quarter of 2009. The basic package lists for $7,000 and includes an assembled body structure, including the front fenders, hood, front valance/grille header panel, roof, doors, rear quarters, trunk lid and rear valance. The structure also includes the complete floorpans and chassis rails.

Racer must fill out an online application to be eligible to purchase one. The form is available at www.gmperformanceparts.com. Bodies will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no limit to the number an approved racing team can purchase.

“This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to build a race-ready new Camaro,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, of GM Performance Parts. “We envision racers using these bodies for all types of competition, from Pro Street and Competition drag racing to road racing.” The body in white includes only a painted body shell and no additional components or materials. The bodies do not have vehicle identification numbers, so they may only be used as racing vehicles that will never be licensed for street driving.

Racers will add powertrain, fuel system, suspension, interior components and glass (or sanctioning body-approved alternative), and safety equipment, then go racing.

“For the racers who would strip down the entire car and replace most of the components with racing-spec parts, the body in white saves time and money,” said Dr. Meyer. “Drag racers, for example, won’t have to worry about swapping out for a solid axle – they can just bolt one up and go.”