Once the wraps were off after more than two years in the making, NASCAR officials savored the fruits of many months of labor with the Gen-6 car's successful debut in the 2013 season. Watching the redesigned model make its first competitive laps at Daytona International Speedway was the byproduct of extensive development and unprecedented collaboration among the sport's three manufacturers to create a race car with a fresh look, showroom-style savvy and striking brand identity. NASCAR President Mike Helton, during a season-ending address ahead of the Sprint Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, touched on the reception of the Gen-6 car and the lessons the sport's officials have learned from its rollout. "What that taught us, the benefits of it, the outcome of it, the high praise and excitement and acceptance, the visibility of our race cars has shown us what we can do collectively at NASCAR with the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), with the race teams and other folks in the sport were able to grow a very popular product and build some strong relationships," Helton said. More...