It had been three long years since the Chevrolet badge was at the head of the NASCAR pack, which was, coincidentally, the same period of time that Jeff Gordon had been off the pace. That all changed in 2001 when Gordon, driving a stickered stock car meant to resemble the updated Monte Carlo, found his way to the winner’s circle once again.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo had been transformed for the 2000 model year and race season. Carried over from 1999 was the lower LS trim, but the base 160-horsepower, 3.1-liter six-cylinder engine was replaced by a 3.4-liter six shooter putting out 180 horsepower. The top-tier Z34 model was ditched for the new Monte Carlo SS, though both were powered by the same 3.8-liter V6 with 200 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike Gordon and his #24 Chevy, everyday Monte Carlo drivers were shifting gears through a four-speed automatic. Underneath the new skin were additional body and suspension reinforcements to improve ride and handling characteristics.