The 2010 edition and 10th anniversary celebration of the Mopar HEMI Challenge Race Series will conclude this weekend as a large gathering of Super Stock/A HEMI (SS/AH) drivers do battle on Sept. 24–25 in the Mopar HEMI Challenge event during the Jegs Northern SPORTSnationals at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, OH.
The Mopar HEMI Challenge Race Series, formed in 2001, pits owners of SS/AH 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas against each other in fierce quarter-mile competition. Jim Daniels, winner of the previous Mopar HEMI Challenge event at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, IN, and the defending Jegs Northern SPORTSnationals HEMI Challenge champion, will compete in his Ray Barton Racing Engines Dodge Dart at National Trail Raceway.
“It was huge to get a win at the U.S. Nationals for both me and my team,” said Daniels, of Bristol, PA, who has earned four career HEMI Challenge victories, including three of the last four events. “To go back to Columbus and win again would be amazing. We all have some pretty fast cars now. We’re just looking to win.”
Among the contenders to claim the $5,000 winner’s purse is the formidable father-and-son duo of Charlie Westcott Jr. and Charlie Westcott Sr. Westcott Jr., owner of more Mopar HEMI Challenge wins than any other driver, including the first 2010 HEMI Challenge event at the NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, KY, qualified No. 1 at the U.S. Nationals. He and his father were forced to withdraw prior to eliminations due to engine problems. The pair of Parma, MI, natives will look to rebound at Columbus.
Other drivers confirmed to compete at the event include David Barton, Tyler Hard, Jim Pancake and Gary Wolkwitz, with many more expected in attendance.
Mopar Direct Connection Trailer and Mopar Rolling Speedshop to appear at National Trail Raceway
Mopar HEMI Challenge attendees can stop by the Mopar Direct Connection Trailer during the three-day Jegs Northern SPORTSnationals event, Sept. 24 – 26. Fans can check out Mopar parts displays and test their racing skills by taking the wheel of a video-game version of a Mopar-powered NHRA Funny Car. The Mopar HEMI Challenge ladder board will also be on display so fans can track the progress of their favorite Mopar HEMI Challenge drivers.
Race fans looking to show their love for Mopar can also stop the Mopar Rolling Speedshop at National Trail Raceway. The Speedshop offers 100 percent Authentic Performance Mopar Gear, including Mopar t-shirts, caps, jackets and diecasts.
About the Mopar Brand
Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand.
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles — a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at http://www.mopar.com.