Go Fish

In what has become an integral part of the racing schedule for drag racing’s largest annual event attraction, the 2008 edition of the Mopar® HEMI® Challenge was yet another rousing success story.

Words: Bruce Biegler

In what has become an integral part of the racing schedule for drag racing’s largest annual event attraction, the 2008 edition of the Mopar® HEMI® Challenge was yet another rousing success story.

For the third time in the last four years, Michigan’s Charlie Westcott Jr. delivered a clear and unmistakable message during the feature held in conjunction with the NHRA’s Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis. Westcott again wheeled his very much feared “War Fish” 1968 HEMI Barracuda to the top honors in the challenge, which is regarded as the single most prestigious of the year for SS/AH class racers.

At Indy, Westcott would simply not be denied as he along with his father Charlie Sr., demonstrated again their uncanny expertise within the category. Charlie paced the 28-car field with a run of 8.631 secs (low ET) and then prevailed in five rounds of racing.

In the final round, Charlie spotted his competitor, West Virginia’s Bucky Hess, a very slight starting line advantage before he soon roared by to take the win light at 8.650 secs 152.93 mph. Hess’ simply spectacular new “King Cuda II” 1968 HEMI Barracuda ran 8.864 secs at 148.80 mph. Westcott Jr., had beaten J. Allen Sherman, Don Bales and John Rains in earlier round competition. Westcott’s victory, which was in fact his fourth Mopar HEMI Challenge in a row for 2008, mathematically clinched the overall season points title for him.

“We (including Charlie Sr.) put a lot of effort into this. We understand these cars and the areas you need to focus and work on,” Westcott stated. “We came here to Indy and we did what we set out to do—we dominated. For our War Fish team it was Mission Accomplished.”

This year’s HEMI Challenge was special because it marked the 40th anniversary of the ’68 Darts and Barracudas. Mopar also had its new Dodge Challenger Drag Pak vehicle on display so the crowd could see for themselves both the tradition and the future of Mopar drag racing.

A major part of the 2008 Mopar HEMI Challenge was its special Grand Marshall, legendary Mopar HEMI Super Stock racer “Akron Arlen” Vanke. Vanke in fact won what was then known as the SS/AA class title at Indianapolis back in 1968 driving a brand new 1968 HEMI Barracuda. He and that very same winning machine were on display during this year’s event weekend.

Having Vanke at the event made the 2008 Challenge that much more special. When he took it for a cruise down the return road in front of the huge crowd it was apparent that this was an emotional moment for him.

If the on-track performance wasn’t enough for racing fans, the level of detail in the racer pit area was simply amazing.

The ongoing development of these cars has created a huge following. Mopar is now seeing within the 426 HEMI some actual Pro Stock engineering. The intricate workmanship is impressive. The field at Indy did tighten up dramatically and there were also a number of new cars and drivers that were entered mixing it up with the seasoned veterans. The enthusiasm is exciting for Mopar because it is an indication that the class will continue to have a strong future.