Mopar® HEMI® Challenge to Offer Record Winner’s Purse at Indy

Mopar® recently announced that the 11th Annual Mopar HEMI® Challenge will feature Mopar-powered Super Stock/A-HEMI (SS/AH) competitors battling it out in a one-race shootout at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 1–2. Drivers competing in the popular National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Sportsman event will vie for the $15,000 winner’s purse and a total event purse of $18,000, both the largest in the history of the Mopar HEMI Challenge.

“Grassroots racers who compete in the Mopar HEMI Challenge are the foundation of drag racing, and the reason why Mopar is involved in the NHRA,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “These enthusiast drivers spend a great deal of time and money preparing their Mopar HEMI-powered race cars for battle, and purchase many Mopar parts from their local Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge or Ram dealerships. They have a passion for the Mopar brand that reflects positively throughout the drag-racing world. This is why we recognize this passion by supporting the HEMI Challenge.”

“We are excited to have the Mopar HEMI Challenge event return as part of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals,” said Eric Lotz, Director of Field Marketing, NHRA. “It’s become an important part of the event and a must-see for all Sportsman enthusiasts. The increased purse from Mopar will add even more excitement to the competition.”

The Mopar HEMI Challenge matches SS/AH 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas in pitched quarter-mile competition. The NHRA Sportsman event began life as a one-race shootout at the 2001 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals and returns to its roots as a single-race event following a number of years as a multi-race series. The 11th Annual Mopar HEMI Challenge is scheduled to take place during the 57th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 31–Sept. 5.

Team Mopar NHRA Pro Stock Driver Allen Johnson Aids in Tornado Relief Efforts

Mopar Dodge Avenger NHRA Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson knows first-hand the devastation Mother Nature can unleash—Johnson’s hometown of Greeneville, Tenn., was one of the hardest hit areas when deadly tornados wreaked havoc throughout the Southeast region of the U.S. on April 27. In total, seven people in the Greeneville area lost their lives and 57 homes were destroyed, with 36 others left damaged, prompting Johnson to take action.

The Team Mopar veteran joined a number of his fellow drivers in an NHRA autograph signing during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway on May 14 to help raise funds for the East Georgia chapter of the Red Cross. Fans, crew members and drivers turned out during the event, staged by the NHRA, to make donations to the Red Cross at a booth set up in the midway in the pit area, with money raised exceeding $10,000.

Johnson also pitched in on a local level through his company, Greeneville Oil & Petroleum, donating his time, equipment and employee manpower to aid his hometown in the clean up from the storm. Johnson also helped provide fuel for the many vehicles engaged in the disaster relief efforts.

“It was pretty neat to be able to be a part of the autograph signing and help so many people that were in need,” said Johnson, who watched the storms pass by from the deck of his home. “We appreciate all the fans and drivers that pitched in and did their part. NHRA fans need to be proud of themselves and what they did.”

To make a donation to the Red Cross, call 1-800-RED CROSS.