autoMedia Auto News Blog : Motorsports

Book Signing: "Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman"

Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:47:00 GMT

Motor Trend Executive Editor Matt Stone will be at the Petersen Automotive Museum Saturday, November 21 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm signing his newly penned book, Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman , an in-depth look into Paul Newman's storied life as an automotive enthusiast and racecar driver. In his book, Stone writes about Newman's late but intense start into auto racing, his partnership with Chicago racing entrepreneur and team owner Carl Haas, and his colorful collection of cars. One such car, a one-of-a-kind race-prepped Volkswagen Beetle, with a Ford 351 engine and a Corvette radiator, will be on display at the museum, and as part of the book signing. Admission to the Petersen Automotive Museum is free with purchase of the book at the Museum Store. The museum, founded by the late Robert E. Petersen, who also founded Motor Trend , Hot Rod and several other automotive magazines, is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. www.petersen.org ....(read more)

Revealed: NASCAR Nationwide Series Dodge Challenger

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:43:00 GMT

Friday, Dodge Motorsports revealed its Dodge Challenger entry for next year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series. The new car will make its track debut with the July 2nd Daytona race and appear next at Michigan on August 14th. In total, the Challenger will be campaigned at four races in 2010, then compete with the full schedule in 2011. This Challenger is also part of an announcement that Dodge is expanding its partnership with Penske Racing. Next year, Penske will support two cars in the Nationwide Series and three teams in the Sprint Cup. The Challenger isn’t the only muscle coupe to move to the big track. Ford is making a similar move with the Mustang. (Read “ Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang .”) General Motors will not make this a three-way competition by moving the Camaro to NASCAR. Read our Dodge Challenger review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases Defined NASCAR Basics - Understanding NASCAR...(read more)

Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT

In an interesting turn, Ford is introducing the Mustang to the Nationwide NASCAR Series in four races next year. Based on the Nationwide version of the Car of the Tomorrow, the templated car is given a Mustang front fascia and decal treatment. The number 16 example shown here will be driven by Truck Series 2008 Rookie of the Year Colin Braun for Roush Fenway Racing . We previewed the NASCAR Mustang in July, but this marks the first official unveiling of the car. Mustang has a storied history in motorsports and can claim more than 2,000 professional race wins worldwide. Ford hopes to further the legacy with visits to victory lane in 2010. It will first compete next July at Daytona International Speedway. Racing has long been about selling cars on Monday, though there hasn’t been the direct showroom connection in recent years. (When was the last time you saw a Fusion with full race livery?) It remains an open question what Mustang’s race involvement will mean to enthusiasts, who typically picture their pony car competing one quarter mile at a time. Read our 2010 Ford Mustang review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases...(read more)

Richard Petty and Ford Racing Team Up for 2010

Editor — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:01:00 GMT

Richard Petty successfully raced Fords to nine NASCAR wins during just one season in 1969. Now, after 40 years, the "King" of Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) has signed a deal to join forces with Ford and Ford-sponsored Yates Racing.

"This is a pretty big deal for us. We're thrilled to partner with Ford," said Petty. While a lot of details need to be worked out, including moving RPM from its Statesville, North Carolina garages to Yates Racing in Concord, NC, the merger will be completed in time for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The four-car team of drivers Kasey Kahne, Elliot Sadler, Al Allmendinger, and Paul Menard will race Ford Fusions under the Richard Petty Motorsports flag.

"I am very pleased that Richard Petty Motorsports has made the decision to switch to Ford for the 2010 season," said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports. "We believe we can provide them with superior analytical tools and powertrain, and we will work with them closely on the technical front to help them become even more competitive than they are."

RPM's team managing partner, Foster Gillet, believes "the power of Richard Petty is hard to beat, plus we have the support of some of the biggest names in corporate America." Max Jones, co-owner of Yates Racing agrees. "This is certainly a great opportunity for both Yates Racing as well as Ford Racing." His plan is to "continue to work with Ford and Richard Petty to lay out the best plan for Paul Menard and all of the employees at Yates Racing. We will continue to field both the No. 98 and No. 96 Ford Fusions for the remainder of the season and look forward to continued success on the track with Paul, Bobby, Labonte and Erik Darnell."

~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

(Source: Ford)

Burger King, Tony Stewart Team Up for Whopper of Campaign

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Burger King has teamed up with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart in a national racing promotion featuring the two-time Sprint Cup champion and the famous Whopper sandwich. The campaign will feature a consumer sweepstakes, in-restaurant merchandising, and an online engagement program and runs from September 7th to October 16, 2009.

The campaign supports the multi-year sponsorship agreement announced earlier this year between Burger King and Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart launched the partnership in July with a win at Daytona (Florida) International Speedway driving the No. 14 Burger King Chevrolet Impala SS. Stewart's No. 14 Burger King Chevrolet Impala SS will hit the again during the September 25-27 AAA 400 race weekend at Dover (Delaware) International Speedway.

The ad campaign, titled "The Tony Stewart School of Endorsements," features Stewart advising other celebrities on how to successfully endorse products. In the quirky ads, Stewart explains to his class that they should "only endorse things you believe in" and that they must be as authentic as his own love for the Whopper to be successful. Stewart's famous students include actor Erik Estrada (known for his role in the 1980s hit television show "CHiPs") and comic icon Carrot Top (currently performing at the Luxor in Las Vegas).

Hungry Burger King guests will have a chance to get in on the action with a "Be King of the Pit" game that awards including daily prizes such as BK Crown Cards, merchandise, and more. One lucky winner could even win the Ultimate Tony Stewart Experience, including a day at Stewart's race shop for themselves and three friends. Customers can enter for a chance to win at www.bkracing.com by submitting codes found on medium and large value meals. No purchase necessary. Complete Official Rules are available at participating Burger King restaurants or at www.bk.com or bkracing.com. The site also offers downloadable desktop and mobile wallpaper images, printable car models, and fun racing-themed compuer icons.

Three additional ads will be released throughout the campaign, culminating with "Polygraph Prep" which will put Stewart's Whopper(R) sandwich endorsement to the test by a polygraph machine. Later in the month, Stewart's live polygraph test will be hosted on www.truthabouttony.com, and beginning September 28, racing fans will be invited to submit and vote on questions to be asked of Stewart during the webcast. The hour-long feature will be broadcast on October 20.

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Ford Motor Co. Becomes Official Car and Truck of NHRA

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:55:00 GMT

When General Motors dropped many of its sponsorship contracts last month to cut costs it became obvious that some prized partnerships would soon be up for grabs.

So Ford Motor Company revs up to the tree, announcing today that it has signed a multiyear agreement with NHRA, designating the legendary automaker as the official car and truck of the world's largest motorsports sanctioning body.

According to their release, NHRA will be transitioning all official vehicles to display the renowned blue oval. As official car and truck of NHRA, Ford will provide NHRA Trackside support vehicles, including the NHRA Safety Safari presented by Automobile Club of Southern California.

"We welcome Ford Motor Company into NHRA's family of official partners," said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president-sales & marketing. "We are extremely excited to not only have such a strong brand as our official car and truck, but more importantly provide our fans with an opportunity to not only experience what Ford has to offer but ultimately drive one."

Ford already has a long history with drag racing at the Sportsman and Professional levels. Ford Motor Company is a longtime partner with John Force Racing, and most recently, Ford's Motorcraft and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center brands partnered with Bob Tasca Racing on the NHRA circuit as well. In all, Ford Motor Company has won 24 world championships in NHRA Drag Racing at the Professional level and countless more in the Sportsman ranks. Ford also is a three-time winner of the prestigious NHRA Manufacturers Cup.

But Ford's involvement in NHRA goes beyond race-team sponsors and winning championships: In 2008, Ford and NHRA teamed up on safety, creating and mandating the Ford Blue Box crash sensors on all Funny Car and Top Fuel race cars. In addition, Ford has played an instrumental role with John Force Racing on the development of a new Funny Car chassis and other safety initiatives in the sport.

"We're very excited to be partnering with NHRA on this program," said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "We see this as a very good business proposition in terms of being able to actively reach out at-track and online to the NHRA fan base in ways that we haven't been able to do in recent years.

It looks like Ford will be betting on the old adage "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday," by using exposure through NHRA as a way to reach additional customers. "NHRA provides a unique platform for companies, like Ford, to reach out in a very personal way to our very loyal fan base," Darcy said. "The initial plans we have discussed with the brand will provide a great opportunity for Ford to expose their products to our fans while at the same time get the NHRA brand out to general consumers through Ford's extensive dealer network."

"We'll be able to allow that fan base to see and experience some of our great new products at-track while also partnering with the successful Motorcraft and Quick Lane program to give fans a look at the total Ford ownership experience," said Wolfe.

In the coming months, Ford and NHRA expect to announce additional programs to drive business both at Ford dealerships and to NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events.

Honda Launches Grassroots Motorsports Initiative for Enthusiast Racers and Fans

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:39:00 GMT

If you've always wanted to be a Honda racer, Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), has just announced a new initiative targeted at expanding its presence in the grassroots motorsports market. Not familiar with grassroots motorsports? This low-buck racing activity has apparently got quite an enthusiastic following across many manufacturers, as evidenced by the bulk of content at grassrootsmotorsports.com.

Honda's new plan includes the development of official products and services to support competition in amateur and entry-level professional racing as well as an integrated marketing plan that encourages fan identification with the Honda Racing brand through branded merchandise sales and additional services.

"For many years, Honda enthusiasts have campaigned our products in racing series throughout the U.S.," said Erik Berkman, President of Honda Performance Development. "On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Honda brand in the United States, we are pleased to announce that we will now support those efforts directly, by introducing products and services geared toward helping our customers fulfill their racing dreams."

HPD plans to offer an assortment of products and services for Honda and Acura customers who compete in amateur and entry-level professional racing, including original and racing-performance parts, as well as integrated marketing activities designed to raise the profile of Honda Racing and HPD, the authorized Honda and Acura auto racing company in North America. (Founded in 1993, HPD is the technical operations center for Honda's and Acura's high-performance racing programs, is the single engine supplier to the IndyCar Series and competes in prototype sports-car racing under the Acura banner in the American Le Mans Series.)

"Thousands of our customers are racing Hondas or Acuras today with a need for regular access to parts," Berkman noted. "A market has clearly been established for a service like the Honda Racing Line. We are pleased to provide that service, and look forward to expanding the roster of benefits and services available to Honda Racing Line members."

As part of this grassroots initiative, HPD has also launched the Honda Racing Line, a club targeted at licensed racers. The Honda Racing Line will provide its members with a direct connection to Honda Performance Development and access to factory support. Competitors can register for the Honda Racing Line club and gain access to the parts catalogue at HondaRacingLine.com. Additional info about the program, including details on Racing Line membership benefits, will be announced throughout the year.

Looking for more information about Honda vehicles? Then find additional details here in the autoMedia.com New Car Buyer's Guide!

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor

Ford Mustang to Race in NASCAR

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:31:00 GMT

The Ford Mustang will be campaigned in the 2010 Nationwide Series, marking the first time the famed pony car has competed in NASCAR. The Fusion will continue to represent Ford in the premier Sprint Cup Series and the F-150 will compete in the Camping World Truck Series.

Since its 1964 mid-year introduction, the Mustang has been a dominant force in motorsports, from drag racing and Trans Am, on to Grand-Am Cup and Formula D drifting.

Ford Racing has gone through the official NASCAR submission and approval process for the new car, and, once templates are finalized, production of Mustang parts will start so teams can build the first cars for testing later this fall. It is expected that the NASCAR Mustang will make its race debut in the spring at Talladega. NASCAR officials say that this Mustang will look and drive differently than the Cup Series’ “Car of Tomorrow” cars, thereby better distinguishing the two series.

“We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as part of its vision for a ‘muscle car’ rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of differentiating the series from Sprint Cup,” said Wolfe. “We loved the idea, so we jumped on the chance to extend Mustang's racing legacy to a new series reaching a huge and loyal audience.

Rumors persist that Dodge will follow the muscle-car motorsports trend by putting the Challenger in the Nationwide Series. It would be a trifecta if Chevrolet joined with the Camaro, though this is a tough time to add cost and complexity to a motorsports program. Still, it would be great to see these reborn 1960s legends battle on the big tracks.

Get a jump on the competition and read our 2010 Ford Mustang review.

Expand your NASCAR knowledge with:

NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases Defined
NASCAR Basics - Understanding NASCAR

Unleashed: 562-hp 2010 HPE550 Camaro

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:42:00 GMT

John Hennessey and his horsepower-crazed merry men at Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) have put their wrenches to the all-new Chevrolet Camaro to create the 562-horsepower HPE550 Camaro. At the heart of the potent pony car is a supercharger system making six psi of boost added atop the 6.2L V-8. Combined custom engine management calibration and a Corsa stainless-steel exhaust system, the result is a total output of 562 horsepower and 557 lbs.-ft. torque. For those who crave even more power, Hennessey will offer a twin-turbo 1,000 horsepower package.

The Camaro is further transformed with an adjustable coilover suspension system, lightweight 20-inch wheels, a Hennessey graphics package, and embroidered seat headrests. Other options available from HPE include larger brakes, suspension upgrades, a further upgraded interior, and even larger wheels and tires.

Hennessey claims the HPE550 races 0-60 mph in just 4.1 second and soars through the quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds at 119 mph.

“The HPE550 upgrade package gives 2010 Camaro owners the kind of power and performance they want to match the true muscle car look and spirit of the new Camaro,” says John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering.

He reports that the shop currently has 16 cars being built, with plans to build up to 500 examples for 2010.

The turnkey cost starts at $59,500 and includes a 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty. The HPE550 Camaro is available from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering. HPE550 customers will also receive a half-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park – a dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey’s 30,000-square-foot production facility and showroom.

An equal-opportunity performance house, Hennessey also modifies the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Viper, Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, and many other vehicles.

With the likelihood that General Motors will offer a Z28 model above its mighty Camaro SS looking slim, the HPE550 Camaro provides bowtie enthusiasts with a high-horsepower answer to the Shelby Mustang.

Let the quarter-mile showdowns begin!

Pricing: Nissan Nismo 370Z

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:54:00 GMT

PlayStation-fueled driving fantasies have materialized at Nissan dealers nationwide as the Nismo 370Z is now on sale, starting at $39,130. Sadly, floor mats ($115) are extra, but endless machismo is standard.

Developed by Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group, the Nismo Z boasts an 18 horsepower advantage over the standard Z, with 350 horsepower and 276 lb.-ft. of torque. The gains from in part from an exclusive free-flow dual exhaust system, muffler tuning, and an optimized engine control module. The Nismo is offered with only with a close-ratio, rev-matching six-speed manual to transform any driver into a heel-toe master.

The Nismo-tuned suspension includes specially tuned springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars. Wider, unique five-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated tires. Sport Brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential are also standard.

The Nismo is visually distinguished by its bold body work, including an extended nose with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. Special side sills and a unique rear fascia help manage airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler also increases downforce.

Of course, the interior is dressed up with obligatory Nismo logos, red seat fabric and stitching, leather-wrapped shift knob, aluminum trimmed pedals, and a serialized plaque of authenticity.

If the Nismo is beyond your reach, fret not. Even the base 370Z is a car to covet, and it could be later customized to gain similar performance.

Read our 2009 Nissan 370Z review.

Monster Trucks Launch an Urban Assault

admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:05:00 GMT

Watching monster truck racing on television or even in person, one cannot help but crave driving one of those behemoths. The sheer power (often north of 1,300 horsepower!) massive tires, and torque-multiplying gearing means little can slow down these juggernauts. Activision has just launched the latest monster truck video game, enabling enthusiasts to get behind the thumbstick and live out their own city-crushing fantasies.

Monster Jam: Urban Assault takes the trucks out of the arena and sets them loose onto city streets across the globe. The game features the most famous monster trucks in the world, including Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, Blue Thunder, and Captain's Curse and newer stars such as Stone Crusher and Backwards Bob. There are 27 trucks in all to choose from. There are 26 new urban tracks compared against the previous Monster Jam game, with 12 stadiums packed with things to demolish, seven different game modes, and 12 skill competitions. Purists will appreciate that long-time monster truck announcer Scott Douglass is the voice in the game.

Not likely to instill good driving habits, Monster Jam: Urban Assault should provide enthusiasts with welcomed entertainment between televised races. The game is available for PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS, and Wii. Oddly, Activision does not have a version for the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Game Time - Monster Jam Urban Assault

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:48:00 GMT

Car-crushing fans, Activision has announced its latest monster truck video game title, Monster Jam: Urban Assault. This title for the DS, PS2, PSP, and Wii breaks the trucks out of the typical arena setting to wreak havoc in city settings. Players will be able to conduct urban assault in popular trucks, such as Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, and Blue Thunder. Newer trucks such as Air Ford A-10, Stone Crusher, and Backwards Bob are also represented.

For purists, Monster Jam: Urban Assault will still offer stadium racing and stadium freestyle competitions with game play much improved over the original game. Mini games have also been added, including ones brand new to the franchise like Monster Jump, Truck Trickster, Skee Ball, and Air Strike.

The game ships late October, in time for Halloween and the holiday season.

Blind Ambition: Impaired NHRA Crew Chief Goes Full-Throttle

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:51:00 GMT

When adversity struck, Jay Blake struck back.

It was May of 1997. Blake was working as the head mechanic for a transportation company out east. Suddenly a horrific industrial accident left Blake without vision, smell and taste. At the age of just 31, Blake was faced with a cruel new reality: Learning how to live as a completely blind person.

Refusing to give up on life despite the hand he’d been tragically dealt, Blake pursued rehabilitation aggressively. After being released from Massachusetts General Hospital, he enrolled in an intensive program at The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Mass.

Despite his devastating disability, Blake was determined to make his life’s dream come true: Owning a professional auto racing team. When you have a laser-like dream since childhood, you don’t give up on it easily.

"I have a picture in my office that my mom took when I was three or four years old next to a pedal car on its side with a tool kit at hand," said Blake.

Following his accident, Blake spent more than three weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital and two weeks recovering at home. While in therapy at the Carroll Center for the Blind, Blake was asked to write an essay about his fantasy job.

"I said, 'I can’t really do my fantasy job because I’m blind,'" he said. "But I ended up writing about owning a race team even though at the time I really didn’t think it could be possible."

Blake quickly learned, however, that although his sight had been taken away, his uncanny ability to work on race engines was alive and well. After a couple of weeks at home, he ventured into his garage, opened a tool chest and found a drawer full of wrenches.

"Just by feeling it, I knew it was a combo wrench," he said. "I opened another drawer and got something out and I knew right away it was a GM distributor module. I got a grin on my face and said, ‘I can do this.’"

A dream was re-born.
From there, Blake began tinkering with an engine his brother owned. "It was a junk motor, but I’d clean it and tinker with it and work with all the pieces. After that I bought my first race car, and here we are."

And so Blake combined his passion for drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success story by inspiring others—both with and without disabilities—to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking and self-determination.

Because of his unique outlook on life, Blake began receiving requests in 1999 from individuals and groups to share his incredible story of determination—just two years after his tragic accident.

As the requests continued to pour in, Blake founded Follow a Dream, an organization dedicated to helping people overcome adversity. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered with National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing as its medium.

Follow a Dream’s message is consistent from audience to audience: To inspire people to shift into positive thinking, and follow and achieve their dreams through self-determination and teamwork.

"The most frequent question I get, I guess, is simply 'how do you do it,'" said Blake.

As racing’s only totally blind race crew chief, Blake draws upon his personal experience of overcoming adversity to inspire others. What you can dream, you can accomplish. Today, Blake and his team are standing on the cusp of becoming one of the top teams in the NHRA’s Top Alcohol Funny Car class.

It’s been said by people with disabilities that when one sense is taken away, other senses become more vivid, but Blake has a different take on it. "You get better at using your other senses, your other senses don’t get better," he said. "My hearing is actually worse than it was a couple of years ago, but you have to hear better because you can’t see."

Blake’s Wynn’s-sponsored Permatex/Texas Roadhouse 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS is piloted by Marty Nothstein, who regularly makes quarter mile runs at speeds approaching an astonishing 260 miles per hour. And Blake has formed a special relationship with his associate sponsor Wynn’s, the Azusa, California-based supplier of automotive specialty chemicals, service equipment and Complete Automotive Maintenance Programs (C.A.M.P.). "From our end, we have a great relationship with Wynn’s, said Blake. "Both the people and products are outstanding.

So when adversity struck, Jay Blake made no excuses, and struck back. Hard. He achieved his goal of becoming a race team owner. But you get the feeling he’s not done yet.

Feeling the need for speed? Read motorsports features, personality profiles, and how-to articles from autoMedia.

Super-Green Shelby SuperCar for 2010

admin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:08:00 GMT

Shelby SuperCars (SSC) earned the distinction of building the fastest, street-legal car last year with a Guinness-verified top speed of 257 mph. For an encore, SSC has announced it is developing an electric version of the Ultimate Aero, with a prototype due in February 2009 and a production model scheduled for year’s end.

No relation to Carroll Shelby, SSC’s American-made Ultimate Aero features a V-8 producing a Bugatti Veyron-shaming 1183 horsepower and 1094 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ultimate Aero can rocket 0-60 mph in just 2.78 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 144 mph. A cool car that can keep rarified company, the more interesting story for the Ultimate Aero lies ahead when SSC focuses its engineering might on an electrified version.

The goals are ambitious. SCC says the car motivated by a 500-horsepower could deliver supercar-grade performance. And it is exploring using two 500-hp motors in an all-wheel-drive configuration. Oh, yeah.

This small upstart, lead by namesake Jerod Shelby, accomplished the near-impossible with its first record-setting model, and we look forward to seeing this firm’s second act.

Read about today’s super hybrids in the Civic Vs. Prius: Compact Hybrid Comparison.

Track Star: Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package

admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:09:00 GMT

Dodge has taken the covers off its Challenger Drag Race Package, showing two Mopar-built examples at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals last weekend at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. They had been previously run down the quarter-mile for NHRA certification. The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.

The first factory-prepped, drag-race package cars built in 40 years, these special cars are based on the Challenger SRT8 and finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. Mopar dropped approximately 1,000 lbs. off the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating major production components and systems.

When production begins, major production component and systems will be eliminated including: windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all air bag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, rear bumper beam, and rear deck lid spoiler. To accentuate the weight savings, composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program.

In addition, these special Mopar missiles will feature a composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assembly and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly. Special car? Oh, yeah.

Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements, with a choice of 6.1-liter or 5.7-liter Hemi or 5.9-liter Magnum Wedge engines, teamed with a manual or automatic transmission.

A build book/owner’s manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8, as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition.

Depending upon the configuration selected, prices will range from the low to mid $30s. Collectors will appreciate that each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September.

Also read:
Win a Custom Dodge Challenger
Pricing: 2009 Dodge Challenger – affordable muscle