GLENDORA, Calif. (May 16, 2011) – Mopar has renewed its agreement with NHRA to sponsor the 11th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge, an extremely popular one-race shootout held during the running of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, the world’s most prestigious drag race, Aug. 31-Sept. 5, at famed Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
The Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas that are most associated with NHRA’s Super Stock A-HEMI (SS/AH) class compete for the lucrative record winner’s purse of $15,000. A total purse of $18,000 will be on the line in the Mopar HEMI Challenge. The Mopar HEMI Challenge will be held Sept. 1-2 during the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals weekend. Tickets are available for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals by calling NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA or by visiting http://www.nhra.com/.
“We are excited to have the Mopar HEMI Challenge event return as part of the tradition-rich Mac Tools U.S. Nationals,” said Eric Lotz, director of field marketing, NHRA. “It has become an important part of the event and a must-see for all sportsman racing enthusiasts. The increased purse from Mopar will add even more excitement to the competition.”
Drivers expected to compete in the Mopar HEMI Challenge this season include defending winner Jim Daniels of Bristol, Pa., as well as three-time winner Charlie Westcott Jr., and inaugural Mopar HEMI Challenge winner Bucky Hess.
“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 & 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 supporting the HEMI Challenge.”
