A total purse of $18,000 will be on the line, with $15,000 for the winner, when the 12th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge, an extremely popular one-race shootout, is held during the running of the 58th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus, Aug. 29 – Sept. 3, at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
Mopar, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, has renewed its agreement with NHRA to sponsor the event, which features NHRA's Super Stock A-HEMI (SS/AH) class. Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas, classic muscle cars of the '60s and '70s, are most associated with the class. The Mopar HEMI Challenge will be held Aug. 31. Tickets are available for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus 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."
Drivers expected to compete in the Mopar HEMI Challenge this year include the father-son team of Charlie Westcott and Charlie Jr., each of whom have won the event, along with former event winner Jim Daniels and Joe Teuton III .
"The Mopar HEMI Challenge continues to grow and build momentum each year," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "The NHRA Sportsman drag racers that compete in the Mopar HEMI Challenge are the backbone of the sport, and have a passion for the Mopar brand that they carry with them wherever they go. The Mopar HEMI Challenge is a great way to recognize their passion and dedication to the brand and the sport."
