Dodge Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Dodge HEMI Challenge
The Dodge HEMI Challenge makes its way to the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis for its 20th anniversary at the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Dodge SRT U.S. Nationals, also known as the “Big Go” among fans and muscle car enthusiasts. In celebration of classic muscle car heritage and performance, this yearly event consists of drag races between 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas. These iconic muscle cars represent the “old school” in drag racing and muscle car culture with their V8 engines, rear-wheel drive configurations, and two-door body styles. The races also contribute to the legendary reputation that Dodge and Mopar already have on the drag strip. The elimination rounds make the entire race even more exciting for the fans with intense anticipation of who the winner will be.
Participation and Prizes
The winner receives a custom-made 42.6-lb trophy made from a 426 HEMI cylinder head. Upon completion of the elimination rounds, a total of 16 drivers receive cash rewards. However, the grand prize for the fastest driver is a $15,000 check that goes to Steve Comella, who generated a time of 8.364 seconds in his 1968 Barracuda against Jimmy Daniels.
About the Racing Event
The Dodge HEMI Challenge is the longest-running specialty race in NHRA history that features side-by-side drag races between classic muscle cars only, particularly between two classes that include 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas. The event is also televised with streaming available online on NHRA TV (via a video-on-demand subscription). Broadcasting took place between September 2-3, 2021, highlighting each race and the final elimination round determining the event’s winner.
Buying a 2021 Muscle Car
What makes muscle cars stand out from the rest of the vehicles on the road is their raw horsepower and streamlined speed. A muscle car is a worthy purchase for the performance-oriented buyer who doesn’t mind paying a premium on fuel to feed its hungry HEMI V8 engines. Dodge currently offers its muscle car platform in three flavors: the Charger, the Challenger, and the Durango SUV. Drivers who prioritize practicality find the 2021 Dodge Charger a great deal because of its four-door sedan body style that offers enough room for five passengers. It’s also a sedan with some serious performance that includes an available AWD system that is plenty powerful. Its two-door sibling, the 2021 Dodge Challenger, is even more powerful than ever and features a sleek retro design for prospective buyers that seek a more “classic-inspired” ride. The Challenger comes in various trims, such as the SRT Super Stock that produces 807hp and widebody variants of the R/T Scat Pack and 392 trims. But the muscle doesn’t stop there. Dodge is also in the performance SUV segment with its 2021 Dodge Durango, a family-oriented SUV that boasts an unbelievable amount of horsepower and having the utility of being a recreational vehicle at the same time.
Begin your search with us at Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and drive home a brand new muscle car. We have a great selection of Challengers, Chargers, and Durango SUVs at unbeatable local prices on both new and used models. If you have a particular vehicle you are looking for, send us a message via our contact form or call us. Our professional staff will assist you throughout your shopping experience. Also, please stay connected with us to receive the most up-to-date information on Dodge’s upcoming electric muscle cars coming out in 2024!
Image Source: Dodge