Volume II, Issue 9, Page 14

Ready for the Hemi Challenge?

Photos by James Drew, Mark Westfall and Bob Plumer

In its seventh season, the HEMI Challenge has ballooned from a one-race event into a multi-event race series. This year, the event lineup will feature six races of SS/AH drivers.

ADVERTISEMENT

After the 2007 HEMI Challenge champion is crowned at the U.S. Nationals, the 2008 HEMI Challenge points season will begin at the Jeg’s NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals in Columbus on Sept. 28–30, 2007. Two additional 2008 HEMI Challenge points events will take place in 2007: at the NHRA Pacific SPORTSnationals in Fontana, Calif. on Oct. 5–7; and the Northeastern Division Dutch Classic at Mohnton, Penn. on Oct. 18–21.

“It’s going to be a great battle for the 2007 HEMI Challenge title,” said Jon Clark, Mopar Performance’s Parts Manager. “Mopar will crown the 7th HEMI Challenge champion at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. It just goes to show the longevity and success of this authentic event. The enthusiasts who compete in these SS/AH HEMI-powered Mopars have spurred the expansion of the series. They are the heart of the program. The number of ‘68 ‘Cudas and Darts entering the HEMI Challenge continues to grow, as does the number of Mopar HEMI Challenge events.”

Charlie Westcott Jr., driver of the ‘68 Plymouth ‘Cuda "Warfish," has claimed the Mopar HEMI Challenge trophy at Indy for the last two years. He looks to make it a possible trifecta and bring home the Mopar HEMI Challenge U.S. Nationals winner's check for $15,000 and trophy. Westcott is also looking to defend his Mopar HEMI Challenge overall championship at Indy, the 2007 season points finale.

Rick Houser  (James Drew photo)

Following his HEMI Challenge win at April's Jegs.com Cajun SPORTSnationals, Westcott holds a 20-point lead over Rick Houser, driver of the Jim DeFrank & Sons ‘68 ‘Cuda Fastback.

Here's What's New!