1st DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 TO BE AUCTIONED

Dodge and notMYkid have partnered to auction the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 at the 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to be held Jan. 12-20, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"The Dodge Challenger has always been an iconic vehicle and consumers are showing overwhelming enthusiasm for the modern version— the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8," said Mike Accavitti, Director — Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Dodge dealers took more than 4,300 orders the first day it went on sale. Clearly consumers are clamoring for the kind of modern amenities and iconic muscle car heritage the Challenger SRT8 offers."

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race-inspired interior and an exterior design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering a host of modern features and technologies and "race inspired, street legal" SRT DNA.

Bidders will have the chance to own the car before it is shown to the public. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut on Feb. 6 at the Chicago Auto Show. Interested bidders are required to register with Barrett-Jackson prior to bidding. Registration information can be found at www.barrett-jackson.com.

Proceeds from the first production Dodge Challenger will benefit notMYkid - an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues including suicide, drug abuse eating disorders and depression. (photo courtesy Chrysler)[01/11/08]

DODGE TEAMS READY FOR DAYTONA 500

With the teams testing for the up-coming Daytona 500, here is what Kyle Petty, driver of the No. 45 Wells Fargo/Marathon/PVA Dodge Charger, and his crew chief, Bill Wilburn, had to say:

KYLE PETTY - “This is obviously a very important test. Not only is Daytona the first race with the new car, but it is also the 50th Daytona 500. We want to start the season off on a strong note. Petty Enterprises hired a lot of new people for this season, guys with a lot of experience, and I think we have seen the benefits of that so far in this test. Billy (Wilburn, crew chief) brought a great baseline setup. We’ve gradually worked on the setup to get the attitude of the car to where we need to be for the race. Each time out we get faster or we get the car more comfortable to drive. We never regress. Everyone here is encouraged about the test and the race that will be here in a month. We’ve tweaked on some motor stuff and some carburetor stuff, things that are really important in restrictor-plate racing but sometimes get overlooked. Over the next couple of days we’ll get into the suspension and handling part of the car.”

BILL WILBURN – “Kyle and I have been coming down here for years. I don’t think either of us can remember a test more under the microscope than this one. Everyone had a decent set of notes from the races that we used the COT in 2007. We were able to go over those notes and scrutinize them over the winter to come back here and put the best car we can on the track for the biggest race of our season. That’s a lot of pressure, but these guys on this No. 45 Wells Fargo Dodge Charger were up to the challenge. We’re very happy with how the test is going. Kyle is comfortable in the car and we’ve got a lot of speed under the hood. Now we just need to take it back and make it a little better.”[01/11/08]

2ND GENERATION JONES TO GO PRO STOCK RACING

Rickie Jones, son of long-time Pro Stock racer and car builder Rick Jones, will compete on the NHRA POWERade circuit this year in a RJ Racecars-built Dodge Stratus powered by a Larry Morgan-built 500-inch Mopar HEMI power plant.

Team owner Rick Jones said, “This is something I have always wanted to do. We have a good customer base in NHRA and it will be exciting to be racing with them. My son has stood behind my car for many years, and I’m proud to be standing behind him now.”

The 20-year-old son and driver, Rickie Jones adds, “I grew up on Pro Stock racing, and working in the shop, and it has been my whole life. I’m so thankful for my parents, Rick and Bonnie Jones, for trusting me with this opportunity. I can’t wait to go testing and let the clutch out, and get some more seat time.”[01/11/08]