Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

I hope I'm wrong but from a good source the Hemi Challenge is done at Indy. Again I hope I'm wrong but I doubt it, With Dave Aldo retiring last year I figured some changes were coming.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

im gonna be sick...

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Dale Aldo was the sportsman racers friend, he did a lot for all of us no mater what brand racers raced. I hope there is a Hemi Challenge and an outstanding Factory Showdown show at Indy.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Herb this rumor has been going around for a couple weeks now. Has anybody actually seen official notice from either Chrysler or NHRA? If so how about printing a copy of it . Good source !!

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

I sure hope this rumor turns out to be "FALSE". I am a Chevy guy, but I sure enjoy watching the HEMIs go at it during the US Nationals. Back in the early 70's, I helped a guy build a B/G Dodge Dart (pretty much a Pro Stock car of that era). That Hemi was 16 spark plugs, aluminum heads, dual distributors, crank trigger, Chrysler electronic ignition, a really cool engine and car. I learned a lot from Francis Crider and Dave Koffel about HEMIs back then. I got pretty good at removing and replacing Hemi heads, cause this car had a trick shifted Hemi 4 speed, unfortunately, the driver missed a lot of gears and bent the exhaust valves on a weekly basis. After one of those head removals and reinstalls, I told the driver, "we should look into putting dzus fasteners on these heads", he did not see the humor in my remarks. LOL

Gary Merrick
3522 Stock

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

There will still be SS/AH class regardless if there is a $15k purse and big trophy or not. Mopar and NHRA can do whatever they want, but the fans and racers will make SS/AH class at Indy a big deal with or without there help

Getting back to work as I'm already behind trying to make Indy in SS/AH, shootout or not....

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Herb, this will be huge hit if they don't run the Challenge again, all those Hemi cars parading down the return road is a thrill in itself.

Hope they invite your Dad back to help announce it too...first saw him running match races in Clarksville TN, bought a few parts from him too before he sold his stuff to Hensley.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

SHOOT!!!! They must have got wind of my new motor. Me3

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

For what its worth ,its still listed under event stock and super stock classes and special events for 2018

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Jim, there was no Hemi parade last year..... was on my bucket list and was hoping they would bring it back this year as its 50 year anniversary for these (1968) cars.

The "parking in the circle" ended 2 years ago, a major concern would be they park the SS/AH scattered randomly through out the pits and not together

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

I understand this is the CHEVROLET US Nationals, but if Mopar doesn't put up the $, looks like some work to do to find someone that will. Jegs ,Me3 (lol) or ????

But yes, special announcing, special run schedule, A very good advertising value for the $ imho. Just appears NHRA needs there cut for that to happen...

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

To whom it may concern, The Mopar Hemi Challenge program that has run in conjunction with the US Nationals will NOT take place in 2018. Please discontinue all deliverables and promotions of the Mopar Hemi Challenge program including using the Mopar Hemi Challenge logo entirely. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you, Gary Raasch NHRA Sr. Director of Corporate Marketing and Partnerships 2035 Financial Way Glendora, CA 91741 626-250-2211 office 626-688-9172 cell graasch@nhra.com


This was floating around in the cloud so I called Glendora. There is a Gary Raash which I left a voicemail. SO I went to my source and friend Eric Lotz who said it was cancelled for 2018 BUT talks are back on to do it. Stay tuned was his quote. If you want to see it happen, emails and letters to Mopar and NHRA.
Signed: The proud owner of a $500k bracket car

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

I really hope they get it back in the program, especially this year being the 50th anniversary of the Hemi cars.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Me three,Spyfish, $500k bracket motor man, I have talked to the other AH drivers and owners and we have decided that you being of sound mind (lol) are the guy to handle this matter with Mopar and NHRA. Don't let us dowm

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Dam. Shame. Bean counters. Running out of beans?
I hope you Hemi guys get together like they do in A/S.
Do your own thing if possible or do it someplace else

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Sound mind!!! Now that's an oxymoron. I own an AH car!!!


PS Down ends with an "n". J Jake

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

anybody know and email address @ NHRA to voice our concerns?

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

I was wondering if something would change when Dale retired, without the Hemi Challenge it is just another race, LOL. I only go for the Challenge, might not make it this year if you guys aren't there. Please let us know who we contact at NHRA!

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

I sent my request to Gary Raasch using the email address shown earlier. If enough members do likewise they hopefully will acknowledge our concerns.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Looks like they're slowly dismantling drag racing as we've known it. It will probably degenerate into the way the collector car market has gone, rich guys with money to burn.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Probably???

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Without the Chrysler money will that stop the HEMI crowd from showing up and running class?
I never thought it was about the purse but more about the achievement and the bragging rights.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Is this event still a No Go? I cannot find any definitive info on it being eliminated.

Re: Hemi Challenge at Indy
 

Come on, CLASS RACING, Maybe a daytime final is only difference. ME3