Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017

Mike Delahanty · 12-21-2016, 03:40 PM

Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017

Mopar and Dodge Team Up for Factory-backed Support of Amateur Racers
• Mopar and Dodge team up to support three factory-backed Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak cars in ‘17
• “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program supports modern-day package car amateur racers
• FCA US LLC engineers to provide racers technical support at all 24 NHRA Nationals events in 2017
• New Dodge brand exhibit to join Mopar display trailer on NHRA Manufacturers Midway at 15 Nationals events
• Mopar HEMI® Challenge, Sportsman Appreciation Night and Tom Hoover Challenge also continue in 2017
December 21, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Mopar brand is adding horsepower to its support of amateur, non-professional NHRA Sportsman racers with a slate of new programs and resources for the 2017 season. Initiatives include factory-backing for select Mopar and Dodge NHRA Sportsman teams, a new “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program, technical at-track assistance for grassroots racers and increased outreach and communication with Sportsman competitors.

Mopar will team up with the Dodge brand to provide factory-backed support for three supercharged, 354-cubic-inch Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak NHRA Sportsman machines that will carry the official Mopar and Dodge colors next year. In addition, the new “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will provide monetary awards to the dedicated amateur racers who compete in the Mopar brand’s modern-day package car, the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak.

Also new for next season, FCA US LLC engineers will attend each of the 24 NHRA Nationals events to provide all Mopar-powered NHRA Sportsman racers with technical advice and guidance. Unlike professional drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, amateur NHRA Sportsman racers often compete with little or no sponsorship, supporting their weekends at the dragstrip via their own funds.

“Amateur Sportsman racers fuel our brand’s involvement in NHRA competition,” said Bill Harry, Head of Marketing, Mopar. “In 2017, we’re backing up those words with new initiatives that prove our commitment to our most dedicated and passionate brand ambassadors. We’re also very excited to work more closely with the Dodge brand in providing select factory-backed support for Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers. This enhanced commitment, combined with our championship-winning relationship with Don Schumacher Racing in Funny Car and Top Fuel, demonstrates that we are focused on NHRA involvement that makes the most sense for the Mopar brand.”

In addition to teaming with Mopar in factory support of a trio of Dodge Challenger Drag Pak machines, Dodge will also introduce a new brand display, located next to the Mopar trailer on NHRA Manufacturers Midway, at 15 of 24 NHRA Nationals events.

“The Dodge brand has a long, proud tradition in NHRA drag racing dating back to the early 1960s,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA North America. “We look forward to extending that tradition by joining forces with Mopar to provide support for select Dodge Challenger Drag Pak NHRA Sportsman teams for the 2017 season. Our new Dodge display at 15 NHRA events will also give us a great opportunity to connect with the performance-loving enthusiasts who truly embrace and identify with our brand.”

Factory-backed Mopar Dodge Drag Paks
In 2016, Joe Welch Racing debuted a 354-cubic-inch Gen III HEMI® engine-powered Drag Pak, wrapped in official Mopar and Dodge graphics, at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. For 2017, the team will add another car to form a formidable pair of factory-backed Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak entries.

One Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak will be steered by Michigan native and team owner Welch. The seat of the second Joe Welch Racing Drag Pak machine will be reserved for a Mopar and Dodge-sponsored, nitro-fueled star from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The driver, who will compete at select events, will be announced in the near future.

The third Mopar and Dodge-backed entry will boast a championship pedigree — the elite team of owner Jeff Teuton and driver Kevin Helms. The duo, who partnered to capture the 2015 NHRA Stock Eliminator World Championship in a Teuton-owned Drag Pak, will seek to reclaim that title-winning magic in a supercharged, official Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak entry.

The three factory-backed Drag Pak cars will also be used in a developmental capacity, yielding information and data to help grow the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program, which has produced 260 factory-built race cars since it was introduced in late 2008.

“Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” Program
The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will offer payouts to the Top 20 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers, as determined by the program’s points system. Points will be awarded for entries, runner-up finishes and victories. Rewards will also be offered for a Factory Stock Showdown NHRA Nationals event win and a Stock Eliminator or Super Stock World Championship claimed by a Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak competitor. The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will commence in February at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. More information will be shared via the twice monthly “Mopar Speed” e-newsletter to be distributed early next year.

Mopar Contingency Program, HEMI Challenge, Sportsman Appreciation Night Continue in ‘17
In addition to the “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program, Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers will also be eligible for awards under the long-running Mopar Contingency Program. The program — open to all Mopar-powered Sportsman racers — rewards competitors who compete with specified Mopar parts and carry the Mopar Contingency decal on their race vehicle.

Also, returning for 2017 are the Mopar HEMI Challenge and the Mopar Sportsman Appreciation Night, two programs that have become mainstays of the premier event on the NHRA circuit, the U.S. Nationals.

Back at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis for the 17th year in 2017, the Mopar HEMI Challenge showcases SS/AH Sportsman class competitors in head-to-head battle on the quarter-mile. The event features the classic muscle cars that contributed to the brand’s legendary reputation and success at the drag strip. The 1968 Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda “package cars,” factory-built for the strip, were precursors to the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak vehicles that compete today in NHRA Stock Eliminator, Factory Stock Showdown and Super Stock.

Mopar will also recognize its grassroots racers at the brand’s annual Mopar Sportsman Appreciation Night at the U.S. Nationals. The event will offer free food, drinks, tech seminars, Q&A sessions and multiple Mopar prize giveaways to showcase the brand’s appreciation for its dedicated brand ambassadors.

The Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge will continue to recognize the outstanding Mopar Sportsman racer who accumulates the most points over a full season while competing in Stock or Super Stock Class racing. The award is named after legendary racer and engineer Tom Hoover, acknowledged as the father of the 426 Gen II HEMI engine. The annual winner receives a cash award and a custom trophy.

This is the link to the announcement for the full release. http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/new...d=18053&mid=82

Mike Delahanty · 12-21-2016, 03:45 PM

Challenger Drag Pack Owners/Racers should email Dale Aldo (dea33@chrysler.com) to register for the 2017 Mopar Drag Pak Rewards Program.

“Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” Program
The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will offer payouts to the Top 20 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers, as determined by the program’s points system. Points will be awarded for entries, runner-up finishes and victories. Rewards will also be offered for a Factory Stock Showdown NHRA Nationals event win and a Stock Eliminator or Super Stock World Championship claimed by a Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak competitor. The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will commence in February at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. More information will be shared via the twice monthly “Mopar Speed” e-newsletter to be distributed early next year.

denbreeden · 12-21-2016, 06:05 PM

Awesome. Great to see Mopar helping out the Drag Pak racers!

Dennis Breeden

Coleydog · 12-21-2016, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denbreeden

Awesome. Great to see Mopar helping out the Drag Pak racers!

Dennis Breeden

More mumbo-jumbo from Mopar, buy one of our $100,000 cars and we will give food a drinks plus tips on how to spend more money with us. Whole lots of words to say nothing. They want to help? How about parts or money payout for something beside the Gen III engine.

V M Kauffman · 12-21-2016, 08:14 PM

Still Hawking Mopus! What do your Ford boys say about this

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Delahanty

Challenger Drag Pack Owners/Racers should email Dale Aldo (dea33@chrysler.com) to register for the 2017 Mopar Drag Pak Rewards Program.

“Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” Program
The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will offer payouts to the Top 20 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers, as determined by the program’s points system. Points will be awarded for entries, runner-up finishes and victories. Rewards will also be offered for a Factory Stock Showdown NHRA Nationals event win and a Stock Eliminator or Super Stock World Championship claimed by a Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak competitor. The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will commence in February at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. More information will be shared via the twice monthly “Mopar Speed” e-newsletter to be distributed early next year.

GUMP · 12-21-2016, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coleydog

More mumbo-jumbo from Mopar, buy one of our $100,000 cars and we will give food a drinks plus tips on how to spend more money with us. Whole lots of words to say nothing. They want to help? How about parts or money payout for something beside the Gen III engine.

I guess it would be better if they did nothing?

I don't recall a lot of factory support in 1968 for cars built in 1918.......

Mike Delahanty · 12-21-2016, 11:29 PM

Gump,you are spot on with your observation.

"I don't recall a lot of factory support in 1968 for cars built in 1918......."

Coleydog · 12-22-2016, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUMP

I guess it would be better if they did nothing?

I don't recall a lot of factory support in 1968 for cars built in 1918.......

They have done nothing, smoke and mirrors stuff.
Maybe if you compare how many "1918" cars to "1968" cars that are now raced, no representation is my point. Pay any Mopar, not just the Drag-Pac cars. These "old" cars have fought on the front lines for years, and now being swept under the rug by Fiat. Just like the Pro-Stock fiasco, another money ploy run by bean counters. Fiat by-passed the smart builders in Pro Stock and the Drag-Pacs, we see how that worked out. The brains have checked out and went home.
Rant over

SSDA Hemi · 12-22-2016, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coleydog

They have done nothing, smoke and mirrors stuff.
Maybe if you compare how many "1918" cars to "1968" cars that are now raced, no representation is my point. Pay any Mopar, not just the Drag-Pac cars. These "old" cars have fought on the front lines for years, and now being swept under the rug by Fiat. Just like the Pro-Stock fiasco, another money ploy run by bean counters. Fiat by-passed the smart builders in Pro Stock and the Drag-Pacs, we see how that worked out. The brains have checked out and went home.
Rant over

Last year at the Indy "sportsman racer dinner" they did share some technical discussions with the racers.... "Wings and spoilers" playing a role in Aerodynamics and lets not forget the video presentation "How Funny Car bodies are made"

Coleydog, you're dead on with a 0!

GTX JOHN · 12-22-2016, 06:49 AM

A lot of Noise......No help for average Sportsman Racer!

12-21-2016, 03:40 PM	#1
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,180 Likes: 0 Liked 226 Times in 37 Posts	Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017 Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 2017 Mopar and Dodge Team Up for Factory-backed Support of Amateur Racers • Mopar and Dodge team up to support three factory-backed Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak cars in ‘17 • “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program supports modern-day package car amateur racers • FCA US LLC engineers to provide racers technical support at all 24 NHRA Nationals events in 2017 • New Dodge brand exhibit to join Mopar display trailer on NHRA Manufacturers Midway at 15 Nationals events • Mopar HEMI® Challenge, Sportsman Appreciation Night and Tom Hoover Challenge also continue in 2017 December 21, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Mopar brand is adding horsepower to its support of amateur, non-professional NHRA Sportsman racers with a slate of new programs and resources for the 2017 season. Initiatives include factory-backing for select Mopar and Dodge NHRA Sportsman teams, a new “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program, technical at-track assistance for grassroots racers and increased outreach and communication with Sportsman competitors. Mopar will team up with the Dodge brand to provide factory-backed support for three supercharged, 354-cubic-inch Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak NHRA Sportsman machines that will carry the official Mopar and Dodge colors next year. In addition, the new “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will provide monetary awards to the dedicated amateur racers who compete in the Mopar brand’s modern-day package car, the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak. Also new for next season, FCA US LLC engineers will attend each of the 24 NHRA Nationals events to provide all Mopar-powered NHRA Sportsman racers with technical advice and guidance. Unlike professional drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, amateur NHRA Sportsman racers often compete with little or no sponsorship, supporting their weekends at the dragstrip via their own funds. “Amateur Sportsman racers fuel our brand’s involvement in NHRA competition,” said Bill Harry, Head of Marketing, Mopar. “In 2017, we’re backing up those words with new initiatives that prove our commitment to our most dedicated and passionate brand ambassadors. We’re also very excited to work more closely with the Dodge brand in providing select factory-backed support for Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers. This enhanced commitment, combined with our championship-winning relationship with Don Schumacher Racing in Funny Car and Top Fuel, demonstrates that we are focused on NHRA involvement that makes the most sense for the Mopar brand.” In addition to teaming with Mopar in factory support of a trio of Dodge Challenger Drag Pak machines, Dodge will also introduce a new brand display, located next to the Mopar trailer on NHRA Manufacturers Midway, at 15 of 24 NHRA Nationals events. “The Dodge brand has a long, proud tradition in NHRA drag racing dating back to the early 1960s,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA North America. “We look forward to extending that tradition by joining forces with Mopar to provide support for select Dodge Challenger Drag Pak NHRA Sportsman teams for the 2017 season. Our new Dodge display at 15 NHRA events will also give us a great opportunity to connect with the performance-loving enthusiasts who truly embrace and identify with our brand.” Factory-backed Mopar Dodge Drag Paks In 2016, Joe Welch Racing debuted a 354-cubic-inch Gen III HEMI® engine-powered Drag Pak, wrapped in official Mopar and Dodge graphics, at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. For 2017, the team will add another car to form a formidable pair of factory-backed Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak entries. One Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak will be steered by Michigan native and team owner Welch. The seat of the second Joe Welch Racing Drag Pak machine will be reserved for a Mopar and Dodge-sponsored, nitro-fueled star from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The driver, who will compete at select events, will be announced in the near future. The third Mopar and Dodge-backed entry will boast a championship pedigree — the elite team of owner Jeff Teuton and driver Kevin Helms. The duo, who partnered to capture the 2015 NHRA Stock Eliminator World Championship in a Teuton-owned Drag Pak, will seek to reclaim that title-winning magic in a supercharged, official Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak entry. The three factory-backed Drag Pak cars will also be used in a developmental capacity, yielding information and data to help grow the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program, which has produced 260 factory-built race cars since it was introduced in late 2008. “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” Program The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will offer payouts to the Top 20 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers, as determined by the program’s points system. Points will be awarded for entries, runner-up finishes and victories. Rewards will also be offered for a Factory Stock Showdown NHRA Nationals event win and a Stock Eliminator or Super Stock World Championship claimed by a Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak competitor. The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will commence in February at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. More information will be shared via the twice monthly “Mopar Speed” e-newsletter to be distributed early next year. Mopar Contingency Program, HEMI Challenge, Sportsman Appreciation Night Continue in ‘17 In addition to the “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program, Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers will also be eligible for awards under the long-running Mopar Contingency Program. The program — open to all Mopar-powered Sportsman racers — rewards competitors who compete with specified Mopar parts and carry the Mopar Contingency decal on their race vehicle. Also, returning for 2017 are the Mopar HEMI Challenge and the Mopar Sportsman Appreciation Night, two programs that have become mainstays of the premier event on the NHRA circuit, the U.S. Nationals. Back at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis for the 17th year in 2017, the Mopar HEMI Challenge showcases SS/AH Sportsman class competitors in head-to-head battle on the quarter-mile. The event features the classic muscle cars that contributed to the brand’s legendary reputation and success at the drag strip. The 1968 Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda “package cars,” factory-built for the strip, were precursors to the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak vehicles that compete today in NHRA Stock Eliminator, Factory Stock Showdown and Super Stock. Mopar will also recognize its grassroots racers at the brand’s annual Mopar Sportsman Appreciation Night at the U.S. Nationals. The event will offer free food, drinks, tech seminars, Q&A sessions and multiple Mopar prize giveaways to showcase the brand’s appreciation for its dedicated brand ambassadors. The Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge will continue to recognize the outstanding Mopar Sportsman racer who accumulates the most points over a full season while competing in Stock or Super Stock Class racing. The award is named after legendary racer and engineer Tom Hoover, acknowledged as the father of the 426 Gen II HEMI engine. The annual winner receives a cash award and a custom trophy. This is the link to the announcement for the full release. http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/new...d=18053&mid=82 __________________ Been racing Stock and S/S cars since 1973.

12-21-2016, 03:45 PM	#2
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,180 Likes: 0 Liked 226 Times in 37 Posts	Re: Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 20 Challenger Drag Pack Owners/Racers should email Dale Aldo (dea33@chrysler.com) to register for the 2017 Mopar Drag Pak Rewards Program. “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” Program The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will offer payouts to the Top 20 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak drivers, as determined by the program’s points system. Points will be awarded for entries, runner-up finishes and victories. Rewards will also be offered for a Factory Stock Showdown NHRA Nationals event win and a Stock Eliminator or Super Stock World Championship claimed by a Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak competitor. The “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Drag Pak Rewards” program will commence in February at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. More information will be shared via the twice monthly “Mopar Speed” e-newsletter to be distributed early next year. __________________ Been racing Stock and S/S cars since 1973.

12-21-2016, 06:05 PM	#3
denbreeden Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Plainville, IN Posts: 515 Likes: 159 Liked 77 Times in 34 Posts	Re: Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 20 Awesome. Great to see Mopar helping out the Drag Pak racers! Dennis Breeden Last edited by denbreeden; 12-21-2016 at 06:08 PM.

12-21-2016, 11:29 PM	#7
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,180 Likes: 0 Liked 226 Times in 37 Posts	Re: Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 20 Gump,you are spot on with your observation. "I don't recall a lot of factory support in 1968 for cars built in 1918......." __________________ Been racing Stock and S/S cars since 1973.

12-22-2016, 06:49 AM	#10
GTX JOHN VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boulder City, Nevada 89005 Posts: 2,530 Likes: 2,222 Liked 1,809 Times in 572 Posts	Re: Mopar Announces Initiatives to Support NHRA Racers in 20 A lot of Noise......No help for average Sportsman Racer! __________________ John Irving 741 Stock 741 Super Stock