[Jeff Lee]

Good point on Hurst. Hurst has long been recognized by NHRA w/ Oldsmobile. Hurst is offering supercharger options on the Challenger with both the 5.7L & 6.1L Hemi's. If Hurst does petition NHRA for allowance of their own Challenger, I would suggest a 480 HP rating. How did I come up with that?
425 HP / 5.4L supercharged Ford = 78.70 HP per liter.
78.70 HP x 6.1L supercharged Hemi = 480 HP.
Simple as that!

Saleen has also entered the Dodge Challenger tuner market. Saleen Mustangs have been recognized by NHRA as production vehicles so I would assume incorporating the Challengers by Saleen into the class guide shouldn't be an issue either.

Regarding the 6.1L Hemi SRT8 engine, I've mentioned it before but feel it's worth mentioning again. MACH Development took a 6.1L crate engine with full factory exhaust manifolds and front drive accesories, added larger injectors and provided their own tune. Idled "like a kitten" as he said and ripped 550 HP out of the factory 425 HP engine. This is not a blue-printed engine, it's right out of the MOPAR crate with the oil even provided in the assembly.
The "race" 6.1L Hemi provided with the Drag-Pak Challenger is an improvement on the above mentioned street Hemi.
I have no doubt a CJ500 vs. Race Hemi will be competitive; and exciting!

I read a Motor Trend article yesterday where GM was looking at political correctness in the current green world environment and elected to drop the 2010 Z-28 which was slated to use the 550HP Cadilac CTS-V supercharged engine (ZL1 'Vette engine de-tuned from 634 HP). Other concerns mentioned by GM was they had doubts (concerns?) about traction with such an engine in the RWD chassis.
Those that voted "for change" stand in a circle and say Yea!