Mopar Tom Hoover Award

Larry Miller Jr · 04-22-2013, 12:22 PM

Just thought I'd pass this along, Dale Aldo informed us of this of this program at Charlotte this weekend, thought it was pretty cool of Mopar to do this. I pulled info off of mopar web site, I think Tommy Sheehan has a picture of trophy, maybe he can post.

Mopar Enhances Support of NHRA Sportsman Racing in 2013Mopar launches ‘Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge’ to support NHRA Sportsman Class racing
Winner receives $4,260 purse and will be presented with a commemorative Mopar trophy
Challenge and trophy named for Tom Hoover, ‘Father of the 426 HEMI®’, member of the famed Ramcharger race team and retired Chrysler engineer
Mopar continues NHRA contingency program with enhancements for 2013 season
Mopar to host Sportsman barbecues at Gatornationals, Mopar Mile High Nationals and U.S. Nationals in 2013
Mopar will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the HEMI in 2014
March 14, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -
As a proud supporter of Sportsman racing within the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar brand will continue to recognize its roots with the establishment of the “Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge” beginning this season, along with some enhancements to its contingency program.
The winner of Mopar’s Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge will be determined by selecting the Sportsman Class racer that amasses the most points earned in a season during NHRA sanctioned races at the wheel of a Chrysler Group vehicle, competing in either Stock or Super Stock classes nationwide.
The winner will be awarded a $4,260 purse, as a nod to the 426 HEMI®, and presented with a special commemorative Mopar trophy, as well as a plaque with their name engraved on it. All National event winners will continue to be eligible for the “Mopar National Event Winner” decal to proudly display on their Chrysler vehicle.
“Mopar is incredibly proud to support Sportsman drag racing as it really is the backbone of the sport,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, the Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Mopar’s Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge was created in anticipation of many planned celebrations for next year’s 50th anniversary of the introduction of the 426 Race HEMI engine. It also is a thank you to all loyal and dedicated Sportsman racers for their passion for Mopar vehicles and NHRA drag racing.”
The competition and trophy are named in honor of the “Father of the 426 HEMI®”, Tom Hoover, a retired Chrysler engineer and original member of the Ramchargers team, whose passion for high-performance engine design and racing helped launch and build Chrysler’s motorsport program in the 1960s. Amongst his many contributions are the 426 HEMI®, HEMI® and small-block Pro Stock cars, and involvement in the development of the Funny Car.
Hoover also oversaw field development of the HEMI and other race parts through the efforts of sponsored racers nationwide. He was an avid Super Stock racer, built motors and raced on weekends much like Sportsman racers currently competing in NHRA events nationwide.
Mopar will also be making some enhancements to its contingency program for the Sportsman classes in the 2013 NHRA Full Throttle and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The long-running Mopar Contingency Program offers financial awards to Mopar-powered grassroots racers competing with specified Mopar parts.
In addition to the Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge, Mopar will continue sponsorship of the annual “HEMI® Challenge” held at the U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis since 2001.
Mopar also is hosting Sportsman barbecues for those competing in Chrysler Group vehicles at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, and at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Next year, Mopar will mark the 50th anniversary of the 426 Race HEMI® engine, first introduced in February 1964, with a number of planned celebrations.

Larry Hill · 04-23-2013, 10:58 AM

Mr. Dale Aldo sent me a picture of the Mopar trophy this morning. Since we are big Mopar fans, I think this is really a cool thing. I haven't heard how the points will be calculated. Does anyone know? Is it just like 3 out of 6 Nationals and 5 out of 8 divisionals or something different?

Larry Hill · 04-23-2013, 11:40 AM

I just received a reply from Mr. Aldo and it looks like they will use NHRA's points to go by as it is currently calculated.

denbreeden · 04-23-2013, 01:25 PM

Cool trophy! It's nice to see Mopar still supporting us.

Dennis Breeden

jmcarter · 04-23-2013, 03:03 PM

Bunch of great Super Stock racers in the hunt. Kevin Helms, Ken Etter, Darren Smith, Mike Cotten, Tim Hebert, etc but obviously a lot of racing to come. Fantastic way for Mopar to support the sportsman racers.

Mack Reeves · 04-23-2013, 07:05 PM

That's one cool trophy!!!! And special thanks to Mopar and Dale for supporting the "Little Guys" that are the backbone of our sport.....

Jeff Teuton · 04-24-2013, 09:14 PM

That trophy would look good next to my Class Nationals trophy from Byron, my Indy win a couple of years ago, and an 8 x 10 color photo of me suitable for framing in my trophy case.

340Cuda · 04-24-2013, 10:10 PM

That is really cool! Does anyone know how Mr. Hoover is doing? Last I heard he was having some health issues.

Bill Lamb

thomas sheehan · 09-23-2013, 09:12 AM

MOPAR'S "2013 Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenger" award update....

I just completed my final "points earning" race yesterday and came up one round short of having a chance to get the trophy, winner's jacket, and the $4,260 check!

Kevin Helms' runner-up in Dallas improved his SS points to 537.
My 5th round red light improved my final points total to 533.

Kevin still has a 51 to improve on at his last points meet.

Ken Etter still has a good chance to make a run with 2 nationals and 3 points meets left. (He has 445 points currently, and has a 30, 40, and 51 to improve on at his points meets)

A big Congrats to the Helms/Teuton clan.... but watch that Etter guy.... he's a tough cookie!

ALSO.... another shout out to MOPAR for offering this special award and cash!
THANK YOU MOPAR!!!!!

J.R. Schodde 1225 · 09-23-2013, 10:23 AM

Hey Tommy! You and Harry had a great points earning season and great year overall! Was hoping you would bring that trophy back to Pittsburgh. Congrats to the winner at the end of the year.

I am hoping Mopar keeps this award going for many years for a couple of reasons. One, is the extra incentive to get Mopar die-hard stockers and super stockers to chase the points. Even if you do not get a national championship, knowing you were the best Mopar driver/car combination and the award that comes with it is quite an accomplishment.

Second, is Tom Hoover. I was fortunate to get to see Mr. Hoover receive a lifetime achievement award at the Mopar awards banquet this year. Listening to his speech about all of his achievements from the development of the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Hemis to the Max Wedge was inspiring. I enjoyed seeing the twinkle in his eye when Tom spoke of his team developing the hyper-pack slant 6 that outran GM and Ford grand national cars at Daytona in the early 60's. His life work and achievements with Mopar deserves to be remembered for many years with this award.

Mr. Hoover said he was getting better every day. He had great energy at the banquet in July and was walking and getting around a lot better. I am hoping that Mr. Hoover will be able to hand out the award personally for many years to come.

J.R.

04-22-2013, 12:22 PM	#1
Larry Miller Jr Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gettysburg PA Posts: 13 Likes: 1 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mopar Tom Hoover Award Just thought I'd pass this along, Dale Aldo informed us of this of this program at Charlotte this weekend, thought it was pretty cool of Mopar to do this. I pulled info off of mopar web site, I think Tommy Sheehan has a picture of trophy, maybe he can post. Mopar Enhances Support of NHRA Sportsman Racing in 2013Mopar launches ‘Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge’ to support NHRA Sportsman Class racing Winner receives $4,260 purse and will be presented with a commemorative Mopar trophy Challenge and trophy named for Tom Hoover, ‘Father of the 426 HEMI®’, member of the famed Ramcharger race team and retired Chrysler engineer Mopar continues NHRA contingency program with enhancements for 2013 season Mopar to host Sportsman barbecues at Gatornationals, Mopar Mile High Nationals and U.S. Nationals in 2013 Mopar will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the HEMI in 2014 March 14, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - As a proud supporter of Sportsman racing within the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar brand will continue to recognize its roots with the establishment of the “Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge” beginning this season, along with some enhancements to its contingency program. The winner of Mopar’s Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge will be determined by selecting the Sportsman Class racer that amasses the most points earned in a season during NHRA sanctioned races at the wheel of a Chrysler Group vehicle, competing in either Stock or Super Stock classes nationwide. The winner will be awarded a $4,260 purse, as a nod to the 426 HEMI®, and presented with a special commemorative Mopar trophy, as well as a plaque with their name engraved on it. All National event winners will continue to be eligible for the “Mopar National Event Winner” decal to proudly display on their Chrysler vehicle. “Mopar is incredibly proud to support Sportsman drag racing as it really is the backbone of the sport,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, the Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Mopar’s Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge was created in anticipation of many planned celebrations for next year’s 50th anniversary of the introduction of the 426 Race HEMI engine. It also is a thank you to all loyal and dedicated Sportsman racers for their passion for Mopar vehicles and NHRA drag racing.” The competition and trophy are named in honor of the “Father of the 426 HEMI®”, Tom Hoover, a retired Chrysler engineer and original member of the Ramchargers team, whose passion for high-performance engine design and racing helped launch and build Chrysler’s motorsport program in the 1960s. Amongst his many contributions are the 426 HEMI®, HEMI® and small-block Pro Stock cars, and involvement in the development of the Funny Car. Hoover also oversaw field development of the HEMI and other race parts through the efforts of sponsored racers nationwide. He was an avid Super Stock racer, built motors and raced on weekends much like Sportsman racers currently competing in NHRA events nationwide. Mopar will also be making some enhancements to its contingency program for the Sportsman classes in the 2013 NHRA Full Throttle and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The long-running Mopar Contingency Program offers financial awards to Mopar-powered grassroots racers competing with specified Mopar parts. In addition to the Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge, Mopar will continue sponsorship of the annual “HEMI® Challenge” held at the U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis since 2001. Mopar also is hosting Sportsman barbecues for those competing in Chrysler Group vehicles at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, and at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Next year, Mopar will mark the 50th anniversary of the 426 Race HEMI® engine, first introduced in February 1964, with a number of planned celebrations.

04-23-2013, 10:58 AM	#2
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,629 Likes: 1,919 Liked 10,681 Times in 2,222 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award Mr. Dale Aldo sent me a picture of the Mopar trophy this morning. Since we are big Mopar fans, I think this is really a cool thing. I haven't heard how the points will be calculated. Does anyone know? Is it just like 3 out of 6 Nationals and 5 out of 8 divisionals or something different? __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

04-23-2013, 11:40 AM	#3
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,629 Likes: 1,919 Liked 10,681 Times in 2,222 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award I just received a reply from Mr. Aldo and it looks like they will use NHRA's points to go by as it is currently calculated. __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

04-23-2013, 01:25 PM	#4
denbreeden Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Plainville, IN Posts: 501 Likes: 147 Liked 61 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award Cool trophy! It's nice to see Mopar still supporting us. Dennis Breeden

04-23-2013, 03:03 PM	#5
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,293 Likes: 2,367 Liked 3,167 Times in 969 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award Bunch of great Super Stock racers in the hunt. Kevin Helms, Ken Etter, Darren Smith, Mike Cotten, Tim Hebert, etc but obviously a lot of racing to come. Fantastic way for Mopar to support the sportsman racers. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock Set another place at the table

04-23-2013, 07:05 PM	#6
Mack Reeves Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Elkin, NC Posts: 671 Likes: 169 Liked 44 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award That's one cool trophy!!!! And special thanks to Mopar and Dale for supporting the "Little Guys" that are the backbone of our sport..... __________________ Mack Reeves 2377 STOCK & SUPER STOCK

04-24-2013, 09:14 PM	#7
Jeff Teuton VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 2,717 Likes: 2 Liked 325 Times in 50 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award That trophy would look good next to my Class Nationals trophy from Byron, my Indy win a couple of years ago, and an 8 x 10 color photo of me suitable for framing in my trophy case. __________________ Jeff Teuton 4022 STK

04-24-2013, 10:10 PM	#8
340Cuda VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,668 Likes: 3,844 Liked 796 Times in 336 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award That is really cool! Does anyone know how Mr. Hoover is doing? Last I heard he was having some health issues. Bill Lamb

09-23-2013, 09:12 AM	#9
thomas sheehan Photographer Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,717 Likes: 24 Liked 75 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award MOPAR'S "2013 Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenger" award update.... I just completed my final "points earning" race yesterday and came up one round short of having a chance to get the trophy, winner's jacket, and the $4,260 check! Kevin Helms' runner-up in Dallas improved his SS points to 537. My 5th round red light improved my final points total to 533. Kevin still has a 51 to improve on at his last points meet. Ken Etter still has a good chance to make a run with 2 nationals and 3 points meets left. (He has 445 points currently, and has a 30, 40, and 51 to improve on at his points meets) A big Congrats to the Helms/Teuton clan.... but watch that Etter guy.... he's a tough cookie! ALSO.... another shout out to MOPAR for offering this special award and cash! THANK YOU MOPAR!!!!! __________________ Tom Sheehan SS GT/NA 1046 Last edited by thomas sheehan; 09-23-2013 at 09:15 AM.

09-23-2013, 10:23 AM	#10
J.R. Schodde 1225 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Steel City, PA Posts: 32 Likes: 5 Liked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Mopar Tom Hoover Award Hey Tommy! You and Harry had a great points earning season and great year overall! Was hoping you would bring that trophy back to Pittsburgh. Congrats to the winner at the end of the year. I am hoping Mopar keeps this award going for many years for a couple of reasons. One, is the extra incentive to get Mopar die-hard stockers and super stockers to chase the points. Even if you do not get a national championship, knowing you were the best Mopar driver/car combination and the award that comes with it is quite an accomplishment. Second, is Tom Hoover. I was fortunate to get to see Mr. Hoover receive a lifetime achievement award at the Mopar awards banquet this year. Listening to his speech about all of his achievements from the development of the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Hemis to the Max Wedge was inspiring. I enjoyed seeing the twinkle in his eye when Tom spoke of his team developing the hyper-pack slant 6 that outran GM and Ford grand national cars at Daytona in the early 60's. His life work and achievements with Mopar deserves to be remembered for many years with this award. Mr. Hoover said he was getting better every day. He had great energy at the banquet in July and was walking and getting around a lot better. I am hoping that Mr. Hoover will be able to hand out the award personally for many years to come. J.R.