Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? - Page 3

11-21-2008, 08:10 PM

I also have a few of these on order and have talked with many of the people that were involved with this project from the first. I was able to get more detailed (unofficial) information on these special cars, but it looks like it is in limbo for now. They do not have the 100 cars or the engines, they do however have one car but I do not know if work is getting done on it or if it will just get lumped into the asset pile when Cerberus LLC files for Chapter 7. NHRA has blessed the deal and is just waiting for Mopar to send in the approved paperwork in order to put it in the guide.
Its not an issue with NHRA, it’s a issue with the owners of a company that wants out of the car biz and I am sure cares less about building a 40 year anniversary Hemi drag car. Each day that goes by I think the chance of this car getting build goes down. I was very excited about doing this deal and was committed 100% to it financially and emotionally, and I still am, if they call today, great I’m in. 40 plus years ago I was in no position to buy a new Hemi or even a new anything. I felt this was my chance to get a taste of what it must have been back in the day to buy a new factory race car. I really hope somehow Mopar can pull this off, as I am sure this will be my last chance at something really special. Good luck to all of us on “ THE LIST ”.

Mike Delahanty · 11-22-2008, 01:58 PM

Be patient guys - the prove-out Challenger that will be used for the final NHRA sign-off is just about complete. This car is also being used to prove out the production process and bill of material so the build of the customer cars can get started. I'm headed there this week to have a look at the car. Stay tuned.

11-22-2008, 03:17 PM

Mike,
I am sorry, but at first I did not know who you were until I Googled you.
This is truly great news. Their were so many people at Chrysler that I have known for years on the fleet side and performance side that have been let go. It’s a real shame to loose such great people with all their combined knowledge and skills on performance.
Thank you for your response, and hope we can meet at some point. I am glad to see there are still people in place at Chrysler to keep this alive. I have signed up three of the top 10 drivers in NHRA to try to put these cars in the winners circle on Sunday in Stock and Super Stock. If you can share any more info or updates with me, please email me at johnhennessayrates@yahoo.com.
I’ll keep a candle burning in the window and wait for the call. (assuming I got approved in the first place).

Thanks Again Mike.
Hennessay Racing

Jess Suter · 11-22-2008, 06:21 PM

John
Dont hold your breathe or burn your house down with candles waiting for this to happen
This project has about as much a chance of going through as a bailout!
Cerberus doesnt give a rats *** about racing. They see it as an expense only. And in the current realm of things, it doesnt look feasible. They are cutting every "extra" type program that we had and are trying to "give" vehicles away with rebates on top of rebates.
I have the "pleasure" of working for the #1 Dodge dealer in the natiion (1996-2005) and have watched the business go into the toilet for the last 3 years. We sold 58 new Dodge units last month and suprisingly were ranked 58th in the country! (around 5000 dealers i am told nationwide). The only reason we are doing OK still is fixed ops is keeping the store alive, so far. This month is another story as we are about 50% off compared to last month. So all we can do is hope.
If you think the bean counters at Cerberus are concerned about the Drag Pak or any other racing you are way wrong.
IMO we are in the eye of the storm and only God knows whats in store for us. Racing, dont see it happening

Mike Delahanty · 12-02-2008, 05:43 PM

Just back from checking out the build on #3 Challenger that will be submitted to NHRA for approval. The car will be at the PRI show next week for NHRA as well for public inspection. This car will be in the exact state and level of build that it will be delivered to customers. Challenger #3 is planned to be sold to the Large Father - Don Gartlits after the NHRA approval.

This car is being built w/ the 6.1L SRT8 motor and a 904 automatic. Note that all of the transmissions supplied in the car are empty cases only. The rear suspension is the stock Challenger cradle w/ the differential and halfshafts deleted. This is basically for build and shipping purposes as this will be replaced w/ a solid axle and 4 link trailing arm per NHRA specs for Stock Eliminator. Front suspension has the aftermarket discs already mounted - along w/ a manual brake master cylinder. Interior has all non essential components (and weight) removed. There are 2 racing bucket seats from the European Viper program - including the "Viper" logo stiched on them. No headers - all wiring is shipped loose. The car is in the perfect level of assembly to let each racer finish it his way - own cage - plumbing - etc. It does include a nice Moroso rear sump aluminum oil pan.

Included are some photos - note that the windshiled is tacked in place for easy removal when the cage goes in. This original windshield "warning" shipping sticker will be one of the key pieces to determine a "real" car.

And there are a number of bodies on hand that will start production once the approval is secured.

Stay tuned ...............

Jared Jordan · 12-02-2008, 06:12 PM

Mike,

It is great to see that Mopar is still pursuing the Drag-Pak program. Thanks for keeping us informed and for the pictures.

Jeff Lee · 12-02-2008, 07:03 PM

THAT'S the intake manifold they will use?

Mike Delahanty · 12-02-2008, 11:31 PM

Jeff - sharp observation - yes that's the SMALL intake and throttle body for the 250 HP combination - keep an eye out for the 265 HP combo w/ the dual 900 CFM throttle bodies on a cross ram.

thomas sheehan · 12-03-2008, 08:19 AM

Mike

In answering the intake question, you mentioned the 250 and 265 HP engines.
Are these the stock, NHRA stock, or NHRA super stock horsepower ratings. (have they been approved yet?).
If they were approved, can you tell us the engine size and official hp ratings?

thanks for keeping us in the loop...

Tom Sheehan
GT/IA 1046

Mike Delahanty · 12-03-2008, 09:35 AM

Thom - and others,

As I was hitting the enter key to post this, I had the thought that some might miss the ;-) ("wink") symbol in the headline. As the legendary cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn used to say - "that's a joke, son". I just couldn't pass up on the intake manifold comment from the always lighthearted Jeff Lee to throw one back out there.

OK - switching out of joke/wink mode to answer your question - no ratings have bee released for the 3 planned engine combinations - 1 will be 5.9L Magnum based - and the other 2 based on the new generation HEMI. All will use a similar throttle body on a single plane MOPAR manifold.

11-21-2008, 08:10 PM	#21
John Hennessay Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? I also have a few of these on order and have talked with many of the people that were involved with this project from the first. I was able to get more detailed (unofficial) information on these special cars, but it looks like it is in limbo for now. They do not have the 100 cars or the engines, they do however have one car but I do not know if work is getting done on it or if it will just get lumped into the asset pile when Cerberus LLC files for Chapter 7. NHRA has blessed the deal and is just waiting for Mopar to send in the approved paperwork in order to put it in the guide. Its not an issue with NHRA, it’s a issue with the owners of a company that wants out of the car biz and I am sure cares less about building a 40 year anniversary Hemi drag car. Each day that goes by I think the chance of this car getting build goes down. I was very excited about doing this deal and was committed 100% to it financially and emotionally, and I still am, if they call today, great I’m in. 40 plus years ago I was in no position to buy a new Hemi or even a new anything. I felt this was my chance to get a taste of what it must have been back in the day to buy a new factory race car. I really hope somehow Mopar can pull this off, as I am sure this will be my last chance at something really special. Good luck to all of us on “ THE LIST ”.

11-22-2008, 01:58 PM	#22
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,201 Likes: 0 Liked 275 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Be patient guys - the prove-out Challenger that will be used for the final NHRA sign-off is just about complete. This car is also being used to prove out the production process and bill of material so the build of the customer cars can get started. I'm headed there this week to have a look at the car. Stay tuned.

11-22-2008, 03:17 PM	#23
John Hennessay Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Mike, I am sorry, but at first I did not know who you were until I Googled you. This is truly great news. Their were so many people at Chrysler that I have known for years on the fleet side and performance side that have been let go. It’s a real shame to loose such great people with all their combined knowledge and skills on performance. Thank you for your response, and hope we can meet at some point. I am glad to see there are still people in place at Chrysler to keep this alive. I have signed up three of the top 10 drivers in NHRA to try to put these cars in the winners circle on Sunday in Stock and Super Stock. If you can share any more info or updates with me, please email me at johnhennessayrates@yahoo.com. I’ll keep a candle burning in the window and wait for the call. (assuming I got approved in the first place). Thanks Again Mike. Hennessay Racing

11-22-2008, 06:21 PM	#24
Jess Suter Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 36 Likes: 7 Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? John Dont hold your breathe or burn your house down with candles waiting for this to happen This project has about as much a chance of going through as a bailout! Cerberus doesnt give a rats *** about racing. They see it as an expense only. And in the current realm of things, it doesnt look feasible. They are cutting every "extra" type program that we had and are trying to "give" vehicles away with rebates on top of rebates. I have the "pleasure" of working for the #1 Dodge dealer in the natiion (1996-2005) and have watched the business go into the toilet for the last 3 years. We sold 58 new Dodge units last month and suprisingly were ranked 58th in the country! (around 5000 dealers i am told nationwide). The only reason we are doing OK still is fixed ops is keeping the store alive, so far. This month is another story as we are about 50% off compared to last month. So all we can do is hope. If you think the bean counters at Cerberus are concerned about the Drag Pak or any other racing you are way wrong. IMO we are in the eye of the storm and only God knows whats in store for us. Racing, dont see it happening __________________ Jess Suter 7305 Stock/SS Duster "life is not a rehearsal"

12-02-2008, 05:43 PM	#25
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,201 Likes: 0 Liked 275 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Just back from checking out the build on #3 Challenger that will be submitted to NHRA for approval. The car will be at the PRI show next week for NHRA as well for public inspection. This car will be in the exact state and level of build that it will be delivered to customers. Challenger #3 is planned to be sold to the Large Father - Don Gartlits after the NHRA approval. This car is being built w/ the 6.1L SRT8 motor and a 904 automatic. Note that all of the transmissions supplied in the car are empty cases only. The rear suspension is the stock Challenger cradle w/ the differential and halfshafts deleted. This is basically for build and shipping purposes as this will be replaced w/ a solid axle and 4 link trailing arm per NHRA specs for Stock Eliminator. Front suspension has the aftermarket discs already mounted - along w/ a manual brake master cylinder. Interior has all non essential components (and weight) removed. There are 2 racing bucket seats from the European Viper program - including the "Viper" logo stiched on them. No headers - all wiring is shipped loose. The car is in the perfect level of assembly to let each racer finish it his way - own cage - plumbing - etc. It does include a nice Moroso rear sump aluminum oil pan. Included are some photos - note that the windshiled is tacked in place for easy removal when the cage goes in. This original windshield "warning" shipping sticker will be one of the key pieces to determine a "real" car. And there are a number of bodies on hand that will start production once the approval is secured. Stay tuned ............... Attached Thumbnails

12-02-2008, 06:12 PM	#26
Jared Jordan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 612 Likes: 199 Liked 534 Times in 118 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Mike, It is great to see that Mopar is still pursuing the Drag-Pak program. Thanks for keeping us informed and for the pictures. __________________ Jared Jordan 9 B/SA 2024 Jeg's D7 All Star - Stock Last edited by Jared Jordan; 12-02-2008 at 06:18 PM.

12-02-2008, 07:03 PM	#27
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? THAT'S the intake manifold they will use? __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX

12-02-2008, 11:31 PM	#28
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,201 Likes: 0 Liked 275 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Jeff - sharp observation - yes that's the SMALL intake and throttle body for the 250 HP combination - keep an eye out for the 265 HP combo w/ the dual 900 CFM throttle bodies on a cross ram.

12-03-2008, 08:19 AM	#29
thomas sheehan Photographer Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,717 Likes: 24 Liked 75 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Mike In answering the intake question, you mentioned the 250 and 265 HP engines. Are these the stock, NHRA stock, or NHRA super stock horsepower ratings. (have they been approved yet?). If they were approved, can you tell us the engine size and official hp ratings? thanks for keeping us in the loop... Tom Sheehan GT/IA 1046 __________________ Tom Sheehan SS GT/NA 1046

12-03-2008, 09:35 AM	#30
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,201 Likes: 0 Liked 275 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Who got their order in before the deadline on Drag-Pak Challenger? Thom - and others, As I was hitting the enter key to post this, I had the thought that some might miss the ;-) ("wink") symbol in the headline. As the legendary cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn used to say - "that's a joke, son". I just couldn't pass up on the intake manifold comment from the always lighthearted Jeff Lee to throw one back out there. OK - switching out of joke/wink mode to answer your question - no ratings have bee released for the 3 planned engine combinations - 1 will be 5.9L Magnum based - and the other 2 based on the new generation HEMI. All will use a similar throttle body on a single plane MOPAR manifold.