Gary Wolkwitz grabbed the No. 1 qualifying position for the prestigious 17th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge at this week’s U.S. Nationals, turning in a superb pass of 8.443 seconds in his sleek 1968 Dodge Dart at Lucas Oil Raceway. The much-anticipated event pits Super Stock Automatic HEMI (SS/AH) drivers competing in 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas head to head for a $15,000 top prize and a unique trophy. The vehicles are the original Mopar package cars and served as the precursor to today’s Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak.

Wolkwitz is no stranger to very quick times, as he is also the current SS/AH national record holder. However, he said he has struggled to find power recently, making the No. 1 effort a pleasant surprise. Last year’s HEMI Challenge winner, Jimmy Daniels, qualified second in his ’68 Dart with an 8.501-second elapsed time on the famed quarter mile just outside Indianapolis.

The top 16 finishers in the Mopar HEMI Challenge each receive a cash payout, with all competitors receiving hats, decals and special limited-edition posters. The event has become one of the most anticipated programs for Sportsman racers each year.

Elimination rounds get underway at 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning, with the final round scheduled to take place between the first Funny Car and Top Fuel qualifying sessions later in the evening.