Mopar HEMI Challenge Field Beginning To Take Shape

The prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus in Indianapolis, now just two weeks away, will once again play host to the finest factory-built class racing cars in automotive history when the 12th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge takes to the fabled Lucas Oil Raceway quarter mile.

The Mopar HEMI Challenge will feature a total purse of $18,000, with $15,000 going to the winner of the popular race-within-a-race shootout that takes place during Super Stock class eliminations at the “Big Go”. Mopar, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, renewed its agreement to back the event that showcases the Super Stock A/HEMI (SS/AH) class for 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas.

“We are excited to have the Mopar HEMI Challenge event return as part of the tradition-rich Mac Tools U.S. Nationals,” said Eric Lotz, director of field marketing, NHRA. “It has become an important part of the event and a must-see for all sportsman racing enthusiasts.”

Charlie Westcott Jr. is the reigning champion, having beaten his father, a former winner of the HEMI Shootout himself, in the final round last year.

Racers currently entered for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in SS/AH include:

Wendell Howes ’68 Barracuda
Larry Perkins Sr. ’68 Barracuda
Gary Jacob ’68 Dart
Jeffrey Kobylski ’68 Dart
Jim Pancake ’68 Dart
Ton Depillo ’68 Barracuda
Kyle Ratcliff ’68 Barracuda
Steven Kent ’68 Barracuda
Dave Raybourn ’68 Dart
Rick Houser ’68 Barracuda
Tyler Hard ’68 Barracuda
Gus Mantas ’68 Barracuda
Melvin Daniels ’68 Dart
Gary Wolkwitz ’68 Dart
Stephen Comella ’68 Dart
David Barton ’68 Dart
Charlie Westcott ’68 Barracuda
Charlie Westcott Jr. ’68 Barracuda
Randall Warford ’68 Barracuda
Stephen Hebert ’68 Barracuda
Fred Henson ’68 Dart
Tim Hebert ’68 Barracuda
Joe Teuton III ’68 Barracuda
Joseph Paillot III ’68 Dart
Russ Campbell ’68 Barracuda
Dan Zrust ’68 Barracuda
Mike Booker ’68 Barracuda