For race fans who appreciate the roots of drag racing and the thunder of classic American V8s, few cars hold the same legendary status as the 1968 HEMI-powered Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas.
These purpose-built machines defined an era of Super Stock competition. Each year, the fastest examples in the country converge for one iconic race. In 2025, the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge returns to the sport’s grandest stage as part of the 71st annual Cornwall Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. Set for Friday, August 29, 2025, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge features fierce heads-up, wheel-standing, side-by-side battles in the NHRA SS/AH class.
This race holds a special place in history; it’s the longest-running continuous specialty race in NHRA history, with a legacy spanning over many decades that helped build the legend of Sox & Martin. Race legends connected to the event will be on hand. Legendary drag racing innovator and team owner Buddy Martin will serve as the Honorary Starter.
Buddy Martin shared, “I’m excited to once again be part of this great event, and to have it sponsored by Sox & Martin is a great honor for me. Indy holds a special place in my heart. To come back and see the level of performance these HEMI Barracudas and Darts are running is just phenomenal and proves what a great Super Stock package Chrysler built back in 1968.”
Herb McCandless, another fixture in HEMI history, also plans to attend. Herb noted, “This is the 25th anniversary of the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge, and I’ve never missed one.”
Preparation is well underway for top competitors. Stephen Comella, who has won the event four consecutive times, continues to dial in his ’68 Barracuda, working with his father on maintenance and adjustments. Stephen will race his dad’s original ’68 HEMI at other events leading up to Indy.
He acknowledges there’s “probably a big target on our back, but we don’t get caught up in all the drama; we just do our deal.” Former Winner and 2024 runner-up Bucky Hess also prepares his Barracuda, working on gear ratios, torque converters, and tire changes, aiming to be “really fast at Indy” with help finding more power.
The Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge is open to NHRA SS/AH competitors who meet the grade point requirement. Entries for the race are encouraged before August 22, 2025. Seeing these classic HEMI machines launch with wheels in the air is a highlight for many race fans.
