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dodge challenger drag package
Dodge Challenger Super Stock Drag Package Available For Order...If You're Man Enough
We're stoked that Chrysler is offering a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak turn-key racer, but how exactly do you go about ordering one from your local Dodge dealer? Since these mighty Mopars are going to be limited production, you gotta prove you're worthy. First, you're required to submit your application in writing to a dealer, who will then fax it to Mopar Motorsports' secret lair. Keep in mind that this is all first-come first-served, so you probably want to get a fax confirmation to make sure your paperwork went through. But what qualifications will buyers have to meet? More » -
racing news
NHRA Approves Roush Mustangs For Straight-Line Competition
The National Hot Rod Association has granted its approval to the 2008 Roush supercharged 4.6-liter V8 in the Stage 3TM and P-51ATM Mustangs. This marks the first time the NHRA has given the nod to an aftermarket powertrain; previous competition powertrains had to be as-delivered by the manufacturer. Depending on configuration and bodystyle, the Roush Mustangs will be classified between AA Stock and B Stock or SuperStock A and F. Look for the first Roush car coming from Haas, Carrothers & Wagner Racing; the team won three consecutive NHRA Division 3 championships from 2004-2006, and they're currently building a Roush Mustang with a Stage 3TM powertrain.
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drag racing
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Nitro Fumes And Meat On A Stick At The Mopar Mile High Nationals!
Last weekend, I found myself in Denver on short notice, and damn if they weren't running the Mopar Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway! As a Doctor Of Automotive Journalism, it was my sacred duty to check it out, regardless of the fact that I hadn't brought my good camera. It was 97 degrees in the shade, engines and sea-level humans were gasping for oxygen, and there was much grumbling that Top Fuel and Funny Car classes were running 320 feet less than before...but there's still no substitute for the apocalyptic full-body sensation of an 8,000 horsepower blown Hemi blasting off a few yards away. Make the jump for the complete gallery.
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dodge challenger drag package
Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pack Finally Revealed
After more than a year of anticipation, Chrysler has taken the wraps off the Drag Package for the 2008 Dodge Challenger (Read our three-part review of the SRT8 here!). At least 100 of the Mopar muscle machines will be built, each tailored for the specific NHRA category in which the buyer wishes to compete. The big decision will be whether you want a 5.9-liter Magnum wedge, 5.7-liter Hemi or the big 'n nasty 6.1-liter Hemi. Any of them can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. Full details in the press release below the jump.
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racing news
NHRA Shortens Track After Fatal Crash, No Longer 1/4-Mile
As an interim safety measure in the wake of Scott Kalitta's fatal crash, the NHRA has decided to shorten the length of the race in the Funny Car and Top Fuel classes from 1320 feet down to 1000 feet. This comes as part of an effort to reduce speeds; plus, with the shortened racing distance, the drivers are left with more track after the finish line, allowing them more time to slow down after the race. The measure is said to be temporary, but the NHRA is looking into several other ways to increase safety and decrease the risk of another tragedy. More » -
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racing news
NHRA Testing Vibrator
If you follow gaming or home theater gadgets, you may have heard of the Guitammer ButtKicker system. The core of the system is an electromagnetic piston capable of reproducing low-range frequencies without sound, providing an immersive experience to correspond with music or on-screen action. The NHRA is testing this industrial-grade vibrator as a way to simulate the drag racing experience on the couches of fans at home. This weekend, Jeg Coughlin Jr. will be carrying the transmission system in his Chevy Cobalt drag racer and a group of test subjects will be experiencing seat-of-the-pants racing like never before. More » -
scott kalitta
Scott Kalitta, NHRA Champion, Killed In Qualifying Incident
UPDATE: We've now posted the Scott Kalitta crash video. Funny Car driver and two-time Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta died after injuries sustained in a fiery crash during the final round of qualifying of the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway park saturday. According to reports, his Toyota Solara Funny Car experienced an engine explosion at around 300 mph, causing his car to hit a sand trap and eventually crash. Kalitta, age 46, had a long and successful career, including back-to-back championships in the NHRA POWERade Series Top Fuel series in 1994 and 1995.
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pat foster
Pat "Uncle Patty" Foster, Racing And Tuning Legend, Dead At Age 67
We're all saddened to hear legendary drag racer, builder and tuner Pat "Uncle Patty" Foster passed away on March 28th due to what we're told were "medical complications." What to say about "Uncle Patty?" Well, we could talk about how Foster started his career as a test pilot, or how over the past 35 years Pat Foster built everything from Gas Coupes to Land Speed Record cars, and every Dragster and Funny in between. We could talk about how Foster was involved in virtually every aspect of the Southern California and national racing scene — how he worked with the likes of Woody Gilmore, Ronnie Scrima, Frank Huszar, Jim Hume, Nye Frank, Tom Jobe, Mickey Thompson and the recently-passed John Buttera. No, instead, we'll let Hot Rod's Jim Hill tell you a story from the June '69 NHRA Springnationals where he first crossed paths with "Uncle Patty"
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lil john buttera
Lil John Buttera, Funny Car Legend, Dead At 67
Lil John Buttera, famous for making some of the most visually and technologically unique dragsters and funny cars, died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. Both an engineer and a designer, Buttera contributed to drag racing with cutting edge manufacturing techniques and aesthetic touches that helped increase the popularity of the sport in the 1970's. Some of his most famous designs include Don Prudhomme's Snake II, Mickey Thompson's Mach 1 and our personal favorite: the Wonder Wagon Vega driven by Don Schumacher. More »
