SIXTH ANNUAL MOPAR SUPER STOCK HEMI CHALLENGE ON TAP FOR NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
NEWS RELEASE August 24, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TEAM MOPAR CONTACTS: David Hakim Portfolio Manager Mopar Performance Parts (586) 497-0394 Misha Geisert Team Mopar Public Relations J.R. Thompson Company (317) 432-4110 _MoparPR@aol.com_ (mailto:MoparPR@aol.com) SIXTH ANNUAL MOPAR SUPER STOCK HEMI CHALLENGE ON TAP FOR NHRA U.S. NATIONALS Center Line, Mich. — The Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge is poised to make its sixth appearance at the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals next Friday, September 1. Featuring the hottest SS/AH cars in the country, the event will also feature former Mopar Direct Connection and Mopar Ramcharger program engineer Tom Hoover, former U.S. Nationals Pro Stock Champion Herb McCandless and Buddy Martin, manager of the famous Sox & Martin race team. Well-regarded for their on-track contributions to drag racing, Mopar will honor these men for their part in the advancement of the sport. Martin will act as the Grand Marshal for the Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge, while Diane Sox, the widow of the legendary Ronnie Sox, is noted as the honorary starter for the event. Sox passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer. David Hakim, Portfolio Manager for Performance Mopar Parts, is looking forward to the excitement and nostalgia that these former racers and Mrs. Sox will bring to the event. “Mopar is truly honored to have an influential group such as this as a part of this year’s Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge,�?? said Hakim. “Tom, Herb and Buddy are a part of the HEMI’s legacy, and it’s great to have them return to see the progress of their work. These gentlemen are also a part of the original Chrysler Racing program of the 1960s and 1970s, and it’s because of their dedication that the SS/AH class continues to flourish.�?? Hoover was heavily involved in the development of the 1968 HEMI Barracuda and Dodge Dart Package Cars. Sox and Martin were instrumental in the progress and popularity of the Mopar Super Stock and Pro Stock drag racing campaign in the 1960s and 1970s. Also highlighted in this year’s event is the Mopar Direct Connection Racer Support trailer. Mopar’s Direct Connection program uses interactive web-based technologies to help grassroots and sportsman racers evaluate their runs, as well as provide on-track product support. “The Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge is an outstanding event; it truly showcases the awesome influence that the HEMI powerplant and Mopar have had on drag racing’s history,�?? Hakim said. “With 30 entries pre-entered, we’re expecting the largest group of competitors for the event to date. Race fans will have an opportunity to see some of the most wicked SS/AA class cars do battle for the bragging rights as the Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge champion. It’ s going to be a great show.�?? Competitors in the Super Stock/AH-HEMI (SS/AH) division are eligible to compete in the Super Stock HEMI Challenge event. Featuring more than 25 Hemi-powered factory lightweight SS/AH 1968 Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts, the event winner will receive a $10,000 bonus. The final round will feature an all or nothing format as the competitors compete for not only the bragging rights but the cash prize. The event will also crown an overall Mopar HEMI Challenge series points champion based on rounds won at the two NHRA Sportsnationals held earlier this year. The Mopar HEMI Challenge Series winner will receive a $5,000 prize. The Mopar Super Stock Hemi Challenge will take place on Friday, September 1, during the 52nd Mac Tools U.S. Nationals event at O’Reilly Raceway Park. For more information about the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Mopar Super Stock Hemi Challenge, Mopar Direct Connection or Team Mopar, visit _www.oreillyracewaypark.com_ (http://www.oreillyracewaypark.com/) , _www.moparspeed.com_ (http://www.moparspeed.com/) , _www.mopar.com_ (http://www.mopar.com/) or _www.nhra.com_ (http://www.nhra.com/) . Mopar is based in Center Line, Mich., and is the exclusive original equipment supplier of parts and accessories for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles. —30—