Drag Pak Challenger from Hemmings

[alleyoopmgv]

Might as well put this on FBBO too, and i tought it was pretty cool!



Muscle Cars http://cll.hemmings.com/uimage/2965961-0-0.jpg?rev=1

Garlits to wheel a Drag Pak Challenger in Division 2
http://cll.hemmings.com/uimage/2965961-150-0.jpg?rev=1
Don Garlits will campaign a Challenger Drag Pak in NHRA Division 2 competition in 2009photo courtesy ChryslerDrag racing icon and occasional Hemmings Muscle Machine columnist Don Garlits will return to NHRA drag racing in 2009 behind the wheel of a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak. Garlits, who will turn 77 on January 14, will race the strip-ready Challenger in NHRA Division 2, presumably in Comp, Stock or Super Stock and celebrate his 60th year in racing at the 2009 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

Though a far cry from Top Fuel where Garlits pioneered many of the advancements that are commonplace on the 330 mph nitro-fueled missiles today, Big Daddy will undoubtedly find the competition to be very keen at the divisional level. "I am going to have fun competing in a car my wife will actually let me drive," Garlits told the NHRA. “I'm not allowed to drive a Top Fuel dragster anymore. She said to me after my last 310-mph run at Indy in 2003, ‘I would appreciate it if you wouldn't do this anymore,’ and I knew I had better comply because I didn't want to come home and find all my stuff piled on the front lawn.”

Garlits is the only drag racer enshrined in the Smithsonian and in addition to celebrity appearances and media commentary he operates the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida.

Garlits’ Challenger is the very first of the drag-race ready Challengers that will be produced by MOPAR performance. The cars are Stone White with a composite lift-off hood and functional hood scoop, polycarbonite door windows and a wheelbase that’s been shortened 13 mm by moving the rear axle forward. The Drag Pak cars are about 1,000 pounds lighter than the production Challengers on which they are based and available with a 5.7-liter Hemi, 6.1-liter Hemi or a 5.9-liter Magnum Wedge. The cars are offered with either an automatic or manual transmission.

The last factory-built drag cars that Chrysler produced were the 1968 Hemi Darts and ’Cudas.
- By Mike McNessor

 

[alleyoopmgv]

cool car, drag pack car

 

[alleyoopmgv]

Drag pack video. Judy lilly and Big Daddy Don Garlits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHksBo6JKMw

 

[1badstroker]

very cool video

 

[696pack]

Does anyone know what these sell for? The only thing I could find on line was a phone number you are supposed to call for further details. There is limited info on the web site. It does not say if they are available through the Mopar performance dealers or not. It sounds as though they are NOT street legal, are incomplete as to at the very least wheels and tires, which makes one wonder as to how they are delivered?

 

[1badstroker]

They are not street legal cars, There is no safety equipment in the car and it is ordered as a part number only. The public cannot get the car unless it is through a second party.

 

[696pack]

They are not street legal cars, There is no safety equipment in the car and it is ordered as a part number only. The public cannot get the car unless it is through a second party.

What do you mean by the public? Do you mean they are only being offered to existing selected race teams?

 

[alleyoopmgv]

Does anyone know what these sell for? The only thing I could find on line was a phone number you are supposed to call for further details. There is limited info on the web site. It does not say if they are available through the Mopar performance dealers or not. It sounds as though they are NOT street legal, are incomplete as to at the very least wheels and tires, which makes one wonder as to how they are delivered?

I don't know for 100% sure, but I don't think they are available anymore.They were for a limited amount of time, and I think that was a while ago.

 

[John Lang]

696Pack! I've got all the papers for the Challenger Buy at my Shop, and the price is 36,995.00, if i remember right! The price is for an engine, trans, and a rear end housing! The trans is basically an empty case, the rear is the same, strictly something to move the car around ! Your choice of engine is either a 5.9 Wedge, 5.7 Hemi,or a 6.2 Hemi! Now N.H.R.A. has not assigned any HP numbers to these engines for either S or SS so the potental buyer has not a clue for class purposes which engine to order! Originaly the se cars were to have a chrome moly roll cage, not any more! Originaly these were to be pretty much race ready ! The way they are now at the 35,995.00 price, your going to have to put another easy 40K into it, before you get to the the track, not like what was proposed originaly! I like the that Garlits is racing in Stock, or SS! I wonder what his out of pocket costs will be ? These are only available to N.H.R.A. ,Or I.H.R.A., eatablished race teams!!!!!!!! Life is good at the BOTTOM.. Later .John Lang

 

[696pack]

John Lang,
Thanks for the info.

Yes, what is floating around out there on the Net is very limited and somewhat conflicting depending on when it was posted.

I suspect this all goes along with the fact that Mopar's entire existence is in question as to what has changed for availability to Mopar Performance, Direct Connection or what ever they are calling it on any given day.

A big mistake in my opinion to limit the availability to big teams as I seriously doubt there are anywhere near enough to meet any kind of Drag venue production numbers to allow it's participation in a Stock Class as the Mopars on line info indicates the car COULD be used for.

How many teams do they think are going to purchase something with such an unkown use?

 

[John Lang]

696Pack, There was talk of at least 100 plus cars built. Yu know ,i'm not talking sour grapes about CHRYSLER and this car but, the way it was first brought out to the racers, it was a SUPER DEAL. As in finally help, for the little guy, not just the pro's! Ya right! If i could sell my HEMI car and my RR I would consider this if my health problems got better! As they say, Sh-T in one hand and wish in the other , which one is going to fill up first! Later!!!!!!!!! John Lang

 

[hemicop]

I sold my Hemi Dart just so I could buy one & GUESS WHAT ----I WASN'T SELECTED:sad:. Just goes to shhow there IS no "little guy" anymore & you have to be conected to get one. That's okay though , as you said with what you have to put into it just to get it to the track, you can build a nice S/G type car & go faster for less money.