NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

by David Hakim

Each year since 1968, one of the highlights of the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals has been Super Stock class eliminations featuring Hemi-powered Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda factory races. That tradition will continue this year with the launch of the Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge presented by the McCandless collection, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

In 1968, Arlen Vanke’s Barracuda chased down Wally Booth’s Camaro in the Super Stock final, while future Pro Stock legend Ronnie Sox drove his red, white, and blue Barracuda to a win in 1969, and Ron Mancini’s Dart rolled over the competition in Indy in 1970.

Today, the latest generation of diehards will arrive in Indy with a fleet of Barracudas and Darts to compete for a generous cash prize as well as SS/AH class honors.

One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the return of Charlie Westcott Jr., who dominated the event with six victories between 2005 and 2014. Westcott, who is also a highly respected engine builder, provides the power for many of the SS/AH class leading contenders.

 “When I started putting these Super Stock Hemi engines on a dyno decades ago, they made around 790 horsepower, now we’re getting over 1,000 [horsepower] out of them," said Westcott, who operates Militia Racing Products in Jackson, Mich. “There’s not one part that makes a huge difference, but rather a combination as a whole that has driven the horsepower numbers up over the years.”

Westcott won’t be in his familiar War Fish Barracuda. Instead, he’s driving a Barracuda owned by Anthony Rhodes.

 “I ran the car earlier this year at Columbus during a National Open, made four runs, and it felt really good,” said Westcott.

Another heavy hitter in the SS/AH class is Jimmy Daniels, who won four straight Hemi Challenge titles between 2016 and 2019 and is looking to put his Dodge Dart back into the winner’s circle this year.

“The Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge is a big deal and means a lot to us. It’s a massive family and group affair for us and has been a big part of our life for over 20 years,” said Daniels, who uses engines from Ray and David Barton. “My dad [Jim Sr.] won this event in 2010 and was runner-up in 2012 in the same Hemi Dart we race today. We just love this event.”

More recently, Stephen Comella has been the driver to beat in the Hemi Challenge with three straight wins from 2021-23. Comella will look to win a fourth title this year, but he knows he’s going to have to outlast a field of more than 20 other drivers to do it.

“The goal for us is to race to our standards, which has nothing to do with anyone else’s program,” Comella said. “Of course we want to win, but it’s not really the goal. I can’t control whether or not we win.  What I can control is how prepared we are and how much attention I give to the car. So, that’s my focus.  

 “What’s most special to me about winning class at Indy with a '68 Barracuda or Dart is their history,” Comella said. “My dad [Chuck] has told me numerous times about standing in the pits in 1968 and watching Sox & Martin work on these cars right here at Indy. The ‘68 Hemi cars in particular have a purity to them. There is something very simple and pure about these cars and class racing."

The Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge has piqued the interest of former NHRA Pro Stock champion Jason Line, who will be driving a second entry for longtime Hemi racer Bucky Hess.

“Well, Bucky is a huge Hemi guy, and he dragged me in this deal,” laughed Line. “We've been together for a long time, and he's a great friend. When Bucky won the first Hemi Challenge back in 2001, he was so animated in his interview and instantly became a Bucky Hess fan. The Hemi car feels like a tank that pops wheelies and is super fun to drive. I only made three runs in it so far. I'm hoping to be able to test before Indy.”

Hess won the inaugural Hemi Challenge race in 2001, and he’s been a fixture in the event ever since. Hess is not only competitive, but he’s also known for his colorful race cars, painted by his son, Travis.

 “I remember the crowd, and it was a magic race for our team,” said Hess, who also won the 2009 Virginia event. "Coming up the Indy return road, the fans were on their feet cheering. I love these cars, I love this class, and I love the history of the ’68 Super Stock Hemi Barracudas and Darts."

Along with Buddy Martin serving as the Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter during the 2024 Sox & Martin NHRA Hemi Challenge presented by the McCandless Collection, another Mopar Legend, Herb McCandless, will once again be in the pits talking to racers, swapping stories, and up in the tower announcing the round-by-round action during this exciting event that’s been a part of the NHRA U.S. Nationals tradition for more than two decades.

The Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30 during the 70th running of the historic Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.