NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Stephen Comella continued his domination of the Sox & Martin Challenge after Pro Stock champion Jason Line fouled in the final round on Friday at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Line, driving a ’68 Barracuda for team owner and former Hemi Challenge champ Bucky Hess, red-lighted by .013-second handing the trophy to Comella. The final numbers indicated a fair fight as both drivers ran matching 8.430-second elapsed times. Comella previously earned Hemi Challenge titles in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. There was no winner in 2025, but now he’s got his fifth in 2026.

“This is the U.S. Nationals and today was a wicked day to race with the weather being a complicating factor,” said Comella. “I’m just happy to be standing here again. This field has experienced exponential growth, and I told my dad that whoever won was going to be the guy who didn’t make a mistake and whoever knocked the Tree over.

Comella was the top qualifier at 8.41 seconds and was also solid on race day with runs of 8.463 and 8.447 in his wins against Eric Bell and Anthony Rhodes with his ’68 Barracuda. Comella earned $15,000 and the special Hemi Challenge trophy for the victory. He is also crowned the champion of the SS/AH class, earning a special edition 75th anniversary diamond Wally for that achievement.

Line, who has previously won a championship in Stock Eliminator, four titles in Pro Stock, and has 50 national event wins, nearly added a Hemi Challenge to that list.

After qualifying No. 2, Line remained amazingly consistent with runs of 8.454 and 8.457 in his wins against past Hemi Challenge winners Jim Pancake and Jimmy Daniels. Line did catch a break in the semifinals when he spun the tires, but advanced after James Daniels Sr., fouled in his Dodge Dart.

The Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026. The event debuted in 2001 and was won by Bucky Hess.

“It’s an honor to have picked up the reins of this awesome event back in 2024 and take it to the next level," said event promoter Mike McCandless. “Now, we’ve reached a milestone on the Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge as 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of this historic race within a race, and we’re not done yet.”

Shortly before the final, the McCandless family announced a three-year extension that will keep the popular event on the U.S. Nationals schedule through at least the 2029 season.