Hemi Challenge final round  (Jeff Burk photo)

Words by Jeff Burk
Photos by Chris Haverly and Jeff Burk

The annual NHRA U.S. Nationals used to be an event with many unique races that were run during the four days of qualifying that only the U.S. Nationals has. These days the only really special race that the “Big Go” offers both racers and fans is the annual Mopar HEMI Challenge.

(Chris Haverly photo)

This year, as they have in the past, Charlie Westcott Junior and Senior dominated the race that features nearly 50-year-old Hemi-fied Darts and ‘Cudas. On a very good day these approximately 3,000-lb Super Stockers can run in the 8.30’s at almost 160 mph using a pair of stock Holley four-barrel carbs.