Stephen Hebert and crew work on the “Spyphish” engine. (Chris Haverly photo)

For Hebert, the red-light start was a painful ending to his second final-round attempt at the Mopar HEMI Challenge title. Throughout eliminations, the Westlake, Louisiana, resident and his 1968 Plymouth Barracuda generated excellent passes that began with a first-round defeat of Barracuda driver Dan Zrust followed by victory over national record holder Gary Wolkwitz.

Dan Zrust (far lane) turned on the red light in the first round against Hebert. (Chris Haverly photo)