The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT began shipping to dealers on Nov. 10. Just 3,300 customers (3,000 in the United States, 300 in Canada) will receive a limited production, 840-horsepower 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon — the industry’s first and only purpose-built, street-legal production drag car.

The standard drag-race interior configuration has the rear seats removed, the first ever factory-production Challenger with rear-seat delete. The Rear-seat Delete Package includes seatback closeout panel, Demon seatback panel bezel, lower seat tray with cargo net, seat belt delete C-pillar covers and rear packaging shelf to cover the tether holes.

The exclusive Dodge Demon VBOXX Video HD2 system logs data and records runs in real time.  (FCA US photos)

But wait just a minute – the car is not quite ready to take to an NHRA dragstrip. The NHRA currently classifies this as an ET bracket car (although the Agent is favoring maybe an addition to the Factory Stock class?). To compete, the car needs a full roll cage with padded head protector, and you’ll need a competition license, a full-face helmet and a neck collar or head-and-neck restraint in addition to your fire suit and shoes.  [11/16/17]

The 2017 season champions of the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series are: Jim Murphy (Top Fuel); Ryan Hodgson (Funny Car); Kin Bates (A Fuel); Don Enriquez (Junior Fuel); Bobby Cottrell (7.0 Pro); Dustin Lee (NE 1); Dave Lawson (NE 2); Ed DeStaute (NE 3); Brendon Frye (A/Gas); Rich Harrison (B/Gas); Brian Smith (C/Gas); Mike Raberner (D/Gas); and Dale Hicks {Hot Rod). (Bob Johnson photo)   [11/16/17]

The “Black Pearl,” driven by David Douthit of Colorado Springs, CO, is a 1969 Camaro powered by a General Electric J85 jet engine of the type used in the Northrup T-38 and Northrup F-5 aircraft. The “Black Pearl” traditionally closes the show at ADRL events.

The nitro-burning nostalgia Funny Cars of John “Bodie” Smith and Jim Gifford will share the spotlight this week with Nitro Harleys, Pro Modifieds, “The Reaper” 1968 Camaro from the hit TV series “Street Outlaws”, and the one-of-a-kind “Black Pearl” jet-powered Pro Mod as the ADRL (www.adrltour.com) season races to a close with Dragstock XII at Rockingham Dragway.

The program also will crown champions in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, two Jr. Dragster classes and two bracket classes.

Points going into final event:

OUTLAW PRO MODIFIED – 1. Wayne Smozaneck, Jupiter Landings, FL, 1996 Chevy Corvette, 913; 2. Tommy Mauney, Shelby, NC, 1968 Chevy Camaro, 563; 3. Matt Smith, King, NC, 2015 Chevy Camaro, 541; 4. Jason Kalso, Clarkson, MI, 1969 Chevy Camaro, 440.

TOP FUEL HARLEY – 1. Bill “Billy Jack” Jackson, Honeybrooke, PA, 1219; 2. Tracy Kile, Asheville, NC, 880; 3. Jake Stordeur, Goshen, OH, 675; 4. Tii Tharpe, East Bend, NC, 566.

PRO FUEL HARLEY – 1. Janette Thornley, Statesville, NC, 1081; 2. James Hoffman, Edwardsburg, MI, 677; 3. Gary Stroud, Valparaiso, IN, 465; 4. J. Martin, 339.

TOP DRAGSTER – 1. Paul Daigrepont, Mooresville, NC, 566; 3. Matt Sackman, Channahon, IL, 541; 3. Kirby McClennan, Temperance, OH, 536; 4. Justin Kirk, Lenore, WV, 440.

TOP SPORTSMAN – 1. Boyd Beyer, Casstown, OH, 2004 Ford Mustang, 947; 2. Shane Cowan, Pittsboro, IN, 572; 3. Jim Davis, Shakopee, MN, 537; 4. Dave Paone, Mansfield, OH, 533.

As an added bonus, the race will feature the members of Supercharged Thunder and the Geezer Gassers. They include the 1948 Fiat Topolino of Gary Collins of Thronville, OH, the 1940 Willys truck of Charlie Long of Akron, OH, along with everything from early model Studebakers to Anglias to ’40 Fords.

Admission is free. Parking is $20 per carload or $10 per motorcycle.   [11/16/17]

Before Top Fuel dragster driver Scott Palmer made the final NHRA event of the season, he spent some time on the lake at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park near Phoenix.

See the action on the water at here.  (Ron Lewis photo)