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The starting line for the Mopar Super Stock Hemi Challenge will see some familiar faces from the past as Mopar has named Ron Mancini, Herb McCandless, and Arlen Vanke as honorary starters for the prestigious event. Each member of this trio, dubbed "Hemi heroes," won the U.S. Nationals during his career. Once honored for their on-track contributions to drag racing, Mopar will honor these men for their part in the advancement of the sport.

Ronnie Sox, who won U.S. Nationals titles in 1969 in Super Stock and 1971 in Pro Stock, was also slated to be an honorary starter, but due to health issues he will be unable to attend the event.

"Being named as an honorary starter for the Super Stock Hemi Challenge is such a great honor, it's nice to be remembered by Mopar," Vanke said. "I'm also very sorry to hear that my longtime competitor Ronnie Sox will be unable to attend the event due to his health. He was the toughest competitor there ever was in this series, and our thoughts will be with him."

Mancini also is pleased to be a part of the Super Stock Hemi Challenge in the capacity as an honoree.

"It is such an honor to be named as an honorary starter for the Mopar Super Stock Hemi Challenge event," Mancini said. "Winning the U.S. Nationals event in 1970 took a lot of sweat and hard work, and it was so gratifying to win that event. I just love Hemi cars, and I'm looking forward to being a part of this event."

The excitement of being involved is also something that McCandless is quick to express.

"Getting to participate in this event in this capacity means a lot to me," McCandless said. "I've spent my whole life in the Hemi program, and to be honored like this is just great. Racing has been my whole life, and I'm pleased to be a part of this year's event."

Vanke, Mancini, and McCandless represent an era of Hemi-powered Mopar dominance in the Super Stock division. Vanke won the 1968 U.S. Nationals Super Stock title behind the wheel of a factory-backed 1968 Plymouth Barracuda. Mancini was victor of the 1970 U.S. Nationals Super Stock class at the helm of a factory-backed 1968 Dodge Dart. And in the Pro Stock class, McCandless won the 1970 U.S. Nationals title in a factory-backed 1970 Plymouth Duster.

Competitors in the Super Stock/A-Automatic (SS/AA) division are eligible to compete in the Super Stock Hemi Challenge event. Featuring more than 20 Hemi-powered factory lightweight SS/AA 1968 Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts, the event winner will receive a $10,000 bonus. The runner-up will receive a pair of Mopar Hemi cylinder heads.

The Super Stock Hemi Challenge will take place on Friday, September 3, during the 50th Mac Tools U.S. Nationals event at Indianapolis Raceway Park.