Griffith takes delivery of Challenger Drag Pak

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Griffith takes delivery of Challenger Drag Pak

Griffith takes delivery of Challenger Drag PakFriday, March 13, 2009

Posted by: NHRA.com staff

Veteran Super Stock racer Larry Griffith took delivery of the second Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar March 9 from Dennis Guest, dealer principal of South Oak Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Matteson, Ill. Griffith's original award-winning '68 Dodge Dart package car restored by Joe Hilger, former Chrysler vice president of Global Service, was also on display at the delivery. In addition, this event marked the ramp-up to full production for the Challenger Drag Pak for Chrysler LLC.

Super Stock driver Griffith raced the '68 Dart predominantly on the Midwest UDRA (United Drag Racers Association) circuit, and it soon became an award winner. Griffith sold the vehicle in 1970, and it was retired from racing in 1972. In 2002, Hilger purchased a '68 Hemi Dart, which just happened to be Griffith's original UDRA championship vehicle. Hilger contacted Griffith in 2006, and the two men worked to restore the vehicle to its original '68 glory.

Rebirthed in 2008, the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak is the first drag-race-only factory package car to be built in 40 years, since the '68 Hemi Dart and 'Cuda vehicles. It was built for sanctioned NHRA Comp, Super Stock, and Stock racing. The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar is based on the Challenger SRT8 and finished in Stock configuration. Mopar reduced the vehicle weight by approximately 1,000 pounds compared to the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating selected production components and systems. To accentuate weight savings, the Challenger Drag Pak features unique drag race components, including composite liftoff hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack-and-pinion steering, special cable-operated deck-lid release, special lightweight front-brake assemblies, and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger drag race package cars to meet NHRA requirements. Individuals who want their own Dodge Challenger Drag Paks might have to wait because the 2009 model is already sold out.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits received the first Drag Pak vehicle and will compete at select NHRA divisional events, including the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil.

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