Manoli Katakis 
At the 2019 SEMA Show, Mopar pulled the sheet off the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, a class-specific dragstrip-only muscle car designed for competition in both the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and National Muscle Car Association (NMCA). Only 50 examples are to be built, and they should have started by now. However, official word is that Challenger Drag Pak deliveries now won’t start until next year, as pointed out by Mopar Insiders.
While a highly limited, track-only special that stands as Mopar’s answer to the COPO Camaro and Mustang Cobra Jet, the Challenger Drag Pak humbly begins its life at FCA’s Brampton, Ontario assembly plant alongside production Challengers, Chargers, and Chrysler 300 sedans. But when the body leaves the factory, that’s when things get interesting.
The Challenger Drag Pak is fitted with a SFI-spec Body-integrated welded roll cage, which is certified for ETs as low as 7.50 seconds. After the safety gear is out of the way, the Challenger Drag Pak is fitted with a number of mechanical chassis and suspension upgrades, like a unique engine cross member that lowers the center of gravity and improves weight distribution. Changes to the front of the car also include specific Bilstein double-adjustable struts to help make sure this Mopar is competitive in NHRA and NMCA competitions. Like the factory built COPO Camaro, this race-ready Challenger is intended to compete in sportsman class events sanctioned by either respective series.
Under the hood of this factory racer sits a supercharged 354 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine mated to a T400 three-speed transmission with a Kwik-Shift manual shifter. While this isn’t a new iteration of the legendary 426 cubic-inch Hemi, we’re sure this motor is more than capable of sending this muscle car 1320 feet rather effectively. Other Drag Pak specific modifications include a unique lightweight driveshaft, front and rear racing-style brakes, Racetech seats, a Racepak Smartwire fully programmable power distribution center and an exclusive Drag Pak lightweight wheel and tire combo.
Of course, if you either can’t get your hands on a Challenger Drag Pak, or prefer something that’s at least street legal, you can help yourself to the newly announced Dodge Challenger Super Stock, which features 807 horsepower, runs on pump gas, and comes with streetable Nitto drag racing slicks pulled from the Dodge Demon. Enjoy your freedom to choose these high-octane beasts while you can.
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