Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Nov. 5, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAS VEGAS, Nv -- Fiat SPA announced today that it has joined in a partnership with Ford Motor Co. to continue its popular Dodge Challenger Drag Pack NHRA Stock Eliminator program in 2010.

Fiat, which recently acquired Dodge's parent company, Chrysler, and Ford officials completed negotiations on the program after meeting with NHRA officials today during the annual SEMA show that just wrapped up a three-day run at the Las Vegas convention Center.

"We, of course, received approval from NHRA to continue what sanctioning body officials believe is an important program for it and its members," Veo Scalopinni, Fiat's director of motorsports marketing, said today.

A key element in continuing the Challenger program, Scalopinni said, is Ford's decision to make available its highly popular FR500CJ engine, which will be used in 2010 Challengers.

"We think, with the development of the Challenger's unique four-link rear suspension, that the Challenger will be more than competitive against other makes and models," Scalopinni said.

Fiat has petitioned NHRA to have the Cobra Jet engine's horsepower rating reduced to 380 and is awaiting a decision.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

is it april fools day already?

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Is it April 1st ?

A whole new breed for the Chev. guys to complain about.
Where's my beer and pretzels?

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

That would go good with the newly discovered letter in the GM archives that would allow 85-92 Camaros to run the little known Z28x2 option. Look for the alum headed 396/375 factored at 250 on next years sheets. The Easter bunny has def come early this year lol.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Doug, I really wished that I hadn't told you about that car, since I have all 53 left remaining. Damn the timing....

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

So does this mean the Challenger won't require tons of $$ and time to finish now?

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

It would almost, sort of, kind of be believable except for the made up position for the made up person.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Tomorrow, November 6, is the last day of the four day SEMA Show.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

A Chrysler product with a Ford engine is not unprecedented. They sold the Sunbeam Tiger.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

I thought his name was spelled Veal Scalopinni. However, I never could get through his thick Italian accent.

Bill

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Seems like some of the latest Sunbeam Tigers had 273's in them..

Or, did I dream that???????

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Tommy,

Thanks for the laugh.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

I saw the same announcement on another site... The reporter says its the truth and nothing but the truth!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

What most people don’t know is that this is a reciprocal program. Ford will be running the new 6.4 Hemis seen at SEMA in Super Stock Mustangs. NHRA followed Fords recommendation on the horsepower. After factoring the cars will run SS/N.

Bill

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Bill...WAKE UP! You are having nightmares again. Or you will be once you have that 273 hanging on the hoist half way in the Tiger and already hitting everything.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

I had heard of rumors of this, why do you think we sent out Challenger to Holzman racecars in KS. They built the fastest cobra jets out there. It is under construction as we speak, testing is planned for early 2010.

Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!
 

Thanks, Tom; Alex D. told me basically, the same thing...

Forty-two years ago, I (along with, my partner, Harry Sparks) was racing a 220HP 283 Chevy power-pack, Hydro-equipped sedan delivery in Stock, and evidently wasn't paying attention to the British "import" sports cars....

Thanks for the good info, guys!!! :)