Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!!

Tommy Gaynor · 11-05-2009, 06:23 PM

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.

Chad Rhodes · 11-05-2009, 06:39 PM

is it april fools day already?

Mike Gray · 11-05-2009, 06:45 PM

Is it April 1st ?

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

Doug Blackley · 11-05-2009, 06:50 PM

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.

Kenny Wigington · 11-05-2009, 08:00 PM

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

Jared Jordan · 11-05-2009, 10:26 PM

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

Mopar Steve · 11-05-2009, 11:21 PM

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

Bruce Noland · 11-06-2009, 12:11 AM

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

Tom P · 11-06-2009, 01:39 AM

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

Bill Grubbs · 11-06-2009, 06:36 AM

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

Bill

11-05-2009, 06:23 PM	#1
Tommy Gaynor Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Vancouver WA Posts: 253 Likes: 2 Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts	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. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Go With Confidence"

11-05-2009, 06:39 PM	#2
Chad Rhodes VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Where the Green Grass Grows, AL Posts: 2,375 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!! is it april fools day already? __________________ Chad Rhodes 2113 I/SA

11-05-2009, 06:45 PM	#3
Mike Gray Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 615 Likes: 309 Liked 685 Times in 196 Posts	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?

11-05-2009, 06:50 PM	#4
Doug Blackley Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hanover, MA Posts: 430 Likes: 3 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	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. __________________ Doug Blackley 1697 STK

11-05-2009, 08:00 PM	#5
Kenny Wigington Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cumming,Ga. USA Posts: 967 Likes: 36 Liked 60 Times in 12 Posts	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.... __________________ 2894 STK Last edited by Kenny Wigington; 11-05-2009 at 08:03 PM.

11-05-2009, 10:26 PM	#6
Jared Jordan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 612 Likes: 196 Liked 532 Times in 118 Posts	Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!! So does this mean the Challenger won't require tons of $$ and time to finish now? __________________ Jared Jordan 9 B/SA 2024 Jeg's D7 All Star - Stock

11-05-2009, 11:21 PM	#7
Mopar Steve Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Castle, PA Posts: 92 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	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.

11-06-2009, 12:11 AM	#8
Bruce Noland VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,855 Likes: 83 Liked 444 Times in 145 Posts	Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!! Tomorrow, November 6, is the last day of the four day SEMA Show. __________________ Bruce Noland 1788 STK

11-06-2009, 01:39 AM	#9
Tom P Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 707 Likes: 30 Liked 239 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Ford takes over Chrysler drag program!!! A Chrysler product with a Ford engine is not unprecedented. They sold the Sunbeam Tiger.

11-06-2009, 06:36 AM	#10
Bill Grubbs Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 416 Likes: 3 Liked 564 Times in 66 Posts	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