Mopar’s newest Pro Stock class vehicle – the Dodge Dart, had its public debut at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Gatornationals this weekend. The car is joining the Dodge Charger R/T in the Funny Car class and the Dodge Challenger in Sportsman competition, and was developed on a virtual platform with the help of the production-based technology and tools used for street vehicles.
Furthermore, the Dodge Dart race car design was eventually tested and validated with the aerodynamic wind tunnel. Then it made its first test runs at Bradenton Motorsports Park prior to arriving in Gainesville for the third national event on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag racing season schedule.
Two Dodge Dart cars made their competition debut this weekend at the prestigious event with defending title holder Johnson and five- time Pro Stock Champion Coughlin at the controls. The new Dart is a proof how Mopar utilizes motorsports program. The HEMI- powered Dodge Dart will carry the “Magneti Marelli Quality Auto Parts Offered by Mopar” sponsorship as an extension of Mopar’s partnership with Magneti Marelli.
A tribute to 50th anniversary GEN II 426 Race HEMI ‘Elephant’ paint scheme was also revealed on Hagan’s DSR Dodge Charger R/T in anticipation of the Mopar Mile High Nationals in July. In fact, Mopar’s commitment to professional motorsports competition was established in the 1950s. Back then it was established a partnership between Mopar and the drag racing pioneer Don Garlits. The result was the accomplishment of numerous speed and performance barriers in HEMI-powered vehicles over the next several decades.
This year, Mopar celebrates the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the GEN III 426 Race HEMI and what is more – it looks to defend back-to-back NHRA World Championship titles in the Pro Stock class and battle for another Funny Car World Championship.
Source: Dodge