When Dodge announced that they would offer 100 heavily modified 2009
Dodge Challengers with the Drag Pak option for the NHRA Stock, Super
Stock and Comp Eliminator classes, racers lineup up to grab one of
these factory built race cars. This morning, Dodge announced that the
success of the 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak models has lead them to
offer the similar package for 2010.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak begins with a Challenger SRT8 with
the 6.1L Hemi mated to a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
transmission. Then, about 1000 pounds of fat is trimmed away as things
like Viper-style front seats, Lexan side windows, a lightweight cooling
system, a manual steering assembly, lightweight front braking
components, an ultra-light lift off hood and a cable-operated throttle
linkage/ pedal assembly (no “drive by wire”) are added in place of the
standard items.
Similarly to what we saw in 2009, the 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak
cars will be offered in Stone White and like the first Drag Pak
Challengers, these cars do not come with a Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN#) so they are not legal for street use. According to
Chrysler, the 2010 Drag Pak program will have a base price of just
$39,999 and applications for the 2010 Challenger Drag Pak are
available at Mopar.com.
These vehicles sold out quickly in 2009 and although Dodge hasn’t
stated how many will be produced for 2010, get those orders in right
away to get the best chance of owning one of these rare
factory-production race cars.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
When Dodge announced that they would offer 100 heavily modified 2009