Mopar Nation Packs 29th Annual Mopar Nationals
The Mopar Nationals is dubbed "The Ultimate Mopar Experience" for a reason. Mopar enthusiasts put on another awe-inspiring display of passion and pride at the 29th running of the event, at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, on Aug. 6-8.
Members of the Mopar Nation came from far and wide to show their love for the Mopar Omega M on the strip and on the show field. Attendees needed all three days to experience everything the show had to offer, including Mopar vs. Mopar drag racing in numerous classes, a burnout contest, a judged car show contest, a swap meet, a memorabilia and manufacturer midway, and much more. The festivities even continued after hours, as Mopars cruised the nearby streets of Brice Road and downtown Heath.
Fans had the chance to meet Mopar racing legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, who signed autographs and brought the crowd to its feet with a run down the quarter-mile in his Swamp Rat Dragster. The Mopar Direct Connection and Mopar Speedshop trailers were also on hand for fans to browse, and the prototype Dodge Challenger Drag Pak by Mopar was among a quartet of Challengers on display in the Mopar area. Mopar's Brian Falzon and Dale Aldo gave fans some thrills by making a few passes in the Drag Pak.
St. Joseph, Ill., resident Gary Garrison's 1969 Road Runner was chosen as winner of the Mopar "Top Eliminator" award at the Mopar Nationals. The program recognizes the most skilled Mopar enthusiasts and their restyled or customized Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles. The Mopar "Top Eliminator" vehicles wil be displayed by Mopar at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
"If you stand at the top of the tower at National Trail Raceway and look over the show field, swap meet, drag strip and midway, you realize just how huge the Mopar Nationals is," said Aldo. "It's bigger than any automotive event for one brand that I've ever been to. It's neat to see the passion, involvement and creativity the enthusiasts express for their cars. Their depth of knowledge is amazing. They have a great appreciation for the history of Mopar. It's just a great experience to be with people who are positive and that have come together for one purpose—to celebrate all things Mopar."