Vintage V8 muscle cars are shaking up Indiana drag strips this summer
- Fans of vintage V8 muscle cars should head to Indiana this summer
- The 2025 HEMI Challenge sees stunning cars take to the drag strip
- It’s the longest-running continuous specialty race in NHRA history
Published on May 04, 2025 at 6:20 AM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Apr 30, 2025 at 5:40 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
If you’re a fan of vintage V8 muscle cars, head to Indiana, US, this summer as the 2025 HEMI Challenge sees the stunning cars take to the drag strips.
The annual event is happening on August 29, 2025, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park during the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
Participants have put rubber to the road there every year since its 2001 inception, making it the longest-running continuous specialty race in NHRA history.
This year’s event looks set to be unmissable for a few reasons.
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The vintage V8 muscle cars
The event’s focus is very firmly on rare vintage muscle cars.
A 1968 HEMI-powered Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas in the SS/AH (Super Stock/Automatic HEMI) class are just a couple of the unmissable retro rides that will be there.
The drag race event celebrates the 25th anniversary and legacy of the HEMI Challenge, the longest-running specialty race in NHRA history.
Defending champion, Stephen Comella, will return with his ’68 HEMI Barracuda.
Meanwhile, 2024’s runner-up, Bucky Hess, returns with improved gear ratios, a new tire setup, and more power thanks to Jason Line.
Honorary starter and drag racing pioneer, Buddy Martin, will serve as the honorary starter, reflecting on his past Indy victories.
“I’m honored to be part of this great event,” Martin said.
“Indy holds a special place in my heart.”
Meanwhile, drag-racing legend Herb McCandless, a consistent supporter of the HEMI Challenge, will be in attendance for the 25th time.
“This is the 25th anniversary of the HEMI Challenge, and I’ve never missed one,” he said.
Who can enter the 2025 HEMI Challenge?
This year, there will be a competitor focus on precision tuning, as well as tire choice, and consistent power delivery to gain an advantage.
Entry requirements state that all SS/AH drivers must earn at least one NHRA Grade Point from a qualifying event before entry.
What’s more, participants must submit entries for their cars before the entry deadline of August 22, 2025.
The 2025 event will be sponsored and presented by the McCandless Collection.
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With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
