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.
DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars
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.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness, and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the senior content writer and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms, and coveted brands. When her OOO is on from writing about cars and heading up on-site SEO you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym, or exploring the city she loves.
