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May 4, 2008
One Lap Challenger Update: Replacement Car
By Jen Dunnaway
Editor
After putting the first Challenger in the fence yesterday, co-drivers Erich and Ralph, design engineers for Chrysler, have returned to the circuit with a whole ‘nother car. One Lap of America will be an exhibition run for them now, since you can’t officially run for points once you’ve replaced your carso now they’re just in it for kicks. The orange SRT rolled into the paddock this morning at Mid America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa, and completed a perfectly respectable and wreck-free run out on the track.
Ralph told me that they drove wrecked Challenger 200 miles in the shape it was in yesterday with no problems, getting 19 mpg on the highway. It’s getting repaired at a friend’s shop, and Ralph confirmed that it’ll likely be run in the Targa Newfoundland, Canada’s version of the Mille Miglia. It’s a good thing that race cars never die!
Comments
transportoic
May 8, 2008 at 1:45 am
Mx-Racer,
Yea, I think you are right on the points thing. Plus to compete you have to run the sponsor decals too. I remember a few years ago seeing the Mustang Shelby 500, it was yellow. Ford was running the race as a testing ground complete with Ford engineers as drivers. I can bet that Dodge is doing the same with this years event and it is for PR for those in the know.
Mx-Racer
May 6, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I don’t think they can run for points in the event but I think it’s like this.. If you wreck the first challenger and you can get your hands on another one ( Must be Nice to have that kinda pull ;o) Then you do it and run the rest of the event for fun and maybe a little PR.. I mean they already paid the entry fees and took the time off work so might as well make a fun week outta it..
transportoic
May 6, 2008 at 2:30 am
I was under the impression that if you wrecked your car so bad that you couldn’t fix it, you were out of the race. Did the rules change if you have the funds to replace it or is this a PR stunt?
Mark
May 5, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Ohhhh man, I hope the challenger makes it here to newfoundland for targa. That would make my september for sure!
Mx-Racer
May 4, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Yes it does.. I really like that challenger.. I checked out one of the videos with the white challenger at road america and that thing sounds SWEET!! Gotta love that V-8 HEMI Sound
Jim
May 4, 2008 at 7:54 pm
The Mustang and the Challenger look right at home next to each other.
Mx-Racer
May 4, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Cool to see there is a challenger back on the tour.. That white car was hit hard.. I think Erich is Running with Ralph Though.. At least I think that’s his name..