The 22nd Annual Dodge Hemi Challenge was held on September 2, 2022, at the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. The Dodge Hemi Challenge is reserved for SS/AH 1968 Barracudas and SS/AH 1968 Darts powered by the legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi engine. The event pays proper tribute to the 72 original BO29 Hemi Barracudas and the 83 original LO23 Hemi Darts that were built by Hurst Performance in 1968 for Super Stock racing. Both sticks and automatics compete together in the SS/AH class, running heads-up off a 9.45-second index.
Success at the Dodge Hemi Challenge depends on both driver dominance and engine builder brilliance. In this year’s Dodge Hemi Challenge, Charlie Westcott Jr. built the Hemi engine for 5 of the 16 cars, including the top two qualifiers. A sixth competitor was running a Westcott short-block. Both cars in the final round were Westcott engines. In the informal battle of the engine builders at Indy, Charlie Westcott Jr. came out on top in 2022. Ray Barton Racing Engines (RBRE) has been building race Hemi engines for NHRA competition for over 40 years. Ray and his son David provide engines for Jimmy Daniels, Gary Wolkwitz, and Doug Fazzolare. Other engine builders represented at Indy were Jason Line and Jeff Guenther, who built the Hemi in Bucky Hess’ No. 4 qualifier. Engines built by Rich Locker, Tony DePillo, and James Caro were also competing. These builders continually work to find more horsepower, so each year the Dodge Hemi Challenge is a new ballgame.
Steve Comella faced Junior Baum’s ’68 Dart in the final round. Since Comella had the faster car, Junior went for a holeshot win. In so doing, he lit up the big red bulb. The repeat win
