Steve Comella emerged victorious in the 2023 Dodge Hemi Challenge as part of the 69th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. This is the third year in a row the talented driver has won the coveted Dodge Hemi Challenge, the longest continuous specialty race in NHRA history. As he celebrated in the winner's circle, Comella was awarded a prize of $15,000 and a one-of-a-kind, custom-made trophy created by Tom Patsis of Cold Hard Art.

“When the car is killer like this, it’s a little extra pressure to not screw it up,” said Comella, just moments after exiting his car to receive his check and trophy. “I just spent the day listening to the car and doing what it asked. That’s kind of the trick. It’s tough to come down here and talk when you get out of the car, and you’re kind of in this zone. And then you have to get out of your car and try to be intelligent. I don’t really know what to think at the moment.”

In a field of 14 skilled competitors, Comella began race day from the pole position thanks to a solid qualifying pass of 8.313 seconds at 161.07 mph. On his way to victory, Comella advanced to the semifinals thanks to two bye runs as his first-round competitor, James Hensler, did not make it to the line. His next bye-run was expected on the bracket. He then had to defeat Gary Wolkwitz in the semifinals before facing James Daniels in the final round.

When both drivers approached the starting line, the tension was palpable as each racer focused on the tree, trying to tune out how much was on the line. Ultimately, it was  Comella who crossed the finish line first with a pass of 8.331 at 161.56. 

All three of Comella’s Dodge Hemi Challenge wins have been made in his deep red 1968 Dodge Barracuda. 

“We’ve always been Hemi racers,” said Comella. “My dad has an original Dart that he bought new in 1968. So we’ve been doing this our entire lives.”