The 2025 HEMI Challenge will be featured at the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. This event highlights HEMI-powered 1968 Super Stock Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas in heads-up, wheelstanding, side-by-side racing, continuing a tradition that has made it the longest-running specialty race in NHRA history.
Buddy Martin, legendary drag racing innovator, returns as the Honorary Starter. “I’m honored to be part of this great event,” Martin said. “Indy holds a special place in my heart,” he added, recalling past victories at the venue.
Herb McCandless, another drag racing legend, will also attend. “This is the 25th anniversary of the HEMI Challenge and I’ve never missed one,” McCandless said. He spoke about the excitement of fan interaction and the impressive performance of the cars.
Defending champion Stephen Comella is preparing his SS/AH 1968 HEMI Barracuda with help from his father, Chuck. “We’re focusing on preventative maintenance and minor adjustments,” Comella shared, noting their testing plans ahead of the event and the pressure that comes with being a returning winner.
Bucky Hess, last year’s runner-up, is also set for the challenge. “We’ve been adjusting gear ratios and testing has shown it picked the car up a bunch,” Hess said, expressing confidence in their new tire changes and the power increase from Jason Line.
The HEMI Challenge, presented by the McCandless Collection, will take place on August 29, 2025, during the 71st annual NHRA U.S. Nationals. All NHRA SS/AH competitors must have at least one Grade Point from a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event or National Open before entering the NHRA U.S. Nationals and are encouraged to submit entries by August 22, 2025.
