For 25 years, some of the most recognizable machines in Super Stock have rolled into Indianapolis with one assignment: settle it heads-up.
The Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge will celebrate its 25th anniversary Sept. 4 during the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The specialty event has been part of the U.S. Nationals since 2001, bringing together the limited-production 1968 HEMI Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts competing in SS/AH.
Built from Chrysler’s legendary factory “Package Car” program, the Barracudas and Darts were created specifically for drag racing. More than five decades later, racers continue finding ways to make the cars quicker while working within NHRA Super Stock rules.
Bucky Hess won the inaugural HEMI Challenge in 2001, beginning a tradition that has become one of the most anticipated Sportsman attractions of the U.S. Nationals.
Buddy Martin, whose Sox & Martin team helped make Chrysler’s HEMI-powered Super Stock and Pro Stock cars part of drag racing history, will return as grand marshal and honorary starter.
“I’m proud to be part of the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge and its recognition of these hardworking Sportsman racers and their HEMI-powered Mopars. Ronnie (Sox) and I loved coming to the NHRA U.S. Nationals, and we won this prestigious race in Super Stock and Pro Stock many times,” Martin said.
“With 2026 being the 25th anniversary of the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge, it’s a great way to honor the legacy and contributions that both Ronnie (Sox) and I made to drag racing. This race also keeps the Sox & Martin legacy relevant among today’s racers and fans.”
Herb McCandless, the 1970 U.S. Nationals Pro Stock winner and longtime Sox & Martin racer, will also serve as grand marshal. McCandless has been involved with the HEMI Challenge throughout its history, including providing commentary at the event.
“I’m honored to once again be a part of the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge. This is the 25th Anniversary of this prestigious event, and I’ve never missed one,” McCandless said. “I have great memories of this race, and I enjoy talking to all the participants.”
McCandless said the evolution of the SS/AH cars has been remarkable, particularly considering the restrictions racers must work within.
“The SS/AH racers put on a great show with amazing ETs and speeds. What they’ve done with these Super Stockers is amazing,” McCandless said. “The modern technology developed for these cars while following the strict rules is incredible and it shows. Last year’s field was very close in qualifying and during eliminations, they were side-by-side all the way down the track!”
Mike McCandless, Herb’s youngest son and owner of the McCandless Collection, assumed leadership of the event in 2024. His automotive museum includes vintage Chrysler products, HEMI Super Stock and Pro Stock machinery and other pieces documenting Mopar’s performance history.
“It’s an honor to have picked up the reins of this awesome event back in 2024 and take it to the next level,” Mike McCandless said. “Now, we’ve reached a milestone on the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge as 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of this historic race within a race, and we’re not done yet.”
