Driving a two-week old 2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak, Westchester, PA, competitor Dave Thomas set a AA/SA class record during a test session last week in Atco, NJ. With only eight previous passes on the car, Thomas posted a result of 9.43-seconds @ 143.90 mph during the NHRA Division 1 National Open event at Atco.

With four decades of racing experience, Thomas is pleased with the Challenger V10 Drag Pak car. “On its first-ever run, the car went a 9.79 at 137 mph,” he explained. Following the record-setting run, Thomas backed it up with another at 9.46 seconds.

First unveiled at the Dodge Viper Owners Invitational last October, the 2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak is unique with its 500-plus cubic-inch V10 engine and turn-key configuration.

The race ready coupe is delivered with competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with performance gearing, a 2-speed drag race transmission with integrated roll control, a complete fuel cell-based competition fuel system and a complete interior with gauge package.

Preparation for the record run was simple, according to Thomas. “We basically added weight bars to make minimum weight, and that was it.”

“In less than one month of competition, our 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak has made its presence known in the NHRA Sportsman ranks,” commented Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “Mopar is the only source for racers who want to purchase a factory-built, V-10-powered race-ready package car.”