John and Cherly Buffington, their kids Shelby and Dylan, and the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

As we reported to you previously, Dodge took a driving tour cross country to promote the new 2011 Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392. The trip, called the HEMI Highway Tour, kicked off back in November with the plan to cover 30 different cities in 40 days. Planned stops included a number of places of historical significance to the Mopar fans, but their stop at the hallowed ground of the Daytona Speedway was entirely influenced by John and Cheryl Buffington, owners of one of the 6400 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8’s.

The Buffington’s were introduced to Mopar staff in July of 2010 at a special event for SRT8 owners at the Daytona Speedway. The event was set up to commemorate the premier of the NASCAR Nationwide Dodge Challenger race car. They spoke of the “Turkey Run” event that is held over Thanksgiving at the Daytona Speedway, and after describing it the folks at Mopar decided it must be a stop on the HEMI Highway Tour. The Turkey Run is four-day-long, 6,500-plus vehicle event featuring 5,000 swap meet vendors and over 150,000 attendees! In other words, it’s car heaven.

It turns out that John and Cheryl’s purchase of their SRT8 was unique in it’s own right. Cheryl was initially looking at Mustangs because she wanted a retro-style muscle car with modern features , but when she saw the Challenger she fell in love instantly. John was also enamored with the Dodge, and for the first time was willing to consider a product from Ma Mopar other than a Viper. He put a deposit down for a car with his dealer and then bought it for Cheryl 3 months later as a birthday present. He even flew in Cheryl’s parent and siblings for the occasion!

Husbands, take note. This is how you treat your wife. If you’re lucky you’ll get to drive her birthday present!