The Hemi is arguably the most iconic American V-8
in competition history. Employing a talented team
of engineers, Chrysler refined the hemispherical
combustion chamber design and created an engine
that produced towering performance. Whether the
Hemi was installed in a Charger, Super Bee,
Baracuda, Superbird, or any number of other cars,
the engine dominated in NHRA, NASCAR, and other
forms of competition. And in a production car, the
Hemi also became one of the most feared engines on
the street.
Author Geoff Stunkard retraces the fascinating
Hemi competition history and covers the big wins,
many championships, and key developments in the
engine's life. First, he delves into the
development and racing exploits of the
first-generation 392-ci Hemi. And gives you a
behind-the-scenes retrospective of the mammoth
effort and resources that went into developing the
426 Hemi. In eight months, Al Ekstrand, Tom
Hoover, and other engineers took the 426 Hemi from
drawing board to racetrack. In NHRA competition,
the triumphs and challenges of Don Garlits, Dick
Landy, Sox and Martin, and other drag racers are
recounted. In NASCAR competition, the 426 Hemi
debuted at the 1964 Daytona 500. Richard Petty
qualified second, lapped the entire field, and won
the race. By the end of the 1964 Grand National
season, Hemi-powered cars amassed 26 race
victories. NASCAR stars, such as Richard Petty,
Bobby Isaac, and David Pearson, piloted the 426
Hemi-equipped Charger 500, Charger Daytona,
Plymouth Superbird, and other Chrysler stock cars
to many victories and championships. In addition,
the Hemi set speed run records and closed-course
speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
This engine powered many classic cars and took
many drivers to the winner's circle and into the
history books. The racing triumphs of Richard
Petty, David Pearson, Dick Landy, Don Garlits, and
countless others are brought back to life in the
pages of Hemi: A History of Chrysler's Iconic
V-8 in Competition. This comprehensive Hemi
racing history with never-before-published
information is a must-have for Mopar and racing
fans.
