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.
This book is a 2015 International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC) Bronze Medal Winner.
