MOPAR LISTS SCELZI’S 2005 TITLE AS TOP ACHIEVEMENT OF DECADE

scelzi_wcMopar released their top ten list of most significant achievements for the past decade and drag racing held five of the ten. The list was selected by a large number of Mopar employees and their public relations firm.

The overwhelming choice for the most significant Mopar accomplishment was Gary Scelzi’s clinching of the 2005 NHRA Funny Car championship. His championship marked the first time a Mopar-powered Dodge had claimed the title since Frank Hawley’s 1983 crown.

scelzi_wcMopar released their top ten list of most significant achievements for the past decade and drag racing held five of the ten. The list was selected by a large number of Mopar employees and their public relations firm.

The overwhelming choice for the most significant Mopar accomplishment was Gary Scelzi’s clinching of the 2005 NHRA Funny Car championship. His championship marked the first time a Mopar-powered Dodge had claimed the title since Frank Hawley’s 1983 crown.

“I am really shocked,” said Scelzi, who stepped away from competition at the end of the 2008 season. “You just go out there and drive the car and try to win because it’s your job. We had a great team and when you put great people together with a common goal, great things happen. I have to say I am shocked that we ranked higher than every other form of motorsports. This is great day for me, [crew chief] Mike Neff and drag racing.”

Scelzi earned two inclusions in the top ten by also claiming the ninth spot. The four-time NHRA champion penciled his name in the record books by becoming the first Funny Car driver to break the 330 mph barrier. He performed the feat at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., in June 2004.

Scelzi clocked the 330.15 mph run during a night qualifying session at Joliet and backed up the mark with a 330.55 mph run.

The next closest achievement at No. 6 was Allen Johnson’s clean sweep of Pro Stock competition during the 2007 Mopar Mile High Nationals. He also won the 2009 event.

Bucky Hess winning the inaugural Mopar Hemi Challenge was considered the seventh while “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and “Miss Mighty Mopar” unveiling the Mopar Drag Pak vehicles claimed the eighth spot.

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