Holley Moparty Brings Out The Best in Mopar Including a Dukes of Hazzard Charger
September 2020 • By Larry Weiner
The Holley Moparty had all the hype and buzz you would expect of a major national event. Three days of non-stop drag racing on a world class strip, Hellcat thrill rides, burn out contests, autocross, a massive show and shine contingent, and even a 1969 Charger decked out as a Dukes of Hazzard General Lee that made a death-defying jump.
To the uninitiated, Moparty had all the action and excitement of a seasoned event; but the fact is, this was a first time event, elbowing its way into what would normally be a crowded calendar of Mopar events.
Mopar men and women are hard-core and brand loyal with a well-earned reputation as people of action. With Labor Day in the rear view mirror, the Holley Moparty was one last chance for a breath of fresh air both literally and figuratively and it presented an opportunity to participate in what was destined to become one of the most memorable events of this lost year.
Held at the historic Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Moparty offered everything you could ask for in an event including three solid days of tire smoking, pedal to the metal drag racing action. If you were hankering to join the crowd, it was as simple as registering to race, strapping yourself in, getting out on the asphalt and laying down some hot laps. Judging by the crowded staging lanes, we can testify that plenty of people did just that. If burning up the quarter mile was not for you then there was an equally impressive show and shine.
Rare 1959 Dodge Royal Lancer was displayed in the Show and Shine section.
If you came to see some rare Mopars, then your wish was also granted. For example, the Hurst Hemi Under Glass that was seen by millions on Jay Leno’s Garage TV show was there. Another equally famous Mopar on display was Bobby Isaac’s 1970 NASCAR championship winning K&K Insurance ’69 Charger Daytona. Direct from the Wellborn Museum in Alexander City, Alabama, Tim and Pam Wellborn brought out the iconic Hemi powered wing car that stood NASCAR on its ear. After NASCAR outlawed the Charger Daytona from competition, the K&K Chargerran at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1971, where it set 28 records, including a top speed of 216.945 mph with Bobby Issac at the wheel.
For the legions of Dukes of Hazzard fans, there was a carefully orchestrated exhibition in which the Dukes of Hazzard Charger performed incredible feats of daring. Each day the Charger did the seemingly impossible as it ran the auto cross course on just two wheels! The driver made it look effortless, but it was nothing short of automotive ballet. On Saturday night, the Charger lived up to its television reputation as it performed a high speed ramp jump. No second takes on this one, you had to be there to see it in person.
One of the many cars that Mr. Norm signed at Moparty
If you were looking for celebrities, the Holley Moparty delivered. Under the big top was none other than Mopar Hall of Famer Mr. Norm with loads of memorabilia and collectibles. Add to that, his huge tent was surrounded by an awesome display packed with the kind of vintage and late model Mopar muscle cars that have made him a household name among performance faithful for nearly 60 years. And at 86 years young, Mr. Norm can not only walk, talk and chew gum at the same time, he can regale a crowd with stories that will have you holding the edge of your seat. Wanna’ know what it was like to sell the baddest factory hot rods Ma Mopar ever created during the week at Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago and campaign the nitro burning SuperCharger funny car with hot shoe Gary Dyer? If so, Mr. Norm is your man and his memory is as sharp today as it was in the 1960’s. Scores of enthusiasts got up close and personal with this living legend.
Trio of Mr. Norm's 50th Anniversary Challengers pose at sunset on Saturday night.
Drag racing action was hot and heavy all three days. Electrifying runs had fans on their feet, cheering for their favorites. Vintage Hemi and Wedge powered Mopars running side by side in the heat of battle reminded us what it was like during the golden age when “Mr. Four Speed” Ronnie Sox, “Dandy” Dick Landy, Butch Leal “The California Flash” and “Akron” Arlen Vanke were all but unbeatable on the strip.
Late Model Challenger makes wheels up launch
For those interested in modern muscle: Demons, Hellcats, Scat Packs, and 1320’s tore up the track. The result was a non-stop, action-packed program. The unbridled enthusiasm of the racers and the crowd was reminiscent of the passion I remember from the 1960’s at legendary Midwest tracks like US30 Dragstrip in Indiana and “Broadway Bob’s” Great Lakes Dragway in Union Grove, Wisconsin, a time when hard hitting cars faced off every “Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!”
Tribute to Roger Lindamood’s Color Me Gone seen in the pits. Not sure about who Dufus McKnucklehead though.
In addition to the incredible number of vehicles at the Moparty, there was the big Hurst and Mr. Norm’s Invitational Vehicle Exhibit. Enthusiasts traveled from all over the country to exhibit their vehicles in the display. It included a wide range of modern and vintage Hurst and Mr. Norm’s Mopars that spanned the entire spectrum, including cars and trucks. Among the vintage Mr. Norm’s cars was the one of a kind 1968 Plymouth GTX 440 Six Pack Wagon, along with a stunning 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda restomod and a jet black big block 1967 Dart that was actually sold new at Grand Spaulding Dodge. Complementing the vintage cars was a wide array of late model Mr. Norm’s and Hurst collector cars that included a 50th Anniversary Hurst Heritage By GSS 50th Anniversary Chrysler 300H and a 1969 Hurst Olds Tribute Challenger Red Eye Wide Body.
For those who came to the Moparty in search of hard to find parts for their favorite Mopar, there was a swap meet loaded with parts and accessories, many of which found homes with eager enthusiasts. Complementing the swap meet was an impressive Manufacturer’s Midway jam packed with the biggest name brands in the biz.
In our opinion, the inaugural Holley Moparty was an unqualified success and had everything you could ask for in a national event. Beech Bend Raceway Park is one of the finest facilities in the nation and there is lots of room to grow the event. On the final day of the show, we spoke to the powers that be at Holley and they confirmed that based on the significantly higher number of racers, show vehicles and attendees than was expected, along with the overwhelmingly positive response and enthusiasm from everyone, the Moparty would not only be back in 2021, but is going to be a yearly event. Honestly, we couldn’t be happier. And if the first year was any indication of what to look forward to, we can hardly wait for next year. Looking into our crystal ball, it’s safe to predict that the Holley Moparty may well double in size for 2021, so save the date as soon as it is announced. To quote the late, great Jan Gabriel, the high energy voice of the US30 Dragstrip radio commercials, “Be There!”
For more information: www.moparty.com