Welcome to the 25th annual Mopar Nationals! Who would have thought that a small car show that started out at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in 1981 could have grown so big, lasted so long, and become the premiere Chrysler event of the year? A lot of you have been to every event, and it just seems to get better each year. One thing's for sure, the value of the cars has hit an all-time record high. For some it has gone from a hobby to an investment, but we here at the Nats still think it's all about the fun we have with our cars.
celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, our theme car is the Plymouth Road Runner. The Road Runner is probably the most well-known cartoon character and also the most well-known musclecar. It achieved Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" in 1969, and won numerous other awards throughout its lifespan. It was the musclecar that blue-collar America could afford, and, naturally, being from Chrysler, it was the ultimate musclecar. Not many cars have enjoyed such an exciting reputation. Any automotive enthusiast, young or old, can tell a story about a particular Road Runner that made a lasting impression on their life. From its inception in 1968, the styling and performance have led the market segment. The Road Runner nameplate, for the most part, was used from 1968 to 1980.
Every entered Road Runner participant will receive a special goody bag and reserved parking in the feature display area. We will select one model from each year to showcase in the center of the display, along with an original owners section, with the remaining cars parked around the perimeter. But this tribute to the Plymouth Road Runner is only a small part of what makes up the Mopar Nationals.
The Mopar Nationals consists of drag racing, a judged car show, OE certification, a fun field, the largest all-Mopar swap meet, the Mopar manufacturer midway, deals on Mopars in the car corral, Chrysler concept cars, the latest new products from Chrysler, special guest appearances, activities for the kids, and more-all bundled up into what makes this the premiere Mopar Event of the Year. This family event can't be duplicated for sheer enjoyment and fun. Its three action-packed days and nights of Mopar Mania!
Each year the Nats debuts something new. this year, it will be the addition of the Mopar Wheelstanders participating in a special exhibition class. These cars yank the front end off the ground and drag the rear bumper on the asphalt as they compete in side-by-side drag racing competition.
We will feature a special 25th Anniversary display of artifacts from all the previous Mopar Nats, going back to day one. We are bringing in special guests and attractions to celebrate our anniversary and the tribute to the Road Runner. In addition to the Match Box Kids Race, we will have a coloring contest. We will be sponsoring the Heath Poker Run on Saturday night, another first. The winners with the best hands will be awarded door prizes. See the complete line of all-new SRT products on display and running down the track to show off their performance numbers. A Jeep SRT8 Grand Cherokee turning 0-60 times in 4.3 seconds and running 13.3 quarter-mile times? It's all possible with the new 6.1L Hemi putting out . . . you guessed it-425 hp. See the latest Mopar accessories, performance parts, and their updated road show. With 1,500 vendors and 50,000 die-hard enthusiasts, you won't want to miss the 2005 Mopar Nationals.
A special thanks goes out to our sponsors: Mopar Performance, the Paddock, Monicatti Chrysler-Jeep, Year One, Malcom C-D-J, Flowmaster, Mopar Muscle magazine, Trailer World, Mancini Racing, tti, South Oak Dodge, Jeg's, Summit, and Fine Lines. Through their support, they enable us to bring you, the Mopar enthusiast, the ultimate Mopar event. Make sure you remember these fine companies when you need parts and service for your Mopar.
We would also like to thank you, the participant, for bringing out your pride and joy to this event. Not only does it allow everyone to see it, but it makes the show the huge success it is. If it were not for you, there would be no Mopar Nationals. We thank you for your continued support and sincerely hope you enjoy this action-packed weekend.welcome to the 25th annual Mopar Nationals-the Ultimate Mopar Experience!Jim BielendaPresident,Mopar Nationals