Yeah, It's Got A Hemi...And A Heritage...And A Bunch Of Good Causes
"The Challenger we built, and the cars we will be building, are built for the person that wants something a little bit different and a little bit better."--Richard Petty
When this car crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson, the sale proceeds benefitted the Petty Family Foundation. "Our family has always supported charities and civic service.," he says. "Mostly that goes back to the values Lynda and I were taught by our parents. Our charities of focus are the Victory Junction Gang Camps, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and education-based charities.
"When Kyle and Pattie started Victory Junction, our charity work became more visible, but our family has always tried to give back to communities. The experiences that Victory Junction provides these kids are remarkable. Just allowing a child to swim in a pool can be a new experience, something they might not have ever had the chance to do.
"I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for those who have served our country, and a deep appreciation for those who have made sacrifices for our freedom. Without that freedom, Richard Petty would have never been able to do the things he did. I enjoy working with the PVA, and going to see our service men and women at the VA hospital, and visiting with those that receive assistance from the PVA. The work the PVA does is so critical for these men and women, and anything we can do to support them is well worth the time and effort."
To find out more about the Petty Family Foundation--and the good causes it supports--check it out online at www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org, or by visiting the Foundation's homepage on Facebook.
Fast Facts
2009 Dodge Challenger by Petty
Built by: Petty's Garage, Level Cross, North Carolina
Mopar Power:
- Engine: Yeah, it's got an Arrington-built Gen III 426 Hemi, good for 585 hp and 560 ft/lbs of torque (per Arrington's dyno numbers). Inside the machined-and-NASCAR-prepped 6.1L block went forged Mahle pistons and K1's H-beam connecting rods and aforged steel stroker crankshaft, the camshaft is a special grind roller cam, and the heads are Arrington's ported Phase IV aluminum ones. Also on this engine: Arrington's 90mm throttle body and carbon fiber cold air intake.
- Transmission: A Hurst-shifted SRT8 6-speed manual.
- Rearend: OEM SRT8 differential and 3.92:1 gearing.
Sure Grip
- Suspension: At each corner are Pedders LX SRT8 extreme coil-overs and bushings, with Pedders' anti-roll bars, front and rear, plus Petty's Garage's adjustable rear anti-roll bar and toe linkages.
- Brakes: Brembo "Gran Turismo" brakes, with "M-6" calipers in front and "M-4" calipers in back.
- Wheels and Tires: CCW's SP551 wheels (20 x 9 inches front, 20 x 10 inches rear) wear Goodyear Eagle RSA's (245/45R20 in front, 295/40R20 in back)
High Impact:
- Body: Inside, the original LX-Body Challenger unibody was reinforced with Petty's Garage-fabricated subframe connectors and shock-tower brace. Outside, special parts by Petty include the front fascia and grille inserts, rear spoiler, plus a fiberglass rear bumper cover and rocker panels.
- Paint: BASF/R-M's special blend of the legendary Petty Blue, sprayed on at Petty's Garage, Level Cross, North Carolina
- Interior: Petty's Garage made the OEM cabin even better with custom logos on both front seats, silhouettes of Richard Petty on both door panels, and a Kicker subwoofer and amplifier added on to the stock SRT8 Option Group II sound system.