September 3-4-Nebraska City, NE: 17th annual National Dodge Charger Meet, sponsored by The Dodge Charger Registry. No entry fee. Info: Wes Pieper, (830) 981-5383 (Texas); Wes Wayne Wooten, The Dodge Charger Registry, P.O. Box 79, Meherrin, VA 23954; (434) 223-1305; www.dodgechargerregistry.com.
September 3-4-Garland, TX: 21st annual Southwest Mopar Mini Nats hosted by the Dallas Mopar Club. This is a two-day All-Mopar judged show, with food and auto product vendors, a swap meet, and other exciting events. Info: Jerry Reed, (972) 271-6189; jr383ply@hotmail.com; www.dallasmoparclub.com.
September 10-Atco, NJ: 9th annual Mopar Car-B-Que. All Mopars welcome from primer to pristine. No judging, just relax with fellow Mopar enthusiasts. Display your car for $5. Dodge Coronet Registry. Features include Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, The Original Sox and Martin Duster, and the Tactical Unit S.W.A.T. Van. There will be a model car show, hot food, snacks and drinks available. Proceeds benefit "The Tactical Unit Funding Foundation" in memory of James "Zeke" Fabrizio. Info: www.moparcarbque.com
September 11-Omaha, NE: The 24th All Mopar Auto Show held at the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall,Interstate 80, Exit 432. This is the area's original and largest Mopar event, featuring twenty classes, a long distance award, goody bags, dash plaques and many drawings. Info: Dan, (402)593-6080; http://rtsomaha.tripod.com.
September 16-Caryville, TN: Seventh annual Fall at Cove Lake Mopar show, Cove Lake State Park, Exit 134 off I-75, 26 miles north of Knoxville, TN. Join us for Hospitality Night, Friday, September 16, at Super 8 Motel at Exit 134. For reservations call (423) 562-8476 and mention Mopar Show for special rates. Judging begins at noon, awards presented at 4:00 p.m. Free spaces for non-food vendors and swap meet vendors, free parking for spectators. Info: Classic Auto Glass, (800) 659-6158; Gary Shepperd, (423) 562-1066.
September 16-18-Norwalk, Oh: 8th Norwalk Chrysler Classic at Norwalk Raceway Park, MCG Points Series finale featuring Chrysler product car show, swap meet, A-100 reunion, Quick 16, King of the Street, and more! The world's largest Chrysler product drag race. Info: (614) 268-1181; www.classcevents.com.
September 17-Chicago, IL: Hogs 'n' Hemis brought to you by the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com
September 25-Chicago, IL: The Party in Plano brought to you by the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com
October 2-Chicago, IL: Fox Lake Chrysler Swap Meet with the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com
Top TenacityOne of the IHRA's most recognized and dedicated Top Sportsman class racers is North Carolina's Frank Teague. Teague, who has two IHRA Top Sportsman World Championship titles to his credit (1992 and 1999) racing Dodge products, continues to finesse the brand. The '05 season will be his thirteenth year racing in the category.
Teague will pursue a third IHRA World title this year, driving his nitrous-injected Dodge Avenger. Powered by a 614ci Koffel's Place B-1 motor, his machine remains a serious threat at every event.
"There is no doubt that running a Mopar in the Top Sportsman class is a bit out of the norm," said Teague. "But I am a dedicated Mopar man, and I think all the new parts and innovations that come along helps to keep my interest. We seem to learn more because a lot of the time the parts are somewhat untried territory. That makes winning extra special. It's been a great experience so far."
Teague is quick to credit Koffel's Place-who has been his primary sponsor since 1992-for his success to date. "Koffel's has been very big for me throughout my career," he affirmed. "Without their support, I could not be racing."