September 19, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Mopar’s “Top Eliminator” program added the 2010 “Knox County Driller” Mopar Challenger Drag Pak owned by Brent Jones, 41, of Wheatland, Ind., as the third 2013 winner in the long-running customized and performance vehicle program. Competing at the 59th annual NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Jones is the first Mopar-powered Sportsman racer to receive the award that highlights passionate and dedicated Mopar enthusiasts who display unmatched skill in modifying or preserving a classic or modern-day Chrysler Group vehicle.
As a new addition to the program, the third vehicle selection focused on the top rides that raced at the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway this past Labor Day weekend. Similar to the current “Top Eliminator” criteria, this program expansion honors an entrant’s performance and personal statement brought to life in the vehicle they compete in during race weekends.
Making its debut at Indianapolis, the 2010 “Knox County Driller” Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, finished in NHRA Super Stock racing configuration, sports a Mopar 5.7L HEMI engine and a Chrysler transmission. The build, which took more than two years, includes crushed velvet in the interior, including on the dash, seats, wheel tubs, door panels and floor mats. The custom paint is Pagan Gold and Candy Wine Red, with Gold Leaf HEMI logos on the hood scoop.
“It’s amazing, just a great honor,” said Jones, who also reached the final round of Super Stock H/A class eliminations at Indianapolis. “It was very rewarding, to see all the time and money spent on this project pay off, and in its very first event.”
“It’s a fun car to drive,” added Jones, who was also helped in coordinating the build by his father and co-owner, Donald Jones. “It’s cool to be the first race car recognized as a Mopar ‘Top Eliminator.” I was very surprised; I didn’t expect this at all. I’m going to put the trophy in the office, where everyone can see it.”
Car builder Michael Roth, owner of MR2 Performance, spearheaded the project for Jones, with a total of 4,500 work hours logged to bring the vehicle to life and give it its unique appearance.
“I pride myself in attention to detail,” said Roth. “The crushed velvet on the interior matches with the paint scheme and also provides a 1970s-era Pro Stock vibe.”
The two previous 2013 winners selected as Mopar “Top Eliminator” were Bill Mann’s 1970 Dodge Charger R/T from Piscataway, N.J., chosen at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, and a 1964 Plymouth Savoy owned by Miles Watsko of Winnipeg, Manitoba, selected at ‘Mopars in the Park’ in Farmington, Minn. This fall, candidates for a fourth Mopar “Top Eliminator” winning vehicle will be selected online allowing aficionados to upload images of their Moparized ride, with a fan vote selecting the best among those submitted and posted.