ROCKINGHAM — No powerplant is more synonymous with American hot rodding than the iconic Chrysler hemi.

From the debut of the raised deck 392 in 1957 to the second generation 426 in 1964 and the modern 5.7 liter version that power’s today’s Hellcats, the hemi has achieved an almost mythical status that is celebrated every time Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep enthusiasts get together to strut their stuff — as they will this weekend at Rockingham Dragway.

The Griffin Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep “Mopars at the Rock,” the largest all-Chrysler event in the Carolinas, will for the 28th year showcase the top-performing Dodges, Plymouths, Chryslers and Jeeps on the planet.

The annual event will also put a spotlight on some of the best appearing vehicles in the country.

In addition to the Bob Reed Memorial Hemi Shootout, champions will be crowned in special Chargers-only and Challengers-only classes, in a combined Pro ET/Footbrake bracket class and in Trophy class. Plus, there will be ample opportunity for newcomers to sort out their own street hemi vehicles in a test-and-tune format.

Off the track, there’ll be a Mopar swap meet and a massive car-and-truck show recognizing the best of the best in 26 different professionally-judged classes expected to showcase everything from Plymouth Roadrunners, Barracudas and Belvederes to Dodge Vipers, Chrysler Sebrings, Chrysler LeBarons and much much more.

Of course, the Jeeps featured both on and off the track won’t exactly be your grandpa’s Jeeps.

Sure, there will be some traditional Jeeps, but a fair representation of modern Jeeps on steroids — like the hemi-powered, 707 horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT — will be on hand all weekend.

Documenting all of the activity will be Cliff Gromer, editor of “the hemi bible,” MOPAR Action Magazine.

The Dragway’s gate will open Saturday at 9 a.m. with time trials at 9:30 and racing immediately thereafter.

Parking, as always, is free in Rockingham’s main lot.

Contributed photo
The 28th annual Griffin Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep “Mopars at the Rock,” which is the largest all-Chrysler event in the Carolinas, will be held at Rockingham Dragway this weekend.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_rockweb.jpgContributed photo
The 28th annual Griffin Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep “Mopars at the Rock,” which is the largest all-Chrysler event in the Carolinas, will be held at Rockingham Dragway this weekend.

Staff Report