Jason Line Wins Sox & Martin HEMI® Challenge At Indy

Jason Line has done just about everything a drag racer can dream of. With 51 career Pro Stock wins and three NHRA world championships, his resume is already stacked. But on Friday night at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, he added a trophy that might be even more meaningful — the prestigious Sox & Martin HEMI® Challenge at the Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals.

A Return To His Roots – 

For all his professional success, Line has always been a sportsman racer at heart. That’s why his latest victory hit differently. Piloting his Super Stock Dodge, powered by one of the most challenging engines to build and tune — the legendary Chrysler Race 426 HEMI — he outlasted a 16-car field of some of the toughest competitors in the country.

In the final round, Line squared off against Jimmy Daniels, a driver who dominated this event from 2016 through 2019 with four straight wins. When the lights dropped, Line’s quick reaction time gave him the early edge. He powered through to an 8.280-second run at more than 150 mph, holding off Daniels’ 8.334 to take the crown in front of a packed house of HEMI faithful.

After climbing out of his car, Line’s emotions were clear. “It’s been a long time since I’ve won a race, and honestly, I think it’s as good as anything, maybe better,” Line said. “This is a tough, tough engine to build, and this is a tough class. We worked really hard the last couple of weeks just to make it here. To come out and win is really special.”

A Tough Month Off The Track –

While the win was a high point, Line was quick to acknowledge the heavy losses felt in the racing community. He dedicated the victory to three influential figures who recently passed away: Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas, ARP’s Chris Raschke, and longtime KB Racing team owner Ken Black.

“This is a lot of fun, but it’s been a tough month,” Line said. “Without Ken Black, you probably wouldn’t know who Greg Anderson is, and you wouldn’t know me. He was one of a kind. We lost some great people recently, and this one’s for them.”

The Road To The Final – 

Line’s march to the championship was anything but easy. He opened the weekend with authority, laying down the quickest pass of the event — an 8.273 — to defeat David Bogner in round one.

The quarterfinals set up a battle with six-time HEMI Challenge champion Charlie Westcott Jr., one of the sport’s most respected engine builders. Despite Westcott’s razor-sharp .007 reaction time, Line edged him out with an 8.315 to 8.362 victory.

In the semifinals, Line faced Anthony Rhodes. Even though Rhodes laid down a quicker 8.324, Line’s better start at the line gave him the holeshot win, moving him into the final round against Daniels.

Daniels’ Strong Run – 

Jimmy Daniels once again showed why he’s considered one of the best in HEMI Challenge history. Driving his family’s Dodge Dart, Daniels made his way to the final with victories over Rick Johnson, Eric Bell, and Steve Comella — the four-time defending event winner. Daniels ended Comella’s streak with a clutch holeshot, 8.359 to 8.328, proving he was ready to fight for another title.

But this time, it was Line’s day.

A Victory For The Books – 

Winning at Indy is always special. Winning the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge, with its deep ties to Mopar history and its reputation as one of the toughest races in Super Stock, takes it to another level. For Jason Line, it was a return to his grassroots racing passion — and a reminder that even with decades of Pro Stock success, his love for the sport remains as strong as ever.

Source: NHRA