The Legendary 1968 Super Stock HEMI Barracuda ‘Mule’ to Lead Parade at Inaugural Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge

In a nod to Mopar’s rich racing heritage, the original Chrysler Engineering 1968 Super Stock HEMI® Barracuda development car, affectionately known as the ‘Mule,’ will take center stage at the inaugural Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge. This iconic vehicle will lead the pre-race parade lap during the 70th annual NHRA U.S. Nationals, highlighting its pivotal role in the creation of the legendary 1968 Super Stock Plymouth HEMI Barracuda and Dodge HEMI Dart’ Package Cars.’

The Origins of a Legend: The ‘Mule’ Barracuda –

For Mopar HEMI enthusiasts, the ‘Mule’ is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. Developed at Chrysler’s secretive ‘Woodward Garage,’ the ‘Mule’ was the testbed for fitting a 426 Race HEMI engine into the newly revised Barracuda and Dart platforms. By early 1968, the vehicle was complete and debuted at Irwindale Raceway, where it quickly became a media sensation. More importantly, it served as a proof of concept for Chrysler’s Race Group engineers, demonstrating that the powerful HEMI engine could dominate the Super Stock category.

The success of the ‘Mule’ led to a collaboration between Chrysler Corporation and Hurst to produce these limited-production, turnkey race cars. These HEMI-powered Barracudas and Darts went on to achieve significant victories in Super Stock and Modified Production classes throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, driven by legends like Ronnie Sox, Dick Landy, and Arlen Vanke. These cars continue to leave their mark on drag racing even after five decades.

Preserving History: The ‘Mule’ in the McCandless Collection –

The rare 1968 Super Stock HEMI Barracuda’ Mule’ is currently under the care of Myron Serbay, a lifelong car enthusiast from Plymouth, Michigan. Serbay has cherished this unique piece of Chrysler’s HEMI heritage for over 20 years, dedicating himself to its preservation for future generations. Owning such a significant vehicle has been a labor of love for Serbay, who understands the importance of maintaining this link to the past for both automotive and racing fans.

Mike McCandless, Founder and CEO of The McCandless Collection, expressed his excitement about the ‘Mule’ leading the parade lap. “We’re honored to have this rare Barracuda representing Chrysler’s commitment to Super Stock racing as part of the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge. It’s truly one of a kind, and the fact it survived all these decades is amazing,” McCandless said. He also reflected on his father’s success racing a 1968 HEMI Dart, noting that the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge helps keep the legacy of these iconic cars alive.

The Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge: A Racing Tradition –

The Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge is a staple in NHRA history, being the longest-running continuous specialty race. This event has been thrilling fans for over two decades with its high-octane, heads-up, wheel-standing races featuring 1968 Super Stock Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas. These ‘HEMI Package Cars’ were explicitly built for Super Stock competition, and their legacy continues to grow as they remain fierce competitors in the NHRA SS/AH class.

With the McCandless Collection presenting the event, this year’s Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge promises to be more exciting than ever. Enhanced social media and marketing efforts will spotlight the dedicated SS/AH racers and their powerful HEMI machines, ensuring that the tradition of Super Stock racing continues to inspire new generations.

Remembering Sox & Martin: Icons of Drag Racing –

The Sox & Martin team is among the most legendary names in drag racing history. Led by Ronnie Sox’s extraordinary driving skills and Buddy Martin’s sharp business acumen, the duo revolutionized the sport. Their spotless race cars, matching team uniforms, and professional image set a new standard in drag racing.

In 1967, Sox & Martin, alongside Chrysler’s Plymouth Division, launched the Supercar Clinic program, which took Mopar’s muscle cars and performance parts to enthusiasts across the country. This initiative promoted NHRA-sanctioned drag racing and helped pave the way for the creation of the NHRA’s Pro Stock class in 1970, where Sox & Martin would become multi-time world champions.

Though Ronnie Sox passed away in 2006, Buddy Martin remains active in the Mopar community, engaging with fans and attending enthusiast events. The Sox & Martin legacy lives on, celebrated by fans and honored by the McCandless Collection, which proudly carries the team’s trademark forward.

As the 1968 Super Stock HEMI Barracuda ‘Mule’ leads the parade lap at the inaugural Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge, it’s a powerful reminder of the enduring impact that these cars, and the people behind them, have had on the world of drag racing.