Mopar’s Continued  Tradition Brews Success

When I sit back and think about it — it’s hard to believe that next weekend’s IHRA Mopar Canadian Nitro Jam Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex — will be it’s 15th version (does time fly by or what!)….

But this year’s race edition is aligned to be very special.

Not only has the IHRA sanctioning itself reorganized to present a much-improved on-track product that includes again — actual competition and championship points chases for it’s Pro categories — both the 2014 Grand Bend race (and the soon to follow IHRA Mopar Rocky Mountain Nitro Jam in Alberta) will help to celebrate some very special milestones for the event’s primary sponsor Mopar.

First of all for the Mopar brand, in 2014 they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their fabled HEMI® engine. Few will argue that the word “HEMI®” is not the most famous engine ever produced to be associated with the sport of drag racing.

Mopar’s commitment to professional Motorsports competition is wide ranging. After having been first established in the 1950s through a partnership ignited with drag racing pioneer Don Garlits – since that time the result has been the ongoing breaking of numerous speed and performance barriers in HEMI®-powered vehicles over the next several decades.

In 2014, Mopar celebrates the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the GEN III 426 Race HEMI® and looks to defend back-to-back NHRA World Championship titles (2012-2013) in the Pro Stock class and battle for another NHRA Funny Car World Championship after winning those in 2011-2012.

While Mopar remains involved in various professional Motorsports series, it continues to honor its roots by being a proud supporter of amateur and Sportsman racing too.

Grand Bend’s upcoming race weekend will help to continue that year long and fun recognition and celebration, expanding it into Canada.

“Among the variety of Motorsports events that Mopar supports in Canada, one of the longest-running and most successful is the annual IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals in Grand Bend, Ontario,” said Jim Kiritsis, Senior Manager, National Service & Parts for Mopar Canada.

“Mopar has been a title sponsor of this event for 15 years and we’ve watched it grow into one of the biggest drag racing events in all of Canada. Having drag racing legend and 17-time world champion “Big Daddy” Don Garlits named as Grand Marshal for this year’s IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals is a testament to just how high-profile this event has become.”

And this is where you — the drag racing fan comes in.

Whatever car make is your passion – be it “Blue Oval” or “Bowtie” or any other brand, it is important as a fan that your recognize the ongoing and dedicated support of Mopar to both of Canada’s two most major drag racing events – Grand Bend’s Mopar Canadian Nitro Jam (since it’s inception in 2000) and Edmonton’s Mopar Rocky Mountain Nitro Jam (since 2011).

It’s goes without saying that without Mopar’s involvement both the past success and the future prospects of these great annual Motorsports attractions may not be possible. So please do drop by their event displays to check out the latest in cool Mopar technology and wares and take the time to give the guys and gals there a quick – Thank You — for their support of the sport you love.

Photos and posting by: Bruce Biegler