Viper-Powered Challenger Makes History at the NHRA Winternationals

In a moment that electrified the Mopar racing community, John Winslow Jr. secured a landmark win at the 2025 NHRA Winternationals by taking home the Super Stock Eliminator title. Driving a rare 2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak powered by a Viper V10 engine, Winslow made history by earning the first national event victory ever for a V10 Drag Pak in its 15-year existence. This triumph wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a moment of vindication for one of Mopar’s most unique and underappreciated factory-built race cars.

A Photo-Finish Victory in Super Stock

Winslow competed in the Factory Super Stock D (FSS/D) class and faced off in the final round against Justin Lamb, a well-established NHRA driver. The matchup was incredibly close, with both racers delivering near-perfect runs. Winslow dialed in at 8.99 seconds, while Lamb’s car was set for 8.64 seconds. Both competitors had almost identical reaction times—0.035 seconds for Winslow and 0.037 for Lamb—making the race a true nail-biter.

As the cars thundered down the track, neither driver gave an inch. At the finish line, Winslow edged out Lamb by just 0.0014 seconds—approximately four inches. That margin was enough to hand him the win and his first-ever NHRA national event “Wally” trophy, the most coveted prize in drag racing. For a driver and a car that had never seen the winner’s circle at a national event, the victory was both historic and deeply emotional.

The 2011 Viper V10 Drag Pak: Rare and Potent

The car that carried Winslow to victory is one of the most distinctive factory drag cars ever built by Mopar. The 2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak came equipped with an 8.4-liter Viper V10 engine, capable of producing around 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. This was no ordinary street car—it was a purpose-built race machine designed specifically for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition.

What makes the V10 Drag Pak especially rare is its limited production run. Only around 70 units were produced, making them a sought-after commodity for collectors and racers alike. It was also the first turnkey drag car offered by Mopar since the legendary 1968 HEMI Barracuda and Dart, continuing a heritage of factory-backed quarter-mile warriors.

Winslow’s car, production #005, features a sleek “Brilliant Black” paint scheme—a unique choice among a field where most of the models came in “Bright White.” The car was initially built by Mopar to deliver consistent and powerful runs at the drag strip but had yet to earn a major win until now.

A Lifelong Racer Returns to the Spotlight

Winslow’s journey to this momentous win is rooted in decades of drag racing passion. A second-generation racer, he grew up around the sport and competed regularly until the early 1990s. At that point, he stepped away from racing to focus on raising his family. But the pull of the track never left him.

In 2004, Winslow made his return to racing by taking the wheel of his father’s 1978 Plymouth Volare Stocker. He later moved into a Super Stock GT/TA class with a Dakota pickup. In 2024, he acquired the V10 Challenger Drag Pak from fellow racer Jared Jordan, who was shifting his focus to a 1964 Dodge Max Wedge build.

Racing Toward the Future: Family at the Heart

Winslow’s success is more than a personal victory—it’s a family affair. With three Super Stock vehicles in their garage, the Winslows dream of the day they can all race together at a national event. This goal reflects not only their love for drag racing but also their commitment to doing it together.

Whether it’s building engines, prepping cars, or cheering each other on from the starting line, the Winslow family lives and breathes drag racing. With this historic win, they’ve proven that dedication, family, and passion are a powerful combination on and off the track.