Which Dodge was banned?

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was famously banned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

The Banned Beast: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, a limited-production muscle car, earned a unique distinction in the automotive world: it was banned from competition by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). This unprecedented move was a testament to the car's extreme performance capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what was considered safe for a production vehicle on the drag strip without significant modifications.

Why Was the Dodge Demon Banned?

The primary reason for the Dodge Demon's ban was its sheer speed and, more specifically, its outrageous quarter-mile time. The NHRA, responsible for regulating drag racing events, has stringent safety rules in place to protect drivers and spectators.

• Excessive Speed: The Demon's ability to complete a quarter-mile run in an incredibly short time meant it surpassed the NHRA's mandated speed and elapsed time (ET) thresholds for vehicles without additional safety equipment.
• Lack of Required Safety Features: Production cars running under a certain ET (typically below 9.99 seconds) or exceeding a certain speed (above 135 mph) are required by NHRA rules to have advanced safety features. These include:
  • Roll cages or roll bars
  • Advanced fire suppression systems
  • Certified safety harnesses
  • Parachutes (for very high speeds)

The stock Dodge Demon, while equipped with high-performance features, did not come with these competition-specific safety modifications from the factory. Without these additions, its phenomenal speed made it a safety concern for sanctioned drag racing events.

The NHRA's Stance

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is the governing body for drag racing in North America. Their regulations are designed to ensure fair competition and, more importantly, the safety of all participants. The ban on the Dodge Demon was a clear signal that even a factory-produced vehicle must adhere to these safety standards when participating in official events. This decision highlighted the Demon's status as a street-legal car with supercar-level drag strip performance.

For more detailed information on the Dodge Demon's specifications and capabilities, you can refer to reputable automotive news sources:

• Everything you need to know about the Dodge Demon

Key Facts About the Dodge Demon's Ban

Here's a quick summary of the key aspects surrounding the Dodge Demon's ban:

The Dodge Demon's ban serves as a unique footnote in automotive history, solidifying its reputation as a vehicle that was truly "too fast" for the standard rules of the drag strip.