If you’ve been to the annual INDY Cylinder Head Chrysler Performance Swap Meet or the PRI (Performance Racing Industry) Trade Show both held in Indianapolis, IN; or any number of the local and/or regional drag racing events near or around Xenia, Ohio, there is a very high likelihood that you’ve seen Chris and Charli Wheatcraft’s “Caged Insanity” Dodge Demon.
This 540 cubic inch ProCharged INDY Legend Hemi-powered ’71 Demon is an absolute work of craftsmanship (as well as being a regular workhorse in the Wheatcraft stable of race cars) and just a few weeks ago, was acknowledged by the NHRA North Central Division 3 team by earning the Best Engineered Award at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
The Wheatcrafts purchased INDY Cylinder Head from Russ Flagle back in 2020 and have labored diligently to steer the venerable performance Mopar parts manufacturer into a full-throttle powerhouse. Gone are the days of huge delays and unanswered emails. Today, INDY has more parts ready on the shelf and better response times to inquiries than ever before.
And how about innovation? INDY Cylinder Head is perpetually developing new and unceasingly improving upon current products; whether it’s cylinder heads, engine blocks, Mod Man intake manifolds, supercharger applications or anything in between, INDY is and will always be the source of performance Mopars parts by Mopar enthusiasts.
Here’s the original press release as posted to NHRA North Central Division 3’s Facebook page:
Congratulations to Chris and Charli Wheatcraft on earning the Best Engineered Award at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park!
Their stunning 1971 Dodge Demon is a true testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. Competing in the highly competitive Top Sportsman category, this one-of-a-kind machine is powered by a 540 cubic-inch Indy Cylinder Head Hemi engine topped with a ProCharger supercharger.
From its flawless fit and finish to its meticulously designed functionality, every detail of this build reflects an unwavering commitment to quality. The futuristic driver cockpit, unique custom touches, and even the crowd-favorite Demon floor mats showcase the level of thought and creativity invested throughout the entire project.
No component of this iconic Dodge was overlooked. Every aspect has been refined, improved, and engineered beyond its original form while still honoring the heritage of the classic muscle car. Combining legendary Hemi power with modern ProCharged performance, Chris and Charli Wheatcraft’s Dodge Demon stands as a deserving recipient of the Best Engineered Award and a true highlight of this year’s Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals.
Congratulations on an exceptional achievement and an incredible piece of motorsports engineering.
