The drag racing legacy of the Mopar brand and its iconic HEMI V8 engine was honored by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame (BDRHoF) with the organization’s Global Achievement Award. Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global, accepted the award during a ceremony at the Savill Court Hotel in England. Donna Garlits, daughter of legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, who helped cement the HEMI’s reputation at the drag strip, presented the award to Gorlier.

In his remarks, Gorlier paid tribute to Tom Hoover, recognized as the “Father of the 426 HEMI,” for the role he played in the development of the legendary engine. Hoover passed away in 2015 at the age of 85.

“It was an honor and a privilege to receive this important award in recognition of an engine that still means so much not just to our company and to Mopar, but to the entire drag racing community,” said Gorlier. “The spirit of performance and passion that inspired people like Tom Hoover to bring the HEMI engine to life still powers and inspires the Mopar brand to this day.”

“The 2015 BDRHoF ceremony was made even more special with the honor of presenting the Global Achievement Award to Mopar and Pietro Gorlier,” said Stu Bradbury, Chairman of the BDRHoF. “More than an engine, the HEMI is an icon, one brought originally to the drag strip by Mopar and then adopted for the streets. We are proud to recognize the legendary motor that still fuels drag racers and performance lovers around the world.”