Winner of #43 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Auction Revealed

By Richard Martin

Owner, #43 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

(This is a note from the winner of the #43 auction. He has a great story to tell. For quotes from Kyle Petty, some Dodge Challenger details and more, the full press release is included after the jump. — RLD)

We (Rich and Irene) are extremely pleased and gratified to be able to contribute funds to the Victory Junction Gang Camp through this auction event of the very unique 2008 Challenger provided by The Chrysler Corporation. We are very glad to be able to include this one-of-one Challenger to our private collection that includes among other cars; a 1954 Hudson Hornet, a 1969 Dodge Daytona, and two 1970 Plymouth Superbirds – all made famous during the early decades of NASCAR.

Our youngest daughter suffered two major strokes at the age of 18, was subjected to heart surgery at the age of 19, and most recently underwent major surgery for the removal of a tumor near her brain. As a family, we are very blessed with her survival through these challenging times and we feel it only right for us to be able to extend opportunities to other young people through our charitable actions.

Over the last two years we have partnered with the State of NC and its local jurisdiction of Jones County, the Economic Development Committee, and the Committee of 100, to bring portions of our company into an economically depressed region, Trenton, North Carolina. Our goal is to create employment opportunities for its citizens and economic growth for the region. Within the last month we have just opened our doors and commenced operations of our company, Defense Holdings, Inc., in Trenton. Our ability to include charitable donations, like this to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, in our company’s new home of the State of North Carolina is most pleasing, rewarding, and an obligation all business owners, both large and small, should participate in.

Thank you for the opportunity provided to us.

(Press release follows)

PRESS RELEASE

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge and Victory Junction Gang Camp partnered to auction the 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® on eBay and the winning bid of $228,143.43 was placed by Richard Martin of Delaplane, Va.

“Dodge is elated the auction of the only B5 Blue 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 raised so much money for such a worthy cause,” said Mike Accavitti, Director–Dodge Brand, SRT and Motorsports Global Marketing. “I have a deep respect for the work that Kyle and Pattie Petty and all the folks at Victory Junction Gang Camp do, it is truly an honor for Dodge to be able to help further their mission.”

“We are extremely excited that the No. 43 Dodge Challenger has raised $228,143.43 for Victory Junction Gang Camp!”, said Kyle Petty, Victory Junction Gang Camp Founder. “It has been a pleasure working with Dodge on this program and we are very thankful that the car raised enough to send so many children to camp.”

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 marks the return of the iconic nameplate as a modern muscle coupe. The limited-edition 2008 Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race-inspired interior and an exterior design that stays true to the Challenger heritage while delivering a host of modern features and technologies, and “race-inspired, street legal” SRT DNA.

Developed by Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

Dodge auctioned the no. 1, no. 2 and no. 43 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles raising more than $800,000 for three charities – United Way of Southeastern Michigan, notMYkid and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

“It is great that the enthusiasm people have for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has been the catalyst that will help so many people,” Accavitti said. “Consumers couldn’t wait to get a new Challenger, and that excitement will benefit the lives of young people throughout the United States through these three organizations.”

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 made its worldwide debut on Feb. 6 at the Chicago Auto Show. It has a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $37,995 and will arrive in Dodge showrooms in May.

Victory Junction Gang Camp
Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam.

Victory Junction is a year-round camp that serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues. During the summer they offer week long disease specific sessions with up to 125 kids per session. During the Fall, Winter and Spring they offer family weekends with up to 32 families per weekend. Victory Junction Gang Camp has a racing theme with the sights, sounds, look and feel of a race track! The Camp is comprised of 44 buildings, including the Goody’s Body Shop medical center, the Hendrick Motorsports Fuel Stop dining hall, the Silver Theater, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America water park, Adam’s Race Shop, the Michael Waltrip Operation Marathon Sportscenter, Jimmie Johnson’s Victory Lanes bowling alley, the Kurt Busch Superdome, Jessie’s Horse Power Garage and much more!

Victory Junction Gang Camp operates solely on the donations of wonderful corporations, organizations and individuals. Children that attend Victory Junction would not otherwise be able to attend a camp because of their medical needs. For more information on the Victory Junction Gang Camp check out their website at www.victoryjunction.org .

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC’s best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.