Challenger 2 LSR (1968) - Danny Thompson

Mickey Thompson's goal in 1968 was to use the Challenger 2 to set the record for the fastest piston-powered wheel-driven vehicle. Unfortunately, poor weather and funding issues prevented his efforts. The car was stored away for 20 years. In 1989, Mickey Thompson decided to pull the car out of storage and restore it with the help of his his son. The plan was for Danny Thompson to drive the car and set the record.

Unfortunately, later that year, both Mickey Thompson and his wife, were murdered that their home. A police investigation was unable to discover any suspects or a motive. The case went cold in 2001. In the years that followed, the crime was featured on NBC's 'Unsolved Mysteries'. The crime went unsolved until 2007 went a former business partner was arrested for planning the murders. He was found guilty and sent to prison. The identity of the gun men is still unknown.

The Challenger 2 sat for another 30 years in storage until Danny restored the car and took it out to the Bonneville Salt Flats. With an average speed of 448.757 MPH, Danny Thompson set the record for fastest piston-powered wheel-driven vehicle in the SCTA Class with the Challenger 2.

The body of the car is made from hand forged aluminum over a chromoly tubular frame. The car is powered by two 500 cubic inch engines with are injected with nitro methane which results in 6000HP. Those motors are hooked up to 3-speed B&J Planetary transmissions. The car's two custom built rear ends make it a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Total weight of the car is 5500 lbs.