For the first time in its history, the Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge at the NHRA U.S. Nationals ended without a winner. Both final-round cars failed post-race inspection, disqualifying former Pro Stock world champion Jason Line and four-time Hemi Challenge winner Jimmy Daniels.
Sources indicate Line’s car was hit with a carburetor venturi infraction. Daniels’ entry reportedly had external cylinder head modifications, though it still cc’d legally. The double disqualification wiped out the results and left the event without a champion.
As of Sunday morning, NHRA had not released an official statement. Officials indicated that no comment would be made until after the NHRA on FOX broadcast later in the day.
Event sponsor Mike McCandless confirmed the situation in a video posted to his YouTube channel. He said NHRA contacted him Saturday morning to inform him of the disqualifications – something they told him had never happened to both winner and runner-up before.
According to McCandless, NHRA’s only question for him was how to handle the purse. He announced that the prize money originally earmarked for first and second place will instead be split evenly among the other 14 competitors.
McCandless added that options such as re-running the semifinalists were discussed, but NHRA’s competition committee ultimately rejected them. Officials said doing so would have unfairly impacted other racers in the field.
“There is no winner for this year. The money is being dispersed and we are looking forward to a highly competitive and absolutely amazing 2026,” McCandless said. He emphasized the strength of the on-track racing this year and confirmed the event will return next season.
This story was originally published on August 31, 2025.
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