First look: Two-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders’ new ’16 Dodge Dart

WYNNEWOOD, OK — Two-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders’ striking new ’16 Dodge Dart was unveiled Wednesday, a month before she begins her pursuit of a third consecutive NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series title.

Like her championship-winning cars from 2014 and 2015, Enders’ car was built by RJ Race Cars in Galesburg, IL, the famed shop led by Enders’ crew chiefs, Rick and Rickie Jones.

Enders’ Elite Motorsports team is beginning a partnership with Mopar this season and will field Dodge Darts. The car is built to new NHRA Pro Stock specifications, including several new rules for 2016 and beyond: fuel-injected engines with a 10,500 rpm limit, plus the removal of hood scoops and shortened wheelie bars.

RJ Race Cars is also building a new Dodge for Enders’ teammate, Jeg Coughlin Jr.

“Rick and Rickie take a lot of pride in the cars they produce,” Enders said. “They both have said these two cars are the best two pieces that have ever come out of their shop. That’s pretty cool.”

Enders and her Elite Motorsports team are expected to test the new Dodge in Phoenix the week before the season-opening event, Feb. 12-14, at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, CA.