For anyone passionate about classic muscle cars and racing, there’s a unique thrill in bringing a legendary car back to life with a new purpose. In this epic project, a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is not only being rebuilt but also prepped to hit the track for one last race at the historic Irwindale Speedway. With a tight deadline and a lot of creativity, this build promises to be as exhilarating as the races it’s destined for.
Why This Build Matters
The urgency behind this project comes from bittersweet news: Southern California’s Irwindale Speedway, a high-banked half-mile track beloved by racers, closed on December 21st, 2024. It’s being replaced by industrial warehouses, marking the end of an era. The creator, a lifelong Mopar enthusiast, couldn’t let the opportunity pass to race at Irwindale’s final event.
“I’ve always dreamed of racing a Daytona, and this is my chance to make it happen,” he explained, pushing aside other projects to focus on transforming a 1969 Charger into a competitive machine.
The Foundation: A 1969 Dodge Charger RT
The starting point is a real 1969 Dodge Charger RT—a car once destined for greatness but left in incomplete limbo as a track car decades ago. With much of the original structure cut away, it was perfect for a new purpose. The original floor pan and firewall remain intact to meet racing rules, but the rest of the car has been extensively modified, including:
- Skinned roof, doors, and trunk lid for weight reduction.
- Radius-cut quarter panels and filled-in side markers.
- Excessive bracing and outdated roll cage components.
“I know some purists might cringe at what I’m doing to this car, but it’s already been heavily modified. Restoring it to original condition wasn’t an option, so why not turn it into something spectacular?”
Stripping Down and Starting Fresh
The first phase of the project was demolition. Every unnecessary or outdated component was removed, including:
- Old roll cage tubing, much of which was overly heavy and impractical.
- Excess structural bars that added weight without benefit.
- Factory trunk pan and unnecessary bracing.
Armed with a plasma cutter and grinder, the creator worked tirelessly, often battling windy days and a tight timeline. The result? A stripped-down chassis, ready to be rebuilt with modern components.
Reimagining the Daytona
One of the most exciting elements of this build is transforming the Charger into a Daytona replica. Using a Vega rear window plug and custom modifications, the car will adopt the iconic aerodynamics of its NASCAR counterpart.
“I’ve always loved NASCAR Daytonas more than the street versions. They’re raw, aggressive, and built for speed. That’s the look I’m going for.”
Engine and Performance Plans
Powering this beast will be a 340ci Mopar small-block engine, prepped for IMCA racing specs. With a two-barrel carburetor and a custom camshaft from Howard’s Cams, the engine is expected to produce 420–500 horsepower—plenty to make this car competitive on both circle tracks and road courses.
The build will also feature:
- QA1 suspension components tailored to racing rules.
- Lightweight roll cage updates with stronger, more strategically placed tubing.
- A reinforced trunk area to handle racing impacts.
Balancing Passion and Practicality
Every decision must balance performance, safety, and the practicality of meeting the deadline. From cutting excess weight to refining the roll cage, every step is a calculated move toward hitting the track on race day.
Get Involved and Stay Tuned
This project isn’t just about building a car; it’s about celebrating the legacy of racing, honoring a legendary track, and sharing the journey with fellow enthusiasts.
To follow the full build series and see this Charger Daytona come to life, watch the complete series on Junker Up’s YouTube channel. You’ll find updates, behind-the-scenes action, and plenty of Mopar passion.
About Junker Up
The creator behind this build is a true gearhead, passionate about restoring, racing, and celebrating classic Mopars. From tearing down old projects to crafting dream machines, his dedication to car culture runs deep.
For more builds, tips, and stories, visit Junker Up Garage Website
About Junkerup
