Back in October of 2021, Kevin Helmick achieved an incredible feat with his Dodge Challenger SRT® Hellcat known as GRMPYCAT. He blazed down the quarter-mile in just 6.99 seconds at a mind-boggling speed of 200.05 miles per hour, becoming the first SRT Hellcat racer to enter the 6-second quarter-mile range and the 200 mile per hour club. With this achievement, Helmick claimed the title for the World’s Quickest and Fastest SRT Hellcat in the quarter-mile. After a brief hiatus, Helmick returned to the track with his improved GRMPYCAT and shattered his own record in spectacular fashion.
Setting a New Standard
During the fifth round of qualifying at the Import vs. Domestic World Cup at Maryland International Raceway (MIR), Helmick showcased his skills once again. He piloted his GRMPYCAT down the quarter-mile in an astonishing 6.698 seconds with a trap speed of 213.84 miles per hour, not only reclaiming the record for the world’s quickest and fastest SRT Hellcat car but also setting a bar that will be incredibly difficult to surpass. Witness this record-breaking run in the video below.
The Power Behind GRMPYCAT
GRMPYCAT’s heart lies in its 440-cubic-inch billet aluminum engine block, meticulously designed by Demon Performance and milled by Noonan Engineering. Packed with high-quality components such as ThiTek cylinder heads, a Daley’s dry sump oiling system, Jesel rocker arms, Manton pushrods, and an FIS Jose 114 billet turbocharger, this engine delivers exceptional power. Crafted by TKM Performance, assembled by Sammy Tompkins, and expertly tuned by Kevin Mullins, this beast generates around 3,000 horsepower with approximately 21 pounds of boost. The power is transferred to the rear wheels through an ATI Turbo 400 transmission and a Strange Ultra Cab differential equipped with a 3.60 gear.
Unlocking the Potential
Helmick and his team continuously fine-tuned GRMPYCAT to achieve this groundbreaking record. “Learning all about Boost Safety settings in the Holley Dominator and getting the car to stop dumping all boost at 1.9 seconds into a pass” played a crucial role in their success, Helmick revealed. At the World Cup event, favorable weather conditions contributed to his exceptional run, with temperatures in the 50s and a density altitude around -1,200. After the record-breaking 6.69 run, Helmick continued to impress with a 6.87 at 214 in the first round of eliminations. Unfortunately, a boost issue in the second round prevented GRMPYCAT from clinching the World Cup win. Nevertheless, Helmick’s trip to Maryland was undeniably triumphant.
Beyond the Record
When asked if he believed his car could go even faster, Helmick confidently replied, “I expect to run in the 3.9-3.8 range in the 8th mile and I expect to get 6.3 in the 1/4.” He envisions exploring a 3.7 gear set for quicker elapsed times and exploring possibilities such as boring the engine from 440 to 468 or trying out matched heads from the Noonan team. Helmick aims to secure additional sponsors to elevate GRMPYCAT’s performance further and accomplish more astonishing feats in the future.
A Record That Stands Tall
With the retirement of the Epling 007 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the previous record holder with a time of 6.96, Helmick doesn’t currently see any other Hellcats on the same level as his NHRA-certified build. However, he anticipates that new contenders may emerge soon. For now, Kevin Helmick and his GRMPYCAT Dodge Challenger stand proudly as the world record holders for the quickest and fastest SRT Hellcat car in the quarter-mile. It’s a record that may endure for a long time or until Helmick himself shatters it.
On-track images courtesy of Jen Wagner.
FAQs
Q: What is the record time set by Kevin Helmick with GRMPYCAT?
A: Kevin Helmick set a new record with GRMPYCAT by completing the quarter-mile in just 6.698 seconds.
Q: What is the top speed achieved by GRMPYCAT?
A: GRMPYCAT reached an incredible trap speed of 213.84 miles per hour.
Q: How much horsepower does GRMPYCAT generate?
A: GRMPYCAT produces around 3,000 horsepower, thanks to its powerful 440-cubic-inch billet aluminum engine block and high-quality components.
Conclusion
Kevin Helmick’s Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, GRMPYCAT, has stunned the racing world with its record-breaking quarter-mile runs. The dedication, expertise, and constant improvements made by Helmick and his team have propelled GRMPYCAT to unprecedented speeds and secured its place in automotive history. As Helmick sets his sights on further enhancements and future competitions, the world eagerly awaits his next awe-inspiring performances.