A 1933 Factory Five Ford From Canada Was a Unique, and Sometimes Sketchy, Ride on Sick Week
Drag-and-drive events always bring out interesting and unique vehicles, and the 2023 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive was no stranger to that.
Some examples include a 6-second Volvo station wagon, a 7-second Toyota Celica, an 8-second 1964 Triumph Spitfire, and this replica 1933 Ford Hot Rod.
Canadian Chris Hein had experienced the drag-and-drive life on his local turf, competing at the Miles of Mayhem event. He recently scored a fourth-place finish in 2021, and then a second place finish the following year.
Then, Hein changed up everything on his Factory Five replica ride. “It’s a totally new combo this year,” he said, as Hein built a whole new chassis from the firewall back, adding an 8.50-certified roll cage and new 4 link rear suspension.
The previously supercharged LSA engine kicked the blower aside for a pair of Garrett 65/68-millimeter turbochargers, and it’s backed with a G-Force built T-56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission.
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Hein came made the trip with the car completely untested. “We put some street miles on it, and hit the track,” Hein said. “It’s also been 10 years since my last stick car,” adding another level of difficulty to a new build.
“I’d love to row the gears to my first ever 8-second pass,” he continued. “That’s the big goal, but ultimately finish the week is my goal.”
Competing in the Stick Shift class, Hein started at Orlando ‘Sick’ World with a 10.74 at 151 mph pass, hinting at the car’s capabilities. He followed Orlando’s outing with a 9.25 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, and then a 9.31 at South Georgia Motorsports Park.
Hein got his 8-second slip at Gainesville Raceway on day four, notching an 8.90 at 156 mph, and completed his first Sick Week with a 9.53 at 145 mph at Orlando. He average out at 9.54, good enough for the third spot in the Stick Shift class, all while towing likely the biggest trailer on the circuit.
“I really enjoy driving my car, said Hein, who gets to enjoy power windows, cruise control and air conditioning as extras in the ’33 Ford. “The hustle of the track followed by some scenic cruising with a bunch of your race car friends!”
Could we see Chris Hein and his unique Hot Rod at another US-hosted drag-and-drive? Only time will tell.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick The Magazine and 1320 Video.