A ’70 Nova Looks For Redemption at Sick Summer After Falling Short of the Finish Line at First Drag-and-Drive One Year Ago
As drag-and-drive popularity and the number of events continue to increase, so does the number of newcomers to the events. While some are brand new to drag racing and never made a lap down a track before, others are transfers from other types of racing.
The latter is the case with John Kristianson, who made his first drag-and-drive appearance at the 2023 edition of Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes.
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A veteran of drag racing in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Stock Eliminator and bracket classes, John switched to drag racing in 1991 after a work accident left him paralyzed.
Able to still race his 1970 Chevrolet Nova with hand controls, John stayed true to these classes until Sick Summer caught his eye, and he and son Kelly gave it a try. “Sick Summer 2023 was our first and only drag-and-drive so far,” John said. “But it was the best time I've had with the car in the 32 years I have had the car.
The Dial Your Own (DYO) class made perfect sense for John and Kelly, giving the Nova a chance to stretch its legs with the 415 cubic inch small block under the flat hood.
Based on a Dart Machinery block and cylinder heads, John assembled the engine that sips a steady diet of E-85. After a 12.33 at 107 mph shot on day one at Cordova Dragway, John picked up a significant amount at Great Lakes Dragaway, turning in an 11.34 at 117 mph time slip.
Not far on the drive from Great Lakes Dragaway to Tri State Raceway, things turned sour. “Took out distributor gear about 30 miles from leaving Great Lakes Dragaway,” John admitted. “We found a distributor, but for some reason had no oil pressure. So we called it for the event.”
Now, after almost a year to think about it, John and Kelly are ready for another shot at this year’s Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks. “I need redemption for last year.,” said John. “But it gives me a week to spend with my son, driving the car that he spent his whole life helping work on.” John also noted “it is so awesome to see all the fans along the route,” and he’s focused on completing the event this time around. “I know we are way more prepared this year.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of BME Photography.
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