After Destroying Engine on Its First Drag-and-Drive, This Turbo’d 240 is Coming Back for the Top Spot at Sick Summer
Among the first-time participants to a drag-and-drive at the 2023 edition of Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes, Jeremy Ortiz was one that stood out. When you have an 8-second purple Nissan 240SX, it comes with the territory.
A past competitor in ‘street car type’ events, including Street Car Takeover’, Jeremy made a statement by placing second in the Street Race 275 class with an 8.63 average.
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Unfortunately on that final day of Sick Summer, Jeremy also sent the LS between the frame rails of his 240SX on its final pass. “I put a hole in the block on that final day of competition,” he said, but it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. “I had an amazing time, and am hooked on drag-and-drive events.”
He went on to compete in Nostalgia Nights later in the year, taking home first place in the Small Block Power Adder class. Now, one year later, Jeremy is ready to compete in both events again.
“The original appeal was really just the challenge, and it still is no question,” Jeremy admits. “But after competing in two now, I really just love the people and friendships you make along the way. We also get to stop at some pretty cool places that I otherwise probably would've never visited.”
To prep the Nissan for his 2024 mission, Jeremy selected a 5.3-liter LS full of ‘every Brian Tooley Racing shelf part available,’ and made the move to a slightly smaller 84-millimeter turbocharger from Forced Performance Turbochargers.
Driven Racing Oil got the nod for lubrication, and the potent powerplant is backed by a Coan Turbo 400 3-speed automatic and an Import Drag Solutions bolt in solid axle subframe for an 8.8-inch rear end.
“I'll be competing in Street Race 275 again this year,” said Jeremy. “I’m bringing some solid upgrades this year for power, but even more importantly, reliability!”
Citing his biggest strength on the build is Jeremy does about 99-percent of the work and tuning on the car, so he can have the right mindset about all aspects of the car, which can prove vital when trying to fix or adjust something, sometimes with limited time on the line during the week of a drag-and-drive like Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks.
Justin Yager "Jutty" will once again be tapped for co-pilot duties. “He's knowledgeable about cars, and specifically my car as well,” Jeremy said of his choice. “We have very similar mentalities about things when it comes to racing and competing, so it's great to have a copilot who thinks the same as you.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine and Jeremy Ortiz.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com