After Sitting For 15 Years, This Fox Mustang is Getting Transformed for Sick Week 2024
Most of us have seen or heard at least one story about a car or truck that has been sitting for way too long, with the owner stating that one day they’ll do something with it. In the case of this 1988 Ford Mustang LX, Greg Yasika had shelved it about fifteen years ago after racing it in a variety of classes, including the now-defunct Fun Ford Series Renegade class.
The Mustang will get a new lease on life now, as Sean Kelley is teaming up with Greg to give this pony a new chapter in the drag-and-drive world.
“I have been interested in cars and racing ever since I got my license,” said Sean. “I have raced in the Fun Ford Weekend Series, the National Mustang Racers Association (NMRA), and miscellaneous local 10.5-inch tire races for the last 20 years.”
Sean normally participated in true street classes, where a 30-mile cruise and three back-to-back passes is a normal procedure. “That is where I got my interest in running a drag-and-drive type event.”
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“I took about 3 years off from racing to help customers and friends of mine at the track, and at my shop DTP Racing in Chesapeake, Virginia,” said Sean. “My nephew, Kevin Kelley Jr., approached me wanting to run his car in Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive in 2024. I have been wanting to do a drag-and-drive for a while, so that was the push I needed.”
After trying to find a car or a chassis to get started with wasn't working out, a casual conversation with a Greg led to teaming up for 2024. “Greg and I were talking at the shop one day about trying to find a car,” said Sean. “He said ‘please just come and get my car and do something with it’ because it had been sitting for about 15 years.
“The car has been a lot of work, and I still have a long way to go to have it completed in time. I have been trying to get it done in between work at my shop, and with the help of some good friends, I hope to debut the car at Sick Week 2024.” If all goes well, Sean may attend other drag-and-drive events in 2024 as well.
Although the Fox Mustang sports a full funny car-style roll cage and 25.5 certified chassis, it will be getting several updates, including new wiring, a Holley engine management system, and a new drivetrain.
A Gen-2 Coyote engine will get its place between the front shock towers, with a Precision Pro Mod 85-millimeter turbocharger. A 2-speed Powerglide transmission with a Neil Chance bolt together converter will pass the ponies to a 9-inch rear end.
“The drag-and-drive idea appeals to me because I like driving the cars I build,” said Sean. “Seeing that I can build a dependable/reliable car. I have driven some of my true street cars as far as 860 miles to an event, and drove it home after a weekend of racing.
I feel like Sick Week to me is the biggest and best drag-and-drive event of the year with talking with friends of mine that have done it. I am looking forward to being included in an elite group of racers, and just having a good time doing what we all love to do.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sean Kelley.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com