After Slaying a Deer While Completing Sick Week 2022, Michael Pryka’s ’72 Nova Undergoing Re-Vamp for Sick Summer And More
The 1972 Nova of Michael Pryka getting some updates at Autokraft Race Cars and Restorations.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. All Mike Pryka wanted was a fun drag-and-drive trip with his father, Michael Pryka. But instead, their 2022 season debut at Sick Week would have an unfortunate meeting with a deer, not long after departing the Gainesville Raceway stop.
The younger Pryka was behind the wheel of the ‘72 Nova around 8pm that Wednesday night, when Bambi crossed the road.
“I was about to the first checkpoint of the evening, cruising about 60mph,” said Mike. “The deer came from the left side of the road, and I didn’t even see it until it was front of the car. It was too late then.”
The damage was bad, but with some help they were able to continue, finishing the week with a 10.46 average. Michael Pryka even completed a full season of Chevrolet Performance Rumble index racing in the NMCA, finishing the season number two in points.
Damaged after the encounter with a deer, the Prykas still managed to get the Nova through the remainder of Sick Week 2022 and finish with a 10.46 average.
Now, after a season of ups and downs, the Nova is getting some much needed love at Autokrafters Race Cars and Restoration.
“Kurt Anderson does great work, both in restoration and safety updates,” Mike said. “We wanted to update the existing roll bar to a full cage, as well as fix the body work and get some fresh paint. Kurt can handle it all at one shop.”
The car will also get the shocks relocated, as well as an anti-roll bar and some firewall work, and is headed for paint in the next two weeks.
“Our goal is to have the car ready for Sick Week 2023, and if I have to assemble a car in a week or two, I’m game,” Mike said. A new LS engine is in the works, and the goal for the 2023 season is a nine-second average, as well as several drag-and-drive event appearances. Among those will be a hopeful entry to Sick Summer, which will be passing right by Mike’s employer, Motion Raceworks.
By Derek Putnam. Photos by Mike Pryka.