Can a 4-Cylinder Mitsubishi Get An 8-Second Average At Sick Week?
At Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, there are classes that are shared amongst other drag-and-drive events.
But one of the unique classes at Sick Week is the Sick Week Freaks class, designed for engines under 8-cylinders, diesels, and electric cars.
One of the competitors at the 2022 edition of Sick Week was Tony Niemczyk and his 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Utilizing the stock Mitsubishi all-wheel-drive layout, the Eclipse uses the 4G63-based 122 cubic inch 4-cylinder engine.
Boosted by a 72-millimeter turbocharger, Tony came into Sick Week with a 2021 Hot Rod Drag Week Quickest 4-Cylinder award thanks to a 9.65 average.
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Tony improved on his previous best times, getting a best of 9.03 at 151 mph on the final day, averaging a 9.23 and winning the Sick Week Freaks title, as well as the Quickest 4-Cylinder award.
“The car previously was how I dreamed it should be,” said Tony. “Full exhaust, a dual fuel system running 93 octane in a primary rail, and E-98 on a secondary system that phases in under boost. I’d just show up, swap tires and run.”
After getting the car into the 8-second range after Sick Week, Tony has changed his goals for this year’s event. “The car managed an 8.79,” said Tony. “But I don’t want to push it that hard at Sick Week, so I’ve resorted to hardcore weight reduction.”
The Eclipse has shed about 200 pounds, and Tony hopes that’s enough to get it into the 8-second range all week.
“It’s the dumbest thing you could ever do in a car,” Tony admitted about drag-and-drive events. “But I love it! For me it’s just being able to get away in the winter. It’s also less about being absolutely brutal, and more about having a good time and still testing your car.”
Sick Week 2023 Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive will feature hundreds of America’s fastest street cars, racing and cruising through Florida and southern Georgia.
Sick Ward tickets / Individual day spectator tickets are available here.
- Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Motion Raceworks and Tony Niemczyk.