Changing Things Up After Five Drag-and-Drives in a Dodge Dart
A familiar Dodge Dart with a reliable combination that has successfully completed five drag-and-drive events would be forgiven for not making any changes. But in the case of Michael Turner’s 1970 Dart Swinger model, he wanted a little more from the classic Mopar, but without jeopardizing his event completion record.
Michael’s Dodge rolled into the 2023 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive with a fresh nitrous oxide kit. “I need to be learning nitrous for the 1st time,” said Michael, hopeful to take advantage of the extra power without affecting his ability to complete the week.
The three-time Hot Rod Drag Week participant would wheel his trusty Dart Swinger once again in the Dial-Your-Own (DYO) class. To get the Mopar done with a quarter-mile of work in a reasonable time, Michael selected a 360 cubic inch Dodge Magnum engine. He backed it with an automatic 904 transmission with a 3500 stall converter and of course, the Nitrous Express Plate nitrous system.
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Michael opened with a nitrous-assisted 11.35 on day one, nearly one full second faster than his opening pass on Sick Week one year before. A similar result would result in Michael best pass of the week, as his 11.21 at 119 mph this year was a good bit spunkier than the 12.22 at 110 mph he recorded in 2022. Michael completed the week, his sixth one, with an 11.32 average, about a second faster than the 12.33 average he posted at the 2022 Sick Week event.
With appearances at Drag Week, Race Week and now Sick Week, it’s fair to say Michael’s hooked on drag-and-drive. “The driving from track to track and making your junk make it, you build it, you know it, and you build it to go fast on your budget,” said Michael. “Also, seeing and supporting tracks, all the small towns, back roads, and America. Hang out with likeminded people. It's cool to see everyone, help people along the way or get help, tools donated, parts, knowledge, whatever it takes to finish the week. It’s the camaraderie and not being selfish.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine.
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