Devin Vanderhoof Switching to Rowdy Radial Class for Sick Week, Puts Up Stout Times in Testing

At the first edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, Devin Vanderhoof was the first car to make a pass during Sunday testing, laying down a low 7-second pass in his 1993 Ford Mustang convertible.

Unfortunately, engine problems arose from that pass, and Vanderhoof’s Sick Week was over before day one started.

The 25.3 chassis Mustang was not down for long, as towards the end of the 2022 season, Vanderhoof clicked off a 6-second pass at over 208 mph.

Now, the Mustang will enter the new Rowdy Radial class for the 2023 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.

A drag racing veteran with over 20 years of experience, Vanderhoof’s Mustang lays down quick elapsed times thanks to a 540 cubic inch big block Chevrolet engine, sporting a huge 118-millimeter single turbocharger, sipping alcohol from the fuel tank.

Stock-type suspension puts down the power, and since making the switch to the tiny 235 tire that measure 26-inches tall x 8.5-inches wide, Vanderhoof is making some quick laps happen.

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At a recent South Carolina Motorplex test day, Vanderhoof coaxed a 4.73 at 157 mph time slip from the Mustang in Rowdy Radial class trim. It was one of three passes in the 4.7-second range, and an additional 4.86 timeslip wrapped up the day.

“My goals for 2023 Sick Week are to finish the event and try not to break anything,” said Vanderhoof.

“All this money we wrap up into these cars, so I want to be able to actually enjoy them instead of loading it in the trailer to go to a track,” he continued about why he enjoys drag-and-drive competition. “The memories with like-minded people doing cool stuff is what it's all about for me.”

Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Devin Vanderhoof