Feels Like the First Time - This ’69 Charger and Its Owner Got to Experience Track Racing for the First Time During Sick Summer
In his childhood, Larry Brickey would be influenced by automobiles in two different forms.
“I grew up with my father driving his 1966 Chevelle to a circle track 30 miles away,” Larry said. “He couldn’t afford a trailer, so he would get the track, take out all the glass, headlights, taillights, change tires and race.
After the race he would put it back together again, and drive it home. So, I guess maybe that is what appeals to me about drag-and-drives and my father (in my mind was the first).”
The second would be the popular TV Show Dukes of Hazzard. “I was bitten by the bug in 1980 to own a 1969 Dodge charger,” Larry said.
That escalated to determination by 1993, when he first saw the Charger that would become his own. “I first saw the car in 1993 when a friend of mine bought it in Kansas,” said Larry. “I told him if he ever wanted to sell it that I would like to buy it.”
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Seven years later, Larry got the chance to buy the Charger, and made the trip with his wife (who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant) and their 3-year-old son. “When we arrived, there was another gentleman standing there waiting to buy it if I didn’t,” said Larry.
Luckily, his friend gave Larry first right of refusal, and the deal was made. “I drove the car home that day with my 3-year-old,” said Larry. “I think I still owe my wife something for this deal.”
After getting home with a new car purchase, most will create a checklist of things to review, as well as possible changes. Larry’s first task was to find out if the Charger could do a burnout. “It turned those 14-inch tires with no problem,” he said.
“Next thing you know, a new radiator, electronic ignition, 15-inch tires and wheels, 4-barrel carb and intake was on it. Then one day I decided to do something with the rusty trunk and floor pans, and it ended up in a body shop.”
Three years after the car hit the body shop in 2002, it was returned to Larry and his family. By 2006, a new air conditioning system, front wheel disc brakes and a new interior had been added to complement the refinished exterior.
Seventeen years later, Larry embarked on his first drag-and-drive, Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes. “I was attracted to the idea of being able to race the car, and then put it on the road and drive like no one ever knew it just put down a track for a time slip,” said Larry.
The full-weight 1969 Dodge Charger with a stock 383 cubic inch engine tips the scales at just north of 4,200 pounds, so while Larry may not have broken any records on Sick Summer, he did have goals, and one strict instruction.
“The only stipulation from the wife was do not break the car,” said Larry. “My goal was to finish the week, get to meet new friends, learn how to improve the car, and to comfortably put down the track.”
Based on his results, Larry accomplished his goals. The Charger completed the week, finishing with an average of 16.01 and a best time slip of 15.51 at 91 mph on the final day at Cordova Dragway.
“The best man from my wedding 28 years ago was my co-pilot for the week,” said Larry. “The route was beautiful and the roads were great.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Larry Brickey.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com