From a Spectator to Participating in His First Drag-and-Drive in 2023, Jack Brooks is Ready to Raise the Bar in 2024 With a 7-Second Capable Nova
As a past motocross racer, Jack Brooks was never in short supply of energy and focus. It’s a requirement in that sport; split-second timing is key.
So, when Jack decided to make the switch from two wheels to four and join the drag-and-drive community in 2023, the same energy and focus was in place to tackle his first event with this 1964 Chevy Nova.
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“I am very competitive with my own self and trying to better my talents and skills daily,” Jack said. “Drag-and-drive events are demanding and competitive in a way that pushes a competitor to try new things, and just get out and drive your car.
I also love the camaraderie amongst the drag-and-drive competitors. Everyone wants to see each other hit the personal best, or make it to that next city and track.”
With only spectator experience at drag races, Jack enrolled at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to obtain his National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competition driver license. With the license to run single-digit passes, now Jack needed a ride for Hot Rod Drag Week 2023. He rolled into South Carolina with the ‘64 Nova known as ‘DirtNasty.’
Packing patina and potential, the Nova is motivated by an aluminum 5.3-liter LS with forged internals in the short block, including a Compstar crankshaft, Molnar Power Adder connecting rods, Wiseco Diamond Coated pistons and a Bullet Racing camshaft for boosted applications. Johnson roller lifters work with PRC cylinder heads, and a Shearer HiRam Cooler tops it all off.
A pair of Precision 62/66-millimeter turbos provide the boost, and all the resulting power funnels through a Turbo 400 transmission with a PTC torque converter. The chromoly chassis carries a SFI 6.0-second set, and a full array of carbon fiber in the interior.
The Nova still employs stock-style suspension, with a Smith Racecraft bolt-on subframe sits up front to axe the shock towers and drop some weight, while out back are a pair of Calvert Racing Split-Mono leaf springs and Assassin Bars. Afco shocks are at the corners.
Although Jack faced some difficulties, he was able to complete Hot Rod Drag Week. “My co-pilot and I faced many adversities with the car,” said Jack. “But we finished the week in eighth place in the Ultimate Iron Category. My first drag-and-drive experience was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding events I have every been a part of.”
The Nova got quicker as the week progressed, clocking a best of 8.16 at 173 mph on day five at Darlington Dragway.
After his initial success, Jack will step up his involvement for the 2024 season. He’ll get his start at Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, followed by Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks, and then a return to Hot Rod Drag Week.
“The biggest challenge for me will be learning the happy medium of full out on the race track, and knowing the car has to make a long drive shortly after the pass is made” Jack said of his biggest challenge for this year. “My tuner likes the up arrow and doesn't say 'no’ to me questioning more boost. When you have two people who like to party with speed, power and boost, it can get crazy really quick.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Jack Brooks.
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