Six Shooter – Taking a Different Approach to Drive and Drive with a '96 Beretta
There are drag-and-drive participants that attend the events for the memories, the good times with fellow fans, and making miles and laps with their vehicles.
There are some that are more dedicated than others as well, and when some would pack it in and head for home, some would change an engine and press on.
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After working at a circle track for several years, as well as racing a very unique car, Jonathan Chmura made the leap to a drag-and-drive at the 2021 edition of Hot Rod Drag Week. “It's a test of what you've built with your own hands, and a test for yourself to see if you can keep up the pace,” said Jonathan.
That test started right away, as the engine expired on day one. But despite being out of competition, Jonathan still swapped a different engine into the ’96 Beretta, and completed the final three days, with a 15.51 best run from the three tracks he was able to visit.
It must have made an impression, as Jonathan came back for 2022, where he not only completed the event, but averaged 12.21 thanks to a best lap of 12.09 on the final day.
That fueled Jonathan to take the time to visit Hot Rod Drag Week for a third time, where he recorded his first 11-second average, an 11.90, with an 11.77 at 113 mph run on day two. “I've always enjoyed the event, even in 2021 when I had to swap my engine,” he said “I don't know why the constant torture is enjoyed, but it just is.”
The unique Beretta Z26 is powered by a 3400 V-6 engine from a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Jonathan removed the stock bits for Diamond forged pistons, SCAT forged H-Beam connecting rods, a nitrided crankshaft, and 3500 ported cylinder heads from Larry's Auto Machine.
A WOT-Tech/Comp Cams camshaft makes the valvetrain dance, and ARP hardware holds everything together. A new for 2024 nitrous system is on the table, with a 200-horsepower Direct Port NOS System with NX Fuel SAFE system and a NOS Progressive nitrous controller as well.
The transmission is a 4T60E-HD overdrive automatic that feeds the 3.29 gear ratio GM Performance Torsen HD Differential. The Beretta still maintains a full interior, stereo, power windows, air conditioning and cruise control.
“I also enjoy being able to represent for the car and platform since it's a very unique and rare sight in the drag-and-drive community,” Jonathan stated of the Beretta. “Since 2008, I’ve driven my car to every Beretta Fest event that we've held, and at most of those events there was a drag strip trip included, so I always wanted to be the fastest car there that drove to and from the event. Very similar to the drag-and-drive deal, but only one event.
It's become more and more impressive with my group since I'm now running elevens, and still driving my car to the events. Especially when people with even stock vehicles are now trailering them to the event in fear that something may break, and they typically don't participate in racing if we have a track for our event.”
For 2024, it’s no surprise that Jonathan will return to Drag Week. “For one its the 20th anniversary year for the event,” he said. “It’s the only one that falls on a week that I can attend, and doesn't conflict with my other Beretta event obligations by being too close to that vacation. Being the only IT staff where I work, when I am absent it's a big deal so I try to spread out my time off.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Jonathan Chmura.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com