Students of the Game – A Father and Son Study at Sick Week to Make Their Station Wagon Survive Sick Summer
There’s lots of ways to be successful, especially if you take time to develop a solid plan. Granted, we have seen several people through the twenty years of drag-and-drive competition survive with last minute thrashes and no testing, and some even win their classes.
But the father-son team of Steven and A.J. Lloyd took a prepared approach for their first drag-and-drive appearance at the recent Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks.
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“I went to Sick Week at Orlando to learn what to expect on the drive,” said father Steven. “Talked to the Mickey Thompson tire people, along with the VP Racing Fuel reps. Reached out to many competitors in various classes to educate ourself on what to expect for Sick Summer.”
With that knowledge in hand, Steven and son Anthony ‘A.J.’ got their Sunburnt Orange 1980 Chevrolet Malibu wagon ready for battle. The eye-grabbing paint color choice was one of only two things the Lloyds didn’t do in house, building the wagon themselves 20 years ago.
Powered by a big block 468 cubic inch Chevrolet engine, a Turbo 400 3-speed transmission and Buick Grand National 10-bolt rear end with 3.73 gearing rounds out the driveline.
Choosing Sick Summer as their first drag-and-drive gave the father and son duo an chance to experience a cool event from their home state of Illinois. “What a week,” said A.J. “First ever drag-and-drive experience. It was a blast; definitely looking forward to doing it again.
“We set a goal of completing the drive and running 11-second times, and the car and crew completed that. 750-plus miles and an 11.89 average. Not bad for a true street car with no power adders; Just a good old fashioned big block.”
The week also introduced them to some new friends, and created the opportunity to stage some ‘fun runs’ against a fellow classic Chevrolet owner.
“Met so many good people,” A.J. said. “Got to meet Jamieson DuRette and Arthur Webster, who had the wildest electric El Camino I believe anyone has seen. Truly a great time hanging with those guys all week.”
The ‘gas versus electric’ battle happened a few times during the week, and just added another great feature to what was already a solid outing.
“What a blessing to see all our friends and family at all the different tracks,” said Steven. “As the shirt says, the hardest vacation you will ever take. Truly an awesome time. Hopefully next year we will be able to do this again. To our competitors, you’re more of a family then competitors.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine, 1320 Video and Steven / A.J. Lloyd.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com