While some are able to hang on to their first car, others can’t for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s tough decisions that force the sale, or a willingness to move on to a different ride, a person’s first car will reflect on them. In the case of Tor Nupen, remembering his first car, combined with wanting to participate in a drag-and-drive, led him to this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle.

“I’ve had cars since I was 16 years old,” said Tor. “My first car was a ‘69 big block Chevelle. I’ve mostly street raced. and did some small tire 10.5-inch tire racing at my local tracks. With raising kids, and having responsibilities the car was sold.”

Nor didn’t forget that Chevelle, and although he didn’t buy that one back, it had an effect on him, and the ’68 Chevelle he now owns. “I’ve wanted to do a Hot Rod Drag Week ever since David Freiburger started it. My biggest goal and challenge is to complete a drag-and-drive with a car that my sons and I built.”

For Rick and Jacki Steinke, they’ve been around the drag-and-drive scene for quite a while, and although both have done well behind the wheel, Rick’s 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle 4-door is the more well-known ride.

The Chevelle has been absent from the drag-and-drive scene in 2024, but the classic Chevy known as ‘Honk If Parts Fall Off’ will be hunting for a top spot on the upcoming Edelbrock Sick 66 event next month.

It’s among the most gut wrenching things a car enthusiast can experience when your ride is stolen. Advancements in GPS tracking and theft deterrents have made a dent to bring the numbers down to an extent, but thousand of thefts still happen. And although a recent theft during a drag-and-drive event didn’t have a 100-percent happy ending, the car was recovered thanks to the efforts of the car community and social media at large.

“Any idea how many times people have towed a car to tech, having never driven it, and made the week still? It’ll see the street for the first time in probably 20 years on the drive to Cordova on Monday.” Quotes like this on a just-finished vehicle gives you an idea you’re in for an epic week!

The first West Coast event of the season was completed with the inaugural Olympic Drag n Drive wrapping up on Sunday June 2nd. Utilizing Bremerton Raceway in Port Orchard, Washington for racing activities on Friday and Sunday, with a drive day in-between, winners were crowned in four classes yesterday.

I’m ready to be spending more time enjoying the car; the challenge of a drag-and-drive, and hanging out with like minded folks.

“I had the traditional small block engine in a ’72 El Camino. It got old, and we wanted to do something different.”

“I had wanted for some years to do a drag-and-drive. The first Sick Week, being close to home, really sparked a desire. So when this Chevelle was offered to me, I decided to do Sick Week 2024 with it.”