When mentioning power adders, there are a ton of choices in today’s market. But when it comes to superchargers, one made quite the impression with turn-key systems for Ford engines back in the 1990s, and that was Vortech Engineering. Since that start of the business, they’ve added more power to a lot of rides, and now it’s becoming just as common to see Vortech units on 7-second and 8-second rides as the thousands of fun street cars and daily drivers on the road today.

After being in business for about a decade, Vortech purchased the owner’s former employer’s business, Paxton Superchargers, and added it to the Vortech portfolio. Today, Vortech’s expanded offerings with Paxton onboard means well over 100 different kits are available.

Participants of a drag-and-drive event (or multiple events) will tell you: there is just something about getting out there and accomplishing a ‘must-do’ or a ‘bucket list’ item. We’ve heard tons of reasons why people decide to make the commitment to do a drag-and-drive, but for Brian Rowlison, it was about making the most of a second chance.

Throughout history, it’s been shown that certain racers work harder, test more or spend more money to win in heads up drag racing. You can have a class where a lot is mandated or controlled, and still there are going to be those that run quicker than others.

Some are tested and ready days, or even weeks in advance for this week’s Sick Summer event, while others are still busting their knuckles to make the 1 p.m. deadline to arrive in tech line to be able to compete. From last-minute turn signal wiring, to pulling out a transmission with the final hours ticking away, this is what we’ve seen on last minute work to get into competition.

“The people are awesome, and end up becoming like family. There's room for all kinds of vehicles, and there's no better test of man and machine.”

“Drag-and-drives combines the best of both worlds. It also is a very like family-oriented event; everyone helps one another even though they may be competing against another it gives it a ‘small track’ kind of feel to it.”

“It’s funny to think about this car starting at Pump Gas Drags with twin superchargers and an FE big block. Now it’s all-motor time.”

Although there are hundreds of reputable engine builders, unless you are aiming for a restricted racing class or have specific needs, crate engines are a great choice for a street or strip build.

Recently, a pair of stick shift performances, one by a drag-and-drive competitor, as well as a Cadillac nearing the 6-second zone, got our attention from a test session in Michigan.

“In the meantime, my dad had so much fun at Drag Week in 2019, that we started building a gasser for him afterwards. “

“The 2022 Sick Week was my first time down the track in my whole life. It hooked me, and now I look forward to it every year!”