Auto enthusiasts can be drawn to a particular vehicle for several reasons. It could be the styling, the power, the handling, or even the chance to fulfill a dream of owning one when you couldn’t earlier in life. But then there’s cars and trucks with history, or a family connection, and the bonds and memories created with these rides can be some powerful ones.

The 1968 Mercury Cougar of Josh Dowies has a sixteen-year history in his family starting when his father bought the car for his mother to drive. “She always wanted to have a little hot rod to cruise around,” said Josh. She passed away back in 2017, and the car sat until 2022, when Josh bought it. “Getting to build this car has been as much for me, as it has been for my mom and in memory of my mom."

On a special anniversary, some couples might choose to give each other special gifts, renew their vows, and even take a special trip. For Bridget and Jason Morris, they chose to spend her twentieth anniversary by participating in Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks in Bridget's 2006 Pontiac GTO.

Nick Cole-Mann, the first LS H-pattern stick shift in the sixes in January last year, set his sights for 2024 on the overall record. A month ago, the twin-turbo `91 Chevrolet S-10 pick-up clocked a 6.64 at 209 mph. “The only thing that separates me and that number one spot is a warmer race track,” Cole-Mann stated. Today, that track appeared.

In its regular street trim, you wouldn’t think twice about this Cadillac CTS-V. But the twin-turbo stick shift ride has already established a solid first drag-and-drive showing with very quick potential.

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.