It’s not uncommon to hear stories from enthusiasts and racing competitors on drawing inspiration from their parents, their friends, and even fellow enthusiasts on why they choose to participate in car activities.

The inspiration for this fresh drag-and-drive build of Steve Haefner came from another Oldsmobile Cutlass, one that had attendees at the Performance and Racing Industry (PRI) show doing a double take.

“I can’t lie; VP Racing’s Jason Rueckert car is what made me choose the G-body, and specifically the Oldsmobile,” said Haefner. Although the general stance, color and twin-turbo power are very close, Haefner’s ride has a few noticeable differences, including a drag-and-drive focus.

As the drag-and-drive world continues to gain steam with more events and bigger performances, there are a small group of people that are doing their part to bring a little more attention to the community.

One of them is Bryant Goldstone, a competitor that has re-written the record book in the Ultimate Iron / Unlimited Iron classes with a 1973 AMC Javelin that’s become a staple at drag-and-drive events.

Today at the Performance and Racing Industry (PRI) show in Indianapolis, Bryant pulled the cover off his newest effort for drag-and-drive in 2025.

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.”

It’s not uncommon to see racers cross over into a drag-and-drive event from other forms of racing, including grudge racing, heads-up class and even bracket and index racing. Even some no-prep racers have made the jump to drag-and-drive.

But Allen Thompson will go a step further as he looks to rebuild his no-prep car to get it ready for next year’s Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.

After only a few people have entered the 7-second zone naturally aspirated in drag-and-drive events, ‘Fast Eddie’ Ensor definitely opened up the conversation at Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes in 2023.

Completing the week with a 7.53 average, along with a best single pass of 7.46 at 184 mph, Ensor set the record for Naturally Aspirated classes, and 2024 shows he’s coming for more.

Bob Ruppel's drag-and-drive experience was solidified on his Hot Rod Drag Week. "I'm a competitive person, so even when things are going wrong, I try to push through it all. When my second ever drag-and-drive event required a short block swap in a checkpoint parking lot 800 miles from home, and you're with like minded car people, anything seems possible."
What story will he tell from this year's Hot Rod Drag Week?

After a successful drag-and-drive debut at Hot Rod Drag Week in 2023, Jack Brooks looked to continue his drag-and-drive adventure at this year’s Sick Week and Sick Summer. Neither panned out as he wanted, so it was back to the drawing board, and a bunch of changes, to plot his return to Hot Rod Drag Week.

The father-son team of Steven and A.J. Lloyd recently completed their first drag-and-drive appearance at Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks with the family 1980 Chevy Malibu wagon. Not only are they plotting a second appearance in 2025, but a new ride to do it.

This ‘69 Chevrolet Camaro might be rare with its Australian heritage and right-hand-drive layout. But that doesn’t mean it won’t lay down a solid burnout!

2024 has been epic for Sick the Magazine - we’ve done two great events - Sick Week and Sick Summer - and done three vehicle giveaways. But we’re not even close to done for the year, and here’s our next vehicle giveaway: this 1962 Chevy II Gasser!

Although some look at cars and trucks as mere transportation, others look at them as part of the family. When Travis Fathi purchased this 1983 Chevrolet Malibu wagon from friend John Barton, the purchase came with a promise. “Before John passed away, I promised him that it would always be old school, a big block street rod.” It keeps that promise into 2024, but with some updates.

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!

With the increase in the number of drag-and-drive events in the last three years, it’s becoming more commonplace to see competitors at more than one event during a calendar year. There are several that have made their mark in the drag-and-drive world, and one of the top ones is Bryant Goldstone.