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.

Unless rules dictate otherwise, it’s becoming more common to see turbochargers at the top of the drag-and-drive playing field. Now, granted there are plenty of supercharged and nitrous-assisted hot rods as well, and even a few quick naturally-aspirated combinations. It wasn’t much of a surprise to see a majority of the top ten spots on the recent Edelbrock Sick 66 going to turbo entries, but looking a little closer reveal some parity.

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.

One year ago, at Sick Powerfest Powered by Dodge and M1 Concourse, we saw Chris Mills in a clean, black 1968 Plymouth Road Runner that finished third in the burnout competition. Now, Chris returns to M1 Concourse with a new car and a new plan.

Last year, we saw Adam and Jason Kelley hit the ground at Sick Powerfest Presented by Dodge and M1 Concourse with a pair of Ford F100 pick-up trucks and a 3rd-generation Camaro. This year, they will bring two new burnout vehicles that we didn’t get to see last year to defend their title!

“I can’t think of a better way to do a trial run of the route for this fall’s Edelbrock Sick 66 event. We will definitely be having an adventure driving back to Missouri.”

The 2023 edition of Sick Week had an impression on Sick Ward participant Will Lagerman, as one year later, he made the decision to become a competitor for the first time.