Taking a 1934 Ford on the Ultimate Road Trip, as Drag-and-Drive First-Timers Take on Sick Week
With the expansion of more drag-and-drive events for 2023 than ever before, record numbers of new competitors are jumping into the street car proving grounds that is a drag-and-drive event.
One of the many first-time participants at the 2023 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive was Scott and Kelly Mueller, who brought their 1934 Ford 3 window coupe from New York to Florida.
The build of this unique Hot Rod started in 1987, and after Scott completed the work, it was topped off with the paint job the car still wears in 1993. It saw many a car show, but then the Mueller’s had a change of heart.
“Glenn Hunter convinced him to race it,” according to Kelly, and the Ford started to make laps on the drag strip.
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The next step was the Mueller’s deciding to participate on a drag-and-drive event. “Our friends who have done it before said it was non-stop action,” said Kelly. “They were exactly correct. We felt it was a road rally meets drag
racing, and it was a challenge we had to accept.”
Despite racing the car several times, Kelly stated they were very nervous about going into Sick Week. “All of the unknown,” she admitted. “But once it began and we found our groove, we felt right at home.”
To power the Ford to 8-second time slips, Scott chose a 406 cubic inch small block Chevrolet engine, sporting a large 8.3L Whipple supercharger and a Hilborn Big and Ugly EFI system powered by Big Stuff 3. The EFI system allows the Mueller’s to use E-85 for racing and standard pump gas for cruising.
A Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission and Gear Vendors Overdrive back the powerful small block, and a narrowed Ford 9” rear allows for the Hoosier 33-inch-tall x 18.5-inch-wide DOT tires.
Because of the car having a roll cage that was certified to 8.50, Scott had to slow the car down to stay on the safe side of 8.50. Clocking an 8-second pass at every stop, with a best of 8.58 on day three at South Georgia Motorsports Park, the Ford coupe averaged an 8.68 to place fourth in the Unlimited class and complete it’s very first drag-and-drive event.
“We had a singular goal for Sick Week,” said Kelly. “To complete the event without being eaten by an alligator.”
“The experiences were not anything we anticipated,” Kelly continued. “We met people from all over the world who have the same love for the sport as we do. The camaraderie we witnessed was second to none. Strangers treating you as family offering assistance in any way possible was a wonderful take away.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine.