Thirty Days Notice - Checking Up On Sick The Magazine’s Chevy Gasser Wagon and Its New Owner
From the initial purchase, to completing its first drag-and-drive at Sick Summer presented by TBM Brakes, the Sick the Magazine ’57 Chevy gasser wagon got a lot of attention.
Then it was announced it would be given away, and after a lot of interest and entries, Jason DeFelice was announced as the lucky winner of the classic gasser. What’s happened to the ’57 Chevy since Jason took possession?
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“I heard about the giveaway through the (Tom Bailey) YouTube channel,” said Jason. “I bought the embroidered hoodie, not even thinking I would win. I actually watched an update video where Tom was saying they were waiting to hear from the winner.
I thought to myself ‘geez, someone won and doesn't even know it.’ To my surprise, I got the final follow up call the next morning, saying I won and it was my last chance to claim my prize. I work nights and don't always check my phone at work!”
After making contact and getting details sorted, Tom offered to bring the ’57 Chevy to the start of Death Week, since Jason lived nearby in Tucson, Arizona.
“I asked if the offer still stood that the winner could compete (in Death Week),” Jason said. “He said ‘sure, if you're that crazy.’ I agreed, made plans, and my buddy and I set off to Phoenix.”
So now the delivery would include a ticket for Jason to participate on Death Week. “Tom informed me about some things with the car,” said Jason. “I made what I thought was a solid plan to do a 2,000-mile drag-and-drive event in a car I never drove.”
A few changes were made to the car, including a rear gear set swap, and Jason headed off to the first checkpoint of the day on Saturday October 21st. “The first real drive was when we headed out of Phoenix to the first check point,” Jason admitted. “It was awesome.”
The next day had Death Week landing at Barona Drag Strip, and Jason found his first stint of trouble. “The end of day two leaving Barona we started having issues,” he said. “We lost the fuel pump on I-5 outside of Encinitas, California. Got it to a hotel, and chased down parts to get it running. It was then I realized we were just too unprepared for the complete trip.”
So, after making the necessary repairs, Jason guided the ’57 wagon home to Tucson. But he wasn’t done with Death Week yet. “I got my other car, and Tuesday morning headed out to meet back up with everyone and finish Death Week out,” Jason said.
The 2016 Corvette C7 covered the distance to catch up to the group on the Las Vegas leg of the journey. “We enjoyed the rest of the trip, finished up in Phoenix, gave Tom my thanks once again and told them I would see them next time. I have a huge respect for all the groups that finished. Truly a once in a lifetime trip.”
Reflecting on the 30-ish days he’s spent with the ’57 Chevy, Jason is enjoying the car, having won Best in Show at a recent car show, and planning some future plans for it.
“I will continue to work on the car, get it ready to run at the track at the end of December, and prep for route Sick 66 in October next year,” he said. “The car is truly special. All the paint, stickers and wear give it a personality and story. I love being able to tell people all about it.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine and Jason DeFelice.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com