This Mercury and Its Owner Cruised into Their First Drag-And-Drive at Sick Summer
The increasing popularity of the drag-and-drive event scene has brought hundreds of people into the fold to try it for the first time. From casual spectators, to racers in other series or types of racing, hearing about first timers is becoming the norm rather than the exception.
One of the nearly 140 first-time competitors that attended Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes was Matt Miller, and although Sick Summer signaled his first drag-and-drive to participate in, it wasn’t his first exposure to the combination of proving a vehicle and driver on the road and track for multiple days.
“I have followed the drag-and-drive scene since the start of Hot Rod Drag Week, so I have a pretty good understanding of how they work,” said Matt. “It's time to put the rubber to the road, and I was so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in an event like this.”
Although Matt already owns a potent seven-second pick-up, he decided to go a different route in his approach to Sick Summer, wheeling a 1978 Mercury Zephyr. “What attracted me to the Mercury Zephyr was its one of those cars that's both unique, but a Fox Body (Mustang chassis design) at the same time,” said Matt. “I love that boxy style of Ford cars.”
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Matt purchased the car four years ago, but hadn’t used it as much as he might have wanted. But with the announcement of Sick Summer, Matt made immediate plans to add some miles, as well as some drag strip passes, to the Zephyr.
“What's not to like about a drag-and-drive event that's in my backyard,” he said. “It doesn't get any better than that, plus it may be the only drag-and-drive event for me this year. It's hard when you have two little children at home and a very demanding job.”
To handle the workload at Sick Summer, the Mercury packed a 5.3-liter LS swap, fortified with a Tick Performance camshaft, a Holley intake, and a Holley HP EFI to control everything.
Matt gapped the rings to better handle the boost from the single turbocharger setup, and backed the engine with a Ford Top loader 4-speed manual. Matt employed a Ford 8.8-inch rear end with a spool, 35-spline axles, and 3.55 gears to round out the package.
Matt entered the Stick Shift class, and the Mercury delivered a quartet of 13-second passes, the final day being the best one at 13.27 at 108 mph, to result in a 13.50 average. “The car is likely way faster than I can run per NHRA rules, and I am okay with that,” Matt said. “My goal was to just get through the entire event without breakdowns.”
Now with his first event complete with friend Erik Nerenz in the passenger seat, Matt is considering his options for his next event. “The drag-and-drive idea appeals to me because of the comrade that goes along with it, and the people in general,” said Matt.
The debate is to bring back the Mercury, or compete with his pick-up next time. But Matt notes that next time he embarks on a drag-and-drive, his wife will join him.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Matt Miller.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com