This ProCharged 1969 Pontiac Will Compete in First Drag-and-Drive Event at Sick Week in 2024
After proving itself on the street and the track, this 1969 Pontiac Custom S will make the jump to the drag-and-drive competition at the 2024 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.
After being purchased by his father in 1977 at the age of 15, Chad Baxley’s father passed this storied Pontiac to him and his brother, and they’ve been making memories with it ever since.
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Built as part of the popular Tempest / Lemans / GTO line-up, the Custom S moves under pure Pontiac power in the form of a Kauffman Racing all-aluminum 482 cubic inch bullet that was assembled by Chad and his father.
To boost the power output, a F-2 ProCharger supercharger was added to the mix, and it shoves the additional air through a Holley Sniper EFI system.
A Gibco Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission passes the supercharged ponies reward to a Fab 9-inch rear end with stock-type 4-link suspension and shock locations, allowing the Pontiac to participate in a plethora of classes.
Chad admits the drag-and-drive deal is all new to him, but is looking forward to being on Sick Week. “My goal for 2024 on drag-and-drive events is to complete Sick Week,” said Chad. “We have no experience with drag and drive.
We are street and track racers, so getting to the race spot and Sonic cruises has been what we have always done. I truly believe we are pretty good at the race car thing. I think the biggest challenge will be away from the track, on the many hours of road tripping.”
Because the Pontiac has a long history with the family, it seems correct that the family will write a new chapter together on Sick Week. “I will actually be co-piloting with my dad, and I wouldn't have it any other way,” said Chad. “As much as he wants me to drive the car again, it's just proven he is the better driver, and I enjoy tuning and crew chiefing the cars more!”
Chad and his dad will be joined by Chad’s 14-year-old daughter Brookelyn. “She is more excited than anyone about this trip,” said Chad. “She will be security for the snacks in the back seat too.”
Although there’s potential pitfalls of doing a drag-and-drive for the first time, Chad is trying to look at the positives as well. “The biggest appeal to me about drag-and-drive is being able to enjoy the car we work so hard on and spend so much money on, for more the 5 seconds at a time we race eighth-mile on,” he said. “It’s also enjoying quality time with my soon retiring father and my daughter.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Chad Baxley.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com