This Turbocharged Dart is a 35-Year Therapy Session
Cars can be so much more than just means to get somewhere. Sometimes they speak to us, mellow us, give us a chance to unwind from what life throws our way.
For Chris Thompson, a 1968 Dodge Dart has become the result of a dream. And at times, a distraction from what he faces in his daily life.
“I had a dream to do Hot Rod Drag Week,” Thompson said. And after owning this Dart since the age of 14, Thompson decided it was time to put the dream into motion.
After participating in Hot Rod Drag Week in 2015 through 2017 in other rides, Thompson decided to focus on bringing his Dart to the event.
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“My buddy and I put this car together in 10 months to try and make Drag Week in 2018,” he admits.
The Dart was transformed from a mild street car to a twin-turbocharged monster, packing a 436 cubic inch small block Mopar with a pair of Comp 67 millimeter bear bearing turbochargers, and Holley EFI to control it all. A Protrans Torqueflight 727 transmission and Dice converter sends the power rearward to a converted back-half chassis wearing beadlocked Weld Wheels and Mickey Thompson slicks to put the power down.
They unfortunately missed the goal of attending in 2018. But instead of rushing the dream, Thompson pulled back and spent the next three years getting the car sorted out for a 2021 debut instead.
Competing in the Modified Power Adder class at the 2021 Hot Rod Drag Week event, the back-half chassis Dart started the week with a 9.71 pass. But Thompson and the Dart continued to improve at each stop, ultimately ending the week with an 8.74 at 155 mph pass, and an average of 9.07 for fifth in class.
Thompson next turned his focus to making the 2023 Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, but after getting registered, his plans changed. “My wife ended up in the hospital,” said Thompson. “It was an honor to be picked, and I hope to make it next time.”
Even though he didn’t start 2023 at Sick Week, Thompson didn’t have to wait long to get the Dart to the track, making an appearance at the recent Roadkill Nights at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and capturing the win in the Big Tire class.
His next goal is to make a return to Hot Rod Drag Week this year, aiming for time slips in the 7-second zone. “It’s the ultimate challenge for the car and driver,” Thompson admits of drag-and-drive events. “Plus you spend so much time in the car, and the roadside shenanigans is the best part.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Chris Thompson.