This Wheelstanding Chevelle Was Built to Survive and Thrive in Drag-and-Drive Competition

Classic sheet metal, undisturbed body lines, the polished and anodized trim remains, and old-school big block power can be a recipe for a cool ride to enjoy in a plethora of avenues.

For Geoff Dugopolski, his combination comes together in a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle that flexes low 10-second potential, drag-and-drive reliability, and class-winning pedigree.


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When Geoff started out at Hot Rod Drag Week, it was in a 1978 Chevrolet Malibu, a “rusty junky” Malibu in his words. “After getting into Hot Rod Magazine’s coverage two times with my Malibu, I thought I should try something nicer,” said Geoff, although the search for a replacement started with a discussion about a boat. “A friend of mine bought a boat from a gentleman, and told me the guy inherited it, along with a house, and was selling it all,” said Geoff.

Turns out part of the inheritance was a really nice ’66 Chevelle, and information was exchanged. “I called the guy, and went and looked at the car,” said Geoff. “It was a garage kept, all original 40,000-mile old lady Chevelle. I had to have it. After upping my price seven times, the guy still wouldn’t sell.”

But one year to the day later, Geoff got a call about the Chevelle asking if his original offer was still in play. “It was, and I bought the car that day,” said Geoff.  

With his new car acquired, Geoff drew up a plan for the classic Chevy. “I decided to build the car specifically for Hot Rod Drag Week,” he said. “But also keeping it as stock as possible, but still fast.” That meant the 283 cubic inch small block would have to go, and after a few different combinations have sat between the frame rails, Geoff has now decided on a 427 cubic inch small block.

Built on a Dart SHP block foundation, the potent mouse motor houses flat top pistons for pump gas use, a used camshaft from fellow drag-and-drive competitor Mark Sussino, AFR 220 cc cylinder heads with Scorpion roller rockers, and a Nitrous Oxide Systems single plate kit for some extra motivation.

The original 2-speed Powerglide was replaced with a Turbo 400 3-speed automatic, and a Moser 9-inch rear end with a drive-friendly 3.10 gear set completes the driveline.

Part of Geoff’s sciencing out of the driveline has included some victories along the way. “After trying to win (Hot Rod Drag Week Street Machine Eliminator class) in 2013 by hitting the brakes every pass to run 11.50 (due to lack of a roll bar / safety equipment), Larry Larson put in the roll bar in 2014,” said Geoff.

That led to a class victory in 2021, but Geoff wasn’t given the chance to back it up in 2022 when Hot Rod Drag Week was rained out on the final day.

The 2023 edition of Hot Rod Drag Week found Geoff getting into the top 32 cars in Street Machine Eliminator, thanks to a best pass of 10.132 at 132 mph leading to an average of 10.46.

That earned him a chance to compete for a fourth title, but unfortunately Geoff exited competition in round one. “I’ll be back in 2024, shooting for that fourth victory,” said Geoff.

Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Geoff Dugopolski.

If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com

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