Building on His 2023 Sick Ward Experience, Will Lagerman Stepped to the Next Level in His ’68 Camaro for Sick Week 2024
After experiencing his first drag-and-drive as part of the Sick Ward crew on Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive in 2023, Will Lagerman completed the event with his clean 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.
Although he had a few last-minute things to accomplish, the Florida native survived the 900-plus miles of driving over five days alongside hundreds of Sick Week and Sick Ward enthusiasts, including fellow Floridians Justin and Amber Chestnut.
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Last year’s Sick Ward participation as part of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive must have made an impression, because when 2024 rolled around, Will made the decision to become a competitor for the first time at the 2024 edition of Sick Week.
The Camaro’s engine used to be completely concealed by the cowl induction hood, but a massive 6-71 supercharger in place for 2024 required a new hood with a cutout for all of it to fit.
With the 383 cubic inch stroker small block making a good bit of power, Will decided to slide a built Powerglide 2-speed transmission behind it, and also changed from the previous 18-inch diameter Torq-Thrust wheels to a set of Billet Specialties Street Lite wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson rubber.
Will jumped into the Dial-Your Own class, and on day one at Orlando ‘Sick’ World Dragway produced a 12.37 at 118 mph pass. Unfortunately for him, the Chestnuts had problems on day one and bowed out of competition, leaving Will to complete the week on his own.
A 12.49 at just 104 mph on day two at his home track of Bradenton Motorsports Park might’ve been a bit concerning, but Will and girlfriend Irene Manchester packed up and made tracks to Gainesville Raceway for day three. It was here that we saw the Camaro’s potential, as Will laid down his best pass of the week, an 11.62, and he called it good and headed north for Thursday’s track of choice, South Georgia Motorsports Park.
SGMP found the Camaro back in the 12-second range once again, with a 12.78 at 119 mph being Will’s time slip to turn in. That would lead to the longest drive of the week, and a return to Orlando ‘Sick’ World Dragway.
Could Will complete his second-straight Sick Week, and first one as a competitor? The answer came 12.46 seconds after he left the starting line, giving him a 12.34 average. “The drag-and-drive deal is awesome and a big family different than others,” said Will. “When the car breaks, you find a way to hold it together and get to the next track.”
Will this first drag racing experience lead to more events for the Army man? We’ll have to wait and see.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of BME Photography, Will Lagerman and Irene Manchester.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com