A Man of Many Builds – Just When You Think You Know What Car the Nelson Family is Racing, They Switch It Up – And They’ll Have Two New Builds at Sick Week 2026!
Drag and drive events can feature a solid mix of rides, as everything from purpose-built class leaders to daily drivers can fill the staging lanes. And it’s not just performances that determines a turnout, as the variety of makes and models can also get interesting, unusual and even elicit ‘I wonder if that will survive the week?’
When we first saw Calvin and Andrew Nelson on the 2023 edition of Sick Week presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, it was in a 1959 Volvo running in the Sick Week Freaks class. Although the car didn’t survive the week, the 9-second performance put the Nelsons in line for future successes, and the father and son team is returning for Sick Week with a pair of interesting rides, although the thrash is on to complete them!
The 2026 edition of Gear Vendors Overdrive Sick Week, February 1st through 7th, is less than 2 weeks away!!! Don’t miss the chance to see frontrunner Tom Bailey, Jeff Lutz, Stefan Gustafsson, Bryant Goldstone, Brett LaSala, Josh Davis, Randy Seward, Bob Gruber, and many more looking for a class win, while trying to survive over 900 street miles of driving through Florida and South Georgia! Get your spectator tickets now and save some coin, or join the Sick Ward - CLICK HERE for more info on Sick Week!
After the 2025 edition of Sick Summer presented by Motion Raceworks results, where Calvin scored the win in the Sick Week Freaks class with a 9.07 average, and father Andrew finished with a respectable 10.80 average in the DYO (Dial Your Own) class, we thought we might see those cars return for Sick Week. But Calvin has other ideas, despite their time crunch.
“We built the (first drag and drive car) Volvo from ‘about to be crushed’ to full on 6.50 cert race car in 4 months to the day,” said Calvin. “One thing is safe to assume. We almost never build the same car twice and when we do it's completely different from the last.”
For this year’s Sick Week presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, Calvin will roll out a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro, while Andrew will aim to complete the week in a 1983 Ford Fairmont Futura. Although the two models of car are not unique, the driveline combination to complete them is.
“After I got my white with red interior Fairmont, he almost immediately wanted to get his own White with red interior Fairmont,” said Calvin of Andrew’s car of choice. “So, he did. We have a few cars in common. He has a 4th-gen Camaro, I have a 4th-gen Camaro. I used to have a Studebaker Lark (it was stolen). He used to have a Studebaker Lark.”
After acquiring the Fairmont, Andrew decided to ditch the original Ford combination for a Nissan VK56de engine platform. With the lone modifications to the engine being a set of upgraded oil pump gears, Snake Eater injectors, and a Forced Performance 80/82-millimeter turbo, Monkey Fab got the call to help out on the necessary turbo piping.
They backed the mill with a Turbo 400 transmission with a Circle D converter, and used a C3 Performance adapter kit to mate it up to the engine. A Ford 8.8-inch rear end with 3.08 gears is employed at the back, and a Linkecu was chosen for engine management.
For Calvin’s 2026 ride, he decided to start with a race car that he will prove street worthy, a 1995 Camaro sporting the sleeker 1998-style nose. “Whoever built it must have spent a fortune on it,” said Calvin. Strange double adjustable shocks, Strange Brakes, Strange S60 rear with 40 spline axles, and tubular everything. We knew it needed work, but it was all stuff we could handle.”
The 25.5-spec roll cage will get put to the test with one of Calvin’s familiar engine platforms, the inline 6-cylinder Vortec 4200. Calvin started the build with upgraded pistons and connecting rods, then added a steel intake manifold and a homebuilt tubular header, and topped it off with an Atlas Industries valve cover and a Forever Fabrication oil pan.
A Bullseye 83/88-millimeter single, along with a Turbosmart wastegate and blow off valve comprise the turbo system. Snake Eater injectors are tasked with delivering enough fuel to the mix.
To pass the power rearward, Calvin chose a Dodge 8H70 transmission, with a Circle D converter up front, and 3.73 gears reside in the Strange S60 rear end. Maxxecu engine management controls the functions, and Calvin gets the readout on a Canchecked dash.
Even though Calvin has faith in their ability to complete both cars, there is always a Plan B just in case. “We will definitely be there,” said Calvin. “Might bring my Fairmont wagon or my Trailblazer. Now I think about it, we'll probably just bring the Sunbird if the Camaro doesn't make it.”
Can Calvin keep his hot streak from Sick Summer rolling at Sick Week? Don’t miss the 2026 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, February 1st through the 7th. Discounted advance tickets and event details are available at the Sick Week event page by CLICKING HERE!
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine and Calvin Nelson.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com