Second Verse – This 1997 Cobra Is Sean Kelley’s Ticket Back to Drag and Drive in 2026
After a ton of work to get a 1988 Fox Mustang ready for a Sick Week presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive 2024 debut, Sean Kelley was able to complete his first drag and drive. He returned one year later with goals of a top three in class and improved performance, but a testing crash at South Georgia Motorsports Park ended his chances.
Just over one year later, Sean is ready for a return, but with a new horse to ride, a 1997 Mustang Cobra. And although he missed the chance to debut it at Sick Week, he’s working to get back to the season-opening event and prove a point.
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The 1988 Mustang that had previously seen use in the now-defunct Fun Ford Renegade class, was brought back to life by Sean from a shell provided by Greg Yasika. A Gen-2 Coyote engine with a Precision Turbo & Engine Pro Mod 85-millimeter turbocharger combined with a 2-speed Powerglide transmission and a 9-inch rear end made up the driveline.
After a fresh paint job for 2025, the car succumbed to a testing accident. “We still didn't totally dissect the rear, but pretty positive it broke an axle and some suspension parts on the launch,” said Sean. “My buddy still has the car and is planning to fix it. I plan on helping him get it back out there.”
After all the work, the fire was still burning to get back on the track and street, so Sean started looking for a new ride, and found a 1997 Mustang Cobra. “I purchased the roller about eight months ago and started swapping things from the Fox over to this one.”
A 25.3 certified chassis built by DMC Racing, the Mustang Cobra is getting the turbocharged Coyote driveline from the Fox. “It was a deal too good to pass up,” said Sean. “Fixing the Fox body was just going to take too long to try and make an event this year.”
Sean’s plan is to participate in a Modified-style class again, and he’s hoping mid 7-second passes once everything is ironed out. “I really enjoyed Sick Week in 2024, and last year really sucked for obvious reasons so I hope to redeem myself,” he said. “I plan on trying to run as many drag and drives with this car as possible this year.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sean Kelley.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com