Although it’s easy to focus on the elapsed times and who wins classes at events, the big speeds are also an indication of how far racing, and power levels, have come in the last couple decades.

And although it took until the fifth annual Hot Rod Drag Week in 2009 before someone broke the mark, the next five years witnessed four more competitors join the 200 MPH club.

In ten years of Hot Rod Drag Week competition, five different competitors exceeded the 200 MPH mark. We’ll follow up with part two of the 200 MPH club shortly, and see how many more rides can hit the magic speed mark.

Although not the first time drag racing has seen a ‘cost-limited’ or ‘budget-build’ style of car / class, Cleetus McFarland brought the latest round of his popular ‘Cheap Car Challenge’ to the 2025 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.

Although we’ve seen Cleetus, James Taal and Tye Braun compete in quicker and nicer rides in drag and drive events, this idea was met with enthusiasm from not only Cleetus and crew, but also the fans and FRDM+ stream viewers.

By the final day of Sick Week, all four cars survived the week, and Cleetus started that the cars will be back for our Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks event, held June 15th through June 20th, 2025.

The question is: could this style of build / class be the next big thing for a drag and drive event, or in general for drag racing?

Brent Sands’ goal is to be ready for the small tire battlefield of Rowdy Radial at Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks next year. “Took me close to three years to finish the last one, so it’s going to be hard to get this one done in a year. At least I have most of the parts.”

A new build is underway for Steve and Valerie Morris thanks to a find at KSR Performance & Fabrication!

This unique 6-cylinder engine was never available in a 5th-generation Camaro, but thanks to the Nelson family’s work, it will take up residence in this one!

The car gets its name "The Nightmaro" from its attitude: black, loud (electronic cutouts which are constantly open), and its Christine-like ability to play games with me!

After a successful appearance on Sick Week in 2023, this blue Camaro will once again participate on Sick Week, but husband Ben will give the steering wheel duties to wife Amber. “Derek (Putnam, Sick Week announcer) kept saying Amber thought she could do better. So she's bound to try.”