08/24/2026
Sick Michigan Miles 2026 Presented By Driven Racing Oil week recap!!
First off, we really want to throw a big THANK YOU shout out to Tom Bailey and the entire Sick The Magazine crew for putting on an absolute killer show all week long!
Day 0... check in was interesting. What are the odds there would be 2 cars together? đŸ˜†
Process was insanely smooth, despite the car count. Tech crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, especially with the first timers.
Day 1 Mid Michigan Motorplex ... turned in 2 solid passes as traction wasn't an issue, with an odd miss in low gear. 7.51 and 7.47 (previous best was 7.46x). 220+ entries, and we were on the road by 2 pm.
Day 2 Northern Michigan Dragway... lots of detours, and a few miles of dirt road to get to the venue. 1st pass was a slippery 7.75 as the track prep hadn't cured completely, coupled with all the dust and sand we carried in with us. Wound up needing to buy track fuel as the detours brought us in lighter than anticipated (note to self, carry a jug or 2 next time!). 2nd pass netted us a new personal best of 7.44, and an understanding of that silly little miss noted on day 1.
Day 3... straight up drive day. If you can't find the beauty in Michigan, I can't help you there!
Day 4 Ubly Dragway... a new track for us! And a simple one and done as Betty Lou turned in another record pass at 7.36x!
Day 5 Lapeer International Dragway Official Group ... unfortunately, mother nature had other plans as we were rained out. On to the checkpoints and dinner at Sick Town Hall, followed by the drive in car show.
Day 6... back to Mid Michigan. Should've been a one and done as the ole girl turned in yet another record pass at 7.357. But, that was .003 too fast for our class, so we made a feeble attempt to slow down and turned in a 7.47 for our final of week. After lunch we gave her one more 'why not' to see of she improved on that record, but the warmer air netted a solid 7.37. After that it was time to wrap up the tire changes and get her packed up for the drive home ahead of the awards presentation.
Special thanks to extra pair of hands offered up by my race fuel supplier Perry Demler.
Last, and by far, not least!! Recognition of those who have had a hand in getting this project as far along as we are!
My fantastic navigator/passenger princess/small coffee shop locator/crew chief/most staunch supporter/devoted wife, Nikki Snook.
The whole crew at Modern Muscle Car Factory.
Scott Klepinger, Chris Jacobsen, and Colton Enos all played hands in getting this new engine in and running!
Fonzie Novelo for getting my spastic parts list assembled for this season!
John and Susie Wiker for great patience and tuning to get Betty running right!
Chris Garrett and the crew at A1 Transmission of Ga Inc for the solid build and tech advice!
Troy Lindsley and Hubert Whitehead at Troy's Muffler and Brake, Inc. for finishing up the exhaust work!
*I knew I'd forget somebody... Nitrous Dave Reppert for setting up the rear end!
Jester Race Fuels
Johnny Lightning Performance
Herfurth Aluminum Racing Mufflers
*EDIT!*
I failed to mention that we came in 9th out of 24 in the Fastest Ford/Lincoln/Mercury class.
2 drag and drive events this year, both with top 10 finishes!
